LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts has announced the hiring of Ryan Daly as the River Hawks' new Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development. Daly, a UMass Lowell alumnus who most recently served as a philanthropy officer for the University of Maine Foundation, brings more than a decade of experience in higher education fundraising, major gift strategy and corporate partnerships.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Ryan back to UMass Lowell," said Coutts. "His track record of securing transformational gifts, building donor pipelines and forging strong campus partnerships will significantly elevate our development efforts. Ryan brings a powerful combination of experience, strategy and genuine commitment to student success that will immediately strengthen the future of River Hawk Athletics."
 
In the newly created position, Daly will lead all athletic development initiatives, including major gifts, donor engagement strategies, stewardship and philanthropic programming in support of UMass Lowell's 400+ student-athletes.
 
"UMass Lowell has given me countless opportunities in my career, and coming back to work here in athletic development genuinely feels like a dream come true," commented Daly.
 
In his two years with the University of Maine Foundation, Daly managed a portfolio of major gift prospects. His work resulted in multiple six-figure commitments, significant planned gifts and a pending seven-figure donation aligned with institutional priorities. He established 14 new endowed scholarship funds in two years and led more than 120 donor visits annually, strengthening philanthropic impact and donor relationships across the university.
 
Prior to his role at Maine, Daly served in several advancement leadership positions at the University of New England from 2016-23, including annual giving, corporate & athletic sponsorships. During his tenure, he directed multi-channel annual giving strategies, secured more than $250,000 in philanthropic support, managed corporate and foundation portfolios, and stewarded key sponsorships. Daly also founded UNE's Student Philanthropy Association, building a culture of engagement among students and emerging alumni.
 
In addition to his higher education advancement roles, Daly previously served on the Executive Board of Seacoast Chapter of Easterseals Veterans Count, where he co-chaired the Pack and Boots 5K, supported a gala that raised more than $600,000 annually, and helped develop major donor and planned giving programs that strengthened support for veterans and military families.
 
Daly also brings prior experience with UMass Lowell, having worked in the chancellor's office, where he supported campus-wide initiatives, communications and executive engagement.
 
A native of York, Maine, Daly holds a master's degree in peace and conflict studies from UMass Lowell and a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Southern Maine.