Ryan Heinritz has joined St. Cloud State University’s Advancement & Alumni Engagement and Huskies Athletics departments as director of development for athletics.
Heinritz brings more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, development, corporate partnerships and nonprofit leadership to SCSU. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations generate more than $5 million in new revenue while building relationships with donors, corporate partners, alumni and community leaders.
A graduate of Winona State University with a degree in mass communications and a minor in theater, Heinritz’s career has included leadership roles in higher education, professional sports, the arts and youth athletics. He previously worked with the Minnesota Twins, where he developed a new regional premium sales program and secured a multiyear seven-figure premium hospitality agreement. Prior to joining the Twins, Heinritz reengaged and redeveloped the corporate sponsorship program at The Ordway in St. Paul. Earlier in his career he served as executive director of the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault, helping eliminate more than $225,000 in organizational debt while significantly expanding membership and earning community support.
Heinritz has combined his professional fundraising experience with a lifelong passion for athletics and soccer. He has served in soccer executive leadership and coaching roles and is the founder of Cannon River FC, a regional player-development program created to expand competitive opportunities for student-athletes that has expanded into club fundraising consultation.
At St. Cloud State, Heinritz will focus on building philanthropic support for Huskies Athletics; strengthening relationships with alumni, former student-athletes, fans and community partners; and developing resources that help SCSU’s student-athletes and athletics programs thrive.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan to our team,” said Heather Pieper-Olson, vice president for SCSU Advancement & Alumni Engagement. “We look forward to seeing the connections he’ll make with #OurSCSU community moving forward.”
“It’s an exciting time for Ryan to join Husky nation,” added SCSU Director of Athletics Holly Schreiner ’00, ’08. “We’re happy to welcome him to the pack and connect him with our stellar alumni, student-athletes, coaches and fans.”
Heinritz lives in Minnesota with his wife and his blended family of six children. Outside of work, much of his time is spent at his kids’ activities or on a pitch somewhere training for the USA Men’s Senior National Soccer Program — with a goal to be selected for the Over-40 World Cup team, which competes at the Senior World Cup in Thailand annually in June.
“College athletics has an incredible ability to bring people together and create a lifelong connection to a university,” Heinritz said. “I am excited for the opportunity to get to know our Huskies alumni, student-athletes and supporters, hear their stories, and help create opportunities for them to stay connected to St. Cloud State. I am incredibly proud to be part of the Huskies community and excited about what we can build together.”
Heinritz can be reached at [email protected] or (320) 308-4838.
