July 27, 2009

Saint Louis University director of athletics Chris May announced that Tom Keith has been named associate director of athletics for development. Keith comes to SLU after spending four years at the University of Louisville.

"We are thrilled to have Tom join the Billiken team," May said. "He gained great experience at the University of Louisville while working at a program that enjoyed great success both competitively and financially. Tom brings a proven record of accomplishment in developing a partnership with current and potential donors. Tom's efforts will be important to our development as we move Billiken athletics forward in the fundraising arena."

For the past three years, Keith served as the director of development for the University of Louisville Athletics Association. He led the department's premium seat sales effort for the $72 million Papa John's Cardinal Stadium Expansion campaign. Keith successfully secured major gifts at the $20,000 level and higher, including a $3 million leadership gift. He also assisted in the development and implementation of the transition plan for the new downtown arena slated to open in 2010. Keith also worked for one year as an assistant director of business development for the University of Louisville College of Business.

Prior to UofL, Keith spent four years as associate director of external affairs for the Western Kentucky University athletic department. He helped generate a 65 percent increase in annual giving when he directed WKU's reseating plan for men's basketball in 2003. Keith also managed lease renewals, stewardship and game-day operations as director of suites at Diddle Arena.

A 1997 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Keith earned a bachelor's degree in accounting. In addition, he earned master's degrees in business administration and sport administration from the University of Louisville. Tom and his wife, Emily, have a two-year old daughter, Elizabeth.