Heather Welder Russo, CFRE serves as Assistant Vice President for Development and Strategic Partnerships at the University of Texas at San Antonio since 2022. Heather oversees fundraising efforts, serves as a member of the Principal Gifts team, and oversees the Corporate and Foundation Engagement team. Heather brings more than two decades of experience in philanthropy and advancement, with a career distinguished by success in capital campaigns, strategic leadership, community engagement, special events, and relationship-building. Her professional background includes advancement roles with the Witte Museum, the University of the Incarnate Word, the Texas Wildlife Association and Foundation, and World Vision Armenia.
A graduate of Washington and Lee University, Heather earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major European History. She currently serves on the Saint Mary’s Hall Alumni Council, the board of the San Antonio Book Festival, and the Battle of Flowers Association. Her past service includes leadership with the M.D. Anderson Advance Team and the Junior League of San Antonio. Heather was named to the San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2015. Heather lives in San Antonio with her husband and son.
