A mission-driven development professional with 20 years of experience is joining the West Virginia University Foundation to lead advancement efforts for WVU Medicine clinical units.
Jamie Cooper Moales begins her role as associate vice president for medical development on Aug. 19.
She will work with WVU Foundation and WVU Medicine leadership to boost private philanthropy in support of all clinical units within the WVU Health System, which includes 24 hospitals and five institutes.
“I am so pleased to land someone of Jamie’s caliber and experience for this exciting opportunity to lead fundraising operations for our growing WVU Health System,” B.J. Davisson, chief development officer for the WVU Foundation, said. “There is no doubt she has the leadership skills and deep knowledge of healthcare fundraising necessary to excel in this position. I’m glad we can welcome her home to West Virginia to help us secure more charitable resources to support the expansion of clinical care and research for our programs in cancer, heart and vascular, neuroscience, children’s health and much more.”
Cooper Moales has diverse development experience that includes demonstrated fundraising success in biomedical research and academic medical center environments. She comes to WVU from Durham, N.C., where she most recently served as executive director of development for the Duke Cancer Institute and Duke Children’s.
“Jamie’s track record of proven development success makes her a great fit for this position with the WVU Foundation, especially as our health system continues to grow physically and programmatically in our signature programs,” Albert L. Wright Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Health System, said. “We are excited to welcome her to the WVU Medicine family.”
As a Mountain State native, Cooper Moales understands the life-changing impact of WVU Medicine healthcare and looks forward to pursuing development opportunities that advance patient care, research and education in West Virginia and beyond.
“Having grown up in West Virginia with family members still residing in the state, I have a deeply rooted personal investment in fulfilling the mission of WVU Medicine,” Cooper Moales said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to inspire a team of dedicated professionals to utilize their talents and skills to benefit patients and their families through philanthropy.”
Prior to joining Duke, Cooper Moales served as major gifts officer for Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. She has also worked in development roles for Georgetown University Medical Center, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the YWCA of Charleston, Alderson-Broaddus University and United Way of Central West Virginia.
Cooper Moales earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and leadership, with a minor in leadership studies, from the University of Charleston. She also earned a master’s degree in liberal studies at Georgetown University.
She recently renewed her Certified Fundraising Executive credential, which she has held continuously since 2018. She also serves on the Governance Committee for the National Association of Cancer Center Development Offices.
Cooper Moales returns to West Virginia with her husband, two young sons and three dogs.
Founded in 1954, the WVU Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that solicits and administers private donations on behalf of the university and its affiliated entities.
