Strategic Advancement Leadership: Laura Ketchum Appointed Assistant Vice President for OU Health Campus

DALLAS, TX – The University of Oklahoma (OU) Foundation, a cornerstone institution dedicated to advancing academic excellence and healthcare innovation, has officially announced the appointment of Laura Ketchum, CFRE, as the new Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Advancement for the OU Health Campus. This high-profile leadership transition, facilitated by the Dallas-based executive search firm Bryant Group, marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s long-term strategy to expand its philanthropic footprint in the medical and clinical research sectors.

The appointment, finalized on May 12, 2026, follows a rigorous, nationwide search conducted by Bryant Group’s Vice President of Search, Sarah Hempen. Ms. Ketchum, an Oklahoma native with nearly two decades of experience in the nonprofit and higher education sectors, steps into this pivotal role tasked with bridging the gap between philanthropic investment and the transformative health outcomes of the OU Health Campus.

The Strategic Shift: A New Chapter for OU Health

The OU Health Campus serves as the nucleus for academic medicine, clinical research, and the future of healthcare education in the state of Oklahoma. As the demand for advanced medical infrastructure, cutting-edge research funding, and a robust healthcare workforce pipeline grows, the need for sophisticated, high-level advancement strategy has never been greater.

Ms. Ketchum’s recruitment is not merely a personnel change; it is a strategic realignment. By bringing in a leader with deep expertise in principal gifts and comprehensive campaign management, the University of Oklahoma Foundation is signaling its intent to elevate the OU Health brand on a national stage.

"Laura brings an extraordinary combination of campaign leadership, principal gift expertise, and a proven ability to inspire high-performing teams—all qualities that will strengthen our momentum as we work to improve the lives and health outcomes of Oklahomans," said Jay Kahn, Senior Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Campaigns at the OU Foundation. "We are confident she will be a tremendous partner to our talented team and a transformative force in deepening donor relationships across the OU Health Campus."

Professional Trajectory: A Legacy of Fundraising Excellence

To understand the significance of Ms. Ketchum’s appointment, one must look at the breadth of her career, which has been defined by high-stakes initiatives and the consistent surpassing of institutional benchmarks.

The OSU Foundation Tenure

Before joining the OU Foundation, Ms. Ketchum spent a significant portion of her career at the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Foundation. Her tenure there was marked by a steady rise in responsibility and impact:

• Campaign Leadership: Serving as the Assistant Vice President of Campaign & Signature Initiatives, she was a central figure in "The Code Calls" campaign. This $2 billion comprehensive fundraising initiative remains one of the most ambitious undertakings in the institution’s history. Her responsibilities included not only the management of a personal portfolio of principal gift prospects but also the oversight of campaign marketing, cross-functional collaboration, and high-level communications strategy.
• Production Records: During her six-year tenure as Senior Director of Development & Team Lead, Ms. Ketchum managed a team dedicated to the College of Arts and Sciences. Her leadership style—rooted in data-driven decision-making and mentorship—resulted in a record-breaking final fiscal year where her team produced $17.5 million in gifts, exceeding their goal by an astounding 184 percent.

Foundational Experience

Ketchum’s expertise is built on a diverse foundation. Her previous roles as a Major Gifts Officer at Oklahoma City Community College and as an Employee Giving Manager at the Allied Arts Foundation provided her with a 360-degree view of the philanthropic landscape. Whether working with grassroots donors or high-net-worth individuals, her approach has remained consistent: focusing on the human impact of charitable giving.

Her academic background further informs her approach to leadership. She holds a Master of Music in Wind Music Conducting from Southern Oregon University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Western Michigan University, where she graduated summa cum laude. This background in the arts—a field that requires intense discipline, collaboration, and public performance—has translated seamlessly into the high-pressure world of executive-level development.

The Role: Shaping the Future of Oklahoma Healthcare

In her new capacity as Assistant Vice President, Ms. Ketchum will oversee the primary fundraising apparatus for the OU Health Campus. Her mandate is multifaceted:

1. Advancing Academic Medicine: Strengthening the endowment and support structures for the university’s clinical and academic programs.
2. Clinical Research Funding: Cultivating relationships with visionary donors who seek to support medical breakthroughs and clinical trials.
3. Workforce Development: Bolstering the pipeline for the next generation of physicians, nurses, and medical researchers in Oklahoma.
4. Donor Stewardship: Acting as a bridge between the university’s mission and the personal passions of its philanthropic partners.

"I’m honored to join the OU Foundation and to serve the OU Health Campus, connecting generous donors with work that truly changes lives," Ms. Ketchum noted upon her appointment. "Helping people see the human impact of their philanthropy is my guiding force, and this role provides the chance to do that every day. I’m excited to partner with dedicated colleagues to advance academic medicine, propel research, bolster the healthcare workforce pipeline, and expand hope and healing for people in Oklahoma and beyond."

Executive Search Methodology: The Bryant Group Approach

The successful placement of Ms. Ketchum was the result of a deliberate and exhaustive process led by Bryant Group. As a boutique firm specializing in the advancement sector, Bryant Group understands the nuances required for successful fundraising leadership.

About Bryant Group

Founded in 1988 by Chris Bryant, the firm has evolved into a premier national entity for executive recruitment and leadership coaching in the higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Under the current leadership of CEO Sally Bryant, the woman-owned firm has solidified its reputation for identifying talent that not only fits the job description but also embodies the cultural ethos of the hiring institution.

With a reach that extends across the United States and Canada, Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served over 300 organizations. Their involvement in this search highlights the competitive nature of the modern executive search landscape, where finding the "right" candidate requires a deep understanding of organizational psychology and sector-specific trends.

Implications for the University of Oklahoma Foundation

The University of Oklahoma Foundation, established in 1944, has long functioned as the engine room for the university’s growth. By aligning donor passions with the university’s strategic vision, the Foundation ensures that institutional excellence is supported by robust financial reserves.

Organizational Impact

The addition of a professional of Ms. Ketchum’s caliber suggests several key implications for the Foundation:

• Increased Sophistication: The Foundation is moving toward a more proactive, donor-centric model that prioritizes long-term relationships over transactional giving.
• Scale and Scope: Given her success with a $2 billion campaign at OSU, it is expected that the OU Foundation will look to scale its own fundraising ambitions, particularly within the healthcare vertical.
• Collaborative Synergy: By integrating Ms. Ketchum into the leadership team, the Foundation is looking to break down silos between the academic departments and the clinical operations of the OU Health Campus, ensuring a unified message to prospective donors.

Conclusion: A Vision for Growth

The appointment of Laura Ketchum comes at a pivotal time for the state of Oklahoma. As the healthcare landscape shifts toward more integrated models of care, the need for private-public partnerships is intensifying. The University of Oklahoma Foundation, through its commitment to recruiting top-tier leadership like Ketchum, is positioning itself to lead this transition.

With a proven track record, a deep understanding of the Oklahoma philanthropic landscape, and a passion for the human element of medicine, Ms. Ketchum is well-equipped to drive the next era of development for the OU Health Campus. Her leadership will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for growth, ensuring that the University of Oklahoma continues to deliver excellence in education and healthcare for generations to come.

For the donor community, the message is clear: the OU Health Campus is ready for its next great leap, and the Foundation has secured the leadership necessary to turn that vision into a reality.