Staff Directory
- Title:
- Director of Athletics Development
- Email:
- Phone:
- 287-1827
Chris Mereen joined Richmond Athletics as the Director of Athletic Development in February 2023 to work with major and leadership annual donors to the Spider Athletic Fund. In his role, Mereen engages alumni, former athletes, parents of current student athletes, fans and friends of the University.
Mereen came to Richmond with eight years of development and annual giving experience. He spent four years (2019-23) at VCU Massey Cancer Center where he was a member of a record-breaking team that raised over $43 million towards cancer research over three fiscal years. Mereen's final role at VCU Massey was Assistant Director of Development, overseeing Massey’s leadership annual giving society and helping it grow to $1.6 million.
Mereen spent three years (2016-19) as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving for The Fund for Catholic University where he retained 89 percent of annual fund donors and helped increase overall contributions by 32 percent. At Catholic, Mereen executed a strategic fundraising plan for reunion giving and secured support to complete construction of the school's new campus restaurant.
Mereen spent two years (2014-16) at his alma mater Randolph-Macon College on the Annual Giving team where he was responsible for the classes of 1980-1989, 2013 and 2014. He also recruited, trained, and supported 23 Class Agents, two reunion committees, and the Senior Class Gift campaign.
In his spare time, Mereen serves on the Associate Board for Sportable, a local organization that creates opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments through athletics. He has also worked with Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, a non-profit dedicated to improving children’s health and wellness in the Richmond region by promoting physical activity, healthy meals in schools, and community education.
Mereen earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from R-MC in 2012 where he was a member of the baseball team and the student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC). He lives in Richmond with his wife Allison and two daughters, Sophia and Claire.
