David L. Kennedy is the vice president for alumni engagement and development at Duke University, a role he has held since 2018.
As vice president, Kennedy provides leadership of a Duke alumni and donor community of more than 200,000 Blue Devils across the world and a Duke staff of 300+ fundraising and engagement professionals committed to making the Duke alumni network the most engaged among peers. Now, as the university looks to launch its most ambitious fundraising and engagement campaign in its history this February 2025, Kennedy directs strategic and campaign planning that builds on landmark initiatives that began under his leadership.
In collaboration with university leaders, Kennedy and his team designed and launched fundraising initiatives in support of Duke's highest priorities, notably Duke Science and Technology and the Duke Climate Commitment. In addition, as part of Duke's priority to deeply engage and activate its global network of alumni and friends, Kennedy has deployed strategies to ensure Duke alumni can maximize their engagement with their alma mater by giving not just their financial gifts but also their time, talent, and service.
Prior to coming to Duke, Kennedy served as the senior associate vice president for development at Stanford University for nine years. He previously spent eight years as associate dean for development at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He received his undergraduate degree from Stanford in 1984.