Staff Directory

Tom Coffman

Title:
Senior Advisor for Athletics Philanthropy
Email:
Phone:
(919) 812-7220

Tom Coffman retired from Duke Athletics in June 2022 after 17 years of service and now serves as Senior Advisor for Athletics Philanthropy.

During his tenure, Coffman held several leadership positions, including Associate Director of Athletics for Development and Planning, Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Development and Planning and Deputy Director of Athletics for Philanthropy. In his final role, he oversaw fundraising for Duke Athletics, including the Iron Dukes Annual Fund, major and principal gifts, varsity club fundraising and support for campus recreation and club sports. He also served as the sport administrator for men's tennis and led the Duke Athletics Leadership Group.

Under Coffman's leadership, Duke Athletics raised more than $750 million and secured the seven largest philanthropic commitments in department history. He directed the Building Champions Campaign from 2012-17, helping the initiative surpass its $250 million goal by raising $341 million to support operating needs, facilities and endowment. In 2013, he was named the National Association of Athletic Development Directors Fundraiser of the Year, and in 2024 he received the organization's Lifetime Achievement Award. Coffman also served as chair of the ACC Development Directors group from 2012-13 and chair of the ACC Men's Tennis Committee from 2014-16.

Prior to joining Duke in 2005, Coffman served as president and chief executive officer of the Orthopaedic Research & Education Foundation after previously holding the organization's executive vice president and chief executive officer position. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Tiffin, Albion College and Missouri-Rolla. He also served as president of Cure International from 2000-02.

A native of Greenville, Ohio, Coffman earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Heidelberg College in 1974 and a Master of Education from Bowling Green State University in 1976. He was inducted into the Heidelberg College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Tiffin University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.

Updated July 2026