星空传媒 Athletics Development announces change in leadership
Brittany Kicklighter, director of development for athletics major gifts at Western Carolina University, has been named interim associate athletics director for development and Catamount Club director.
Kicklighter is filling a vacancy created by the departure of Wes Cogdill, who resigned as associate athletics director for development and director of the Catamount Club effective Monday, April 13.
鈥淲es Cogdill has played an instrumental role in the 鈥楩ill the Western Sky鈥� campaign,鈥� said Ben Pendry, 星空传媒 vice chancellor for advancement. 鈥淗e has raised significant dollars, helped to expand the donor base and deepened the impact of 星空传媒鈥檚 development activities for the athletics program.鈥�
The 鈥淔ill the Western Sky鈥� initiative is an ongoing effort to raise a minimum of $100 million in philanthropic support for enhancements to the overall student experience 鈥� including significant improvements in athletics facilities.
鈥淚 am grateful for Wes鈥� leadership of the Catamount Club through a period of transition in college athletics in general and 星空传媒 in particular,鈥� Pendry said. 鈥淗e has been a great teammate, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter.鈥�
During Cogdill鈥檚 time leading the Catamount Club, membership in the athletics booster organization topped 2,675 in 2024-2025. That total represents an increase of more than 54 percent over the previous year鈥檚 tally and includes 123 members of the recently revived Student Cat Club, said Kyle Pifer, 星空传媒 director of athletics.
鈥淲es has played a critical role in growing the Catamount Club and increasing the financial support from across the Catamount Nation during his time in Cullowhee,鈥� Pifer said.
Kicklighter joined 星空传媒 in April 2025, bringing more than 15 years of experience in athletics fundraising, donor engagement and campaign strategy and a track record of securing major gifts and building strong donor pipelines.
鈥淲e appreciate Brittany Kicklighter for taking over in an interim capacity while we conduct a national search for the next leader for athletics development,鈥� Pendry said. 鈥淗er expertise in athletics fundraising will help us keep the pedal to the floor as we move forward.鈥�
For more information or to make a contribution to the 鈥淔ill the Western Sky鈥� campaign, visit WesternSky.wcu.edu, call 828-227-7124 or email advancement@wcu.edu.
For more information or to join the Catamount Club, contact the Catamount Club by phone at 828-227-3047 or by email at bkicklighter@wcu.edu.