UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Chris Brida has been named director of development for Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Brida began his role on Feb. 23. He succeeds Sue Powell, who retired in January after a 38-year career with the University.
Brida has worked for the University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations for nine years, beginning as an intern in 2013 in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences' Development and Alumni Relations Office. He then worked as an assistant director of development for the Penn State Libraries before returning to the college in 2016 as an associate director of development. He was promoted to director of major gifts in 2017 and to senior director of major gifts in 2020.
As a fundraiser, Brida regularly exceeds his metrics, helping EMS raise almost $156 million in the “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence” campaign, exceeding the college’s ambitious $110 million campaign goal more than a year ahead of schedule.
“Chris has earned this promotion through his hard work on the current campaign,” said Lee Kump, John Leone Dean in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. “He has a strong track record of proven fundraising success, and I am confident in his ability to lead an outstanding team, building on Sue’s legacy, and that he will continue to strengthen the connection with our donors, friends and alumni.”
In his new role, Brida will guide and oversee all activities for the college’s Development and Alumni Relations Office. He will collaborate with college leadership, along with department heads, directors and faculty members, to ensure alignment and implementation of fundraising priorities consistent with the college and University strategic plans.
“I am honored to continue the work of my predecessors and mentors, building on and expanding the college’s connections to our alumni, friends and partners globally,” said Brida. “Even as an intern, I was excited to work for a college that has the unique position to impact most of our global citizens in the first hour of their day through the research in our five departments. From the components that make up your phone, to the energy you consume, to the way your packages reach you, EMS is a part of your life. That is a powerful story to tell, and I am proud to be one of the college’s storytellers.”
Brida earned his bachelor’s degree in speech communications and a master’s degree in higher education administration, both from Penn State.