As senior vice chancellor for external relations, Kevin Washo leads four distinct, outward-facing units at the University of Pittsburgh: the Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement, Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, Office of Government Relations and Advocacy, and Office of University Communications and Marketing.
The Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement raises funds and cultivates relationships with Pitt’s more than 350,000 alumni, along with parents, friends and other constituents on behalf of the University and its clinical partner UPMC. The Office of Engagement and Community Affairs establishes and advances Pitt’s place-based initiatives — including its urban community engagement center model — in close collaboration with local neighbors and neighborhoods. The Office of Government Relations and Advocacy manages all outreach, relationships and initiatives between the University and officials at the federal, state and local levels. The Office of University Communications and Marketing works to elevate Pitt’s reputation as a world leader in higher education and research while providing comprehensive communication services to members of the University community, media and beyond.
Washo joined Pitt in November 2017 as Chancellor Patrick Gallagher’s chief of staff and remained in that role for Chancellor Joan Gabel until April 2025. As chief of staff, he worked on behalf of the chancellor to advance the institution’s greatest priorities while managing the day-to-day operations within the Office of the Chancellor.
He has earned recognition as a “Higher Education Trailblazer” by City & State PA and as a Pittsburgh Business Times C-Suite Award winner.
Washo, a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a proud Pitt alum. He is also a member of the board of directors for the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Oakland Business Improvement District and a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees. Prior to returning to Pitt and Pittsburgh, he worked as an executive and senior strategist for a range of political, government and civic endeavors in Washington, D.C., and across the commonwealth.