Tom Coffman is a highly accomplished leader in philanthropy, athletics development and nonprofit management, with a career spanning over four decades. Coffman currently serves as Senior Philanthropic Advisor for Duke Athletics, where he provides strategic counsel on philanthropy, manages key donor relationships and mentors development staff. Prior to this role, he served as Deputy Director of Athletics for Philanthropy, leading efforts that generated over $750 million for Duke Athletics. His achievements in fundraising earned him the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) “Fundraiser of the Year” award in 2013 and the NAADD “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2024.
Before joining Duke University, Coffman held leadership positions in national healthcare and nonprofit organizations. He worked as Senior Vice President of Endowments at the Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) and served as President of Cure International. He also served as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at the University of Missouri-Rolla (1988-1992), where he led fundraising, alumni relations and public affairs, increasing cash gifts by 30% in three years and doubling the number of major gift donors.
Coffman has also served as Tiffin University’s Director of Athletics, Dean of Men in 1974 and ultimately, the Director of Alumni Relations and Development. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Heidelberg College in 1974 and a Master of Education from Bowling Green State University in 1976