Eric Barritt is the senior associate vice president and chief development officer of the Michigan Medicine Office of Development. In this role, he leads a team of 125+ development professionals with annual fundraising production of more than $200 million. Under his leadership, Michigan Medicine raised more than $1.5 billion during the Victors for Michigan Campaign, exceeding its goal by $500 million. Planning for the next campaign is underway and is anticipated to be the most ambitious in the history of the University of Michigan.
Prior to this role, Eric served as vice president of development, alumni and community engagement at Oakland University (OU). In this capacity, he led a comprehensive advancement program for the university and oversaw a team of 75. During his time at OU, annual cash from philanthropy nearly quadrupled, new pledges tripled and the number of new gifts increased 40 percent.
In 2006, Eric was hired by the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) as corporate vice president of development and campaigns. He worked collaboratively with a team of more than 40 fundraising professionals at the DMC and fundraising increased nearly fourfold.
From 1999 to 2006, Eric served in multiple roles at the University of Michigan, including director of development for the School of Kinesiology; the regional director of major gifts for the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA); and director of development for the Life Sciences Institute (LSI).
Eric began his career in fundraising in 1997 at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a world-renowned children's hospital that garners more than $1 billion annually in philanthropy. He also served as director of major gifts at Oakwood Healthcare System, now part of Beaumont Health.
Eric has a Master's Degree in Public Administration, a graduate certificate in nonprofit management and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, all from the University of Michigan. He also holds a certificate from Harvard's Institute for Educational Management. He has served in leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards and professional organizations.
Eric lives in Northville, MI, with his wife and two daughters.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy working with our brilliant faculty, staff, and donors on a daily basis. Every situation is unique and it is exciting to work with people who want to make a difference in the world. I feel like I’m learning something every day.
What is your proudest moment working at Michigan Medicine?
Working with the CEO, dean, chairs, administrative leaders, and Rogel Cancer Center leadership on the $150 million naming gift for the center. The gift was incredibly inspiring and helps provide resources to make a huge impact on the field across research, training, and patient care.
What advice would you give others who wish to serve in a similar leadership role?
Do something you enjoy every day and something that helps other people. If you find something you love and that is rewarding, it won’t feel like work even if you work long hours or days.
