DALLAS (SMU) – SMU Athletics and Mustang Partners have named Derek Gossler Senior Associate A.D. for Revenue Generation. Gossler brings more than 15 years of experience leading integrated revenue strategies, most recently spending four years at the University of Wyoming, where he served as Senior Associate A.D. for Development and Chief Revenue Officer.
"Derek has a proven track record of growing revenue and finding innovative ways to maximize opportunities across an athletics department – we are thrilled to welcome him to the Hilltop," said Lauren Adee, Deputy Director of Athletics / Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. "As we continue to build on the momentum surrounding SMU Athletics, his experience and leadership will be an asset. We look forward to the impact he will have across our department."
As a senior administrator at Wyoming, Gossler managed fundraising, ticket sales, premium seating, parking, special events, hospitality and secondary market strategy. Under his leadership, the Cowboy Joe Club set records for cash and pledges each year, while Wyoming established all-time highs in premium seating and overall ticket sales revenue. He also served as a member of the department's senior administration.
"Joining SMU Athletics is an incredible opportunity," said Gossler. "I am deeply grateful to become part of the Mustang community. The University's commitment to excellence, its visionary leadership and the momentum surrounding SMU Athletics make this an exciting time to be on the Hilltop. I look forward to building strong relationships with our fans, supporters, partners and the Dallas community as we continue to elevate the Mustang experience, grow revenue through innovation and collaboration, and build upon the extraordinary foundation already in place. It is an honor to join this outstanding team, and I'm excited to help position SMU Athletics for continued success in the ACC and on the national stage."
Prior to Wyoming, Gossler served as Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at the United States Air Force Academy from 2017-22. During his tenure, the Air Force development team produced five consecutive record-setting fundraising years in both membership and dollars. He oversaw external operations and revenue generation, including fundraising, marketing and fan experience, digital media, ticket operations and sales, premium seating, advertising, team store sales and community outreach. Under Gossler's leadership, Air Force also set multiple ticket revenue records, achieved significant social media growth and established new highs for team store sales in partnership with Fanatics. He led negotiations and implementation of partnerships with Paciolan, Opendorse, Learfield Amplify and REVELxp.
Gossler served as Director of Major Gifts at Arizona State from 2014-17, helping the Sun Devil Club break numerous fundraising records, including $86 million in donations in FY15, while membership more than doubled to over 16,000. His work focused primarily on fundraising for the Reinvention of Sun Devil Stadium and supporting the addition of three Division I sports: men's ice hockey, women's triathlon and women's lacrosse. He worked closely with lead hockey donors whose $32 million in contributions helped make the program's launch possible.
From 2011-14, Gossler served as Director of Development for the Rebel Athletic Fund at UNLV, where he focused on identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts while managing annual giving. Both annual giving dollars and membership doubled during his three years at UNLV.
Gossler began his career at the University of Arizona's Wildcat Club in 2009 as a Development Assistant before being promoted to Development Associate. He assisted with two capital campaigns before joining former Arizona Athletic Director Jim Livengood at UNLV in 2011.
A Seattle native, Gossler earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 2008 and a master's degree in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration from Washington in 2011. He and his wife, Danielle, are expecting their first child in December.
