James Gallo

James D. Gallo serves as the Vice President and Chief Development Officer for the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), having joined the university in July 2024.

In this role, his mission is to grow and strengthen philanthropic support, alumni and community relationships and the university reputation. In addition, he has executive responsibility over planning, implementation and administration of a comprehensive fundraising program that aligns with university values and priorities to ensure a strong base of financial support for all missions—academic, research, clinical and innovation.

James brings nearly two decades of experience in development roles at CUNY, UCLA, Cornell University, the University of Chicago and Dartmouth College and has a demonstrated acumen for identifying and engaging potential donors and building innovative, efficient, effective fundraising strategies.

Prior to joining UTMB, James was Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at the City University of New York (CUNY) where he led efforts in developing new fundraising streams and forging relationships with corporate and philanthropic foundations and private donors. Under his leadership, CUNY achieved consecutive years of record-breaking fundraising and received the three largest private contributions in the university’s history.

At UCLA, James served as the Assistant Vice Chancellor overseeing development for the university’s eight professional schools. UCLA’s professional schools raised more than $1 billion during his tenure. At Cornell, he managed a team of fundraisers in the university’s Northeast Corridor office in Manhattan, more than tripling new gifts and commitments to Cornell over six years. He also served as a development officer at Dartmouth College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.