CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Derek Washburn has been named Director of the Royals Club at Queens University of Charlotte, the University announced this week. As the Director of The Royals Club, Washburn will be responsible for creating, implementing, and evaluating fundraising strategies to build a sustainable and increasing base of support for Queens Athletics.
 
"We are thrilled to have Derek join us to lead our fundraising efforts through The Royals Club," Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout stated. "This is an exciting time to be involved with Queens Athletics as we are in our first year of transitioning to NCAA Division I as a member of the ASUN Conference. Adding Derek to our staff will help us connect with individuals who can help us continue on our mission of promoting an experience that fosters excellence in education and competition."
 
Washburn comes to the Royals after spending 20-plus years working in public and private education. He also has 10 years of non-profit and community relations experience along with nine years of property management, sales, and real estate experience.
 
"It's exciting to have Derek join the Queens family after his family moved to Charlotte in 2019," Queens Senior Director of Engagement and Giving Robert Koch said. "His leadership of athletic fundraising is critical to student-athlete success on the court, in the pool, on the field, and in the classroom. All of us across advancement and athletics look forward to working with him to inspire philanthropic impact here in Charlotte and beyond. Derek has a unique opportunity to help build community among alumni, parents, and friends at the start of this Division I era at Queens."
 
Most recently, Washburn held the role of social studies department chair and head men's and women's golf coach at South Mecklenburg High School. He also served as a fundraising and sales associate at GoPlaySave Charlotte and has been a high school and college sports official for over 26 years, most recently working with NCAA women's lacrosse.
 
"I am immensely excited to have the opportunity to join such a dynamic team here at Queens," Washburn commented. "What a privilege it is to promote the great work our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire Queens Athletic Department are doing daily. I look forward to helping increase the footprint of the Royals brand as we continue the launch into Division I."
 
Washburn joined the Charlotte community from Endicott, N.Y., where he was the Endicott First Presbyterian Preschool Director of Business of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program and non-profit preschool for seven years. In that role, along with serving as Director of Compassion Builders for the preschool's church, Washburn saw success in developing and maintaining relationships with individual and corporate donors which helped cultivate financial support and volunteer engagement.
 
Washburn is a graduate of Texas A&M where he earned a bachelor's degree in education. He resides in Charlotte with his wife, Erin, and their two sons, William and Davis.