Brady Bullard ’95
12th Man Foundation's Senior Vice President of Major Giving Programs
By Katelyn Buys ’14
For the past two decades, the 12th Man Foundation's Major Gifts staff has played a vital role in securing transformational support for Texas A&M Athletics.
With a steadfast commitment to donor relationships, visionary leadership and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the team has consistently risen to every challenge, helping Aggie Athletics compete at the highest level.
A key factor in the department's extraordinary success is its stability. Since its inception, Major Gifts has had only three leaders: Stu Starner, followed by Travis Dabney — now the 12th Man Foundation's President and CEO — and Brady Bullard. Each has built upon the vision of their predecessor, ensuring that while faces may change, the department's mission remains unchanged: to identify potential donors, build meaningful relationships and make a compelling case for supporting Texas A&M Athletics.
Bullard joined the Major Gifts staff in 2014 and was promoted to senior vice president of major giving programs in 2017. Under his leadership of Major Gifts, the 12th Man Foundation reached a historic milestone with the completion of the Centennial Campaign in April 2022, raising an impressive $122.9 million in philanthropic support. This remarkable achievement was more than just a fundraising triumph — it was a testament to the trust, passion and shared vision between the 12th Man Foundation and its generous donors.
“Brady's approach to leading Major Gifts is rooted in a deep understanding of connection and purpose,” said Vice President of Major Gifts Brian Bishop '91. “He doesn't just cultivate donations; he fosters relationships that empower donors to feel part of a mission larger than themselves. His ability to inspire and connect with donors is what makes him a true leader in our organization — all while using his sharp sense of humor to create an atmosphere of warmth and trust.”
“He is a thoughtful and strategic leader that brings high energy and a lot of personality to our team. I am appreciative that our team culture is a mix of grit, hard work, movie quotes and laughter.”
One of the most significant evolutions within Major Gifts has been the advancement of data-driven decision-making. Today, the team leverages analytics and prospect research to strategically identify and engage donors, allowing for a more personalized and impactful approach to fundraising. Subsequently, the demographic of donors is shifting, with younger generations stepping forward, demonstrating that the spirit of giving endures across all ages.
Amid these advancements, relationships remain at the heart of Major Gifts. The standards set by Starner, centered around respect, authenticity and genuine care, have been upheld by Dabney and are embraced by Bullard and his team.
“I am incredibly thankful to work for and with Brady Bullard,” said Assistant Vice President of Major Gifts Lauren Hickey-Garcia. “He is a thoughtful and strategic leader that brings high energy and a lot of personality to our team. I am appreciative that our team culture is a mix of grit, hard work, movie quotes and laughter.”
Bullard's leadership style is a blend of vision and empowerment. He challenges his team while fostering an environment of trust and growth.
“He is the type of boss that sets high expectations and then provides the structure and autonomy to go out and achieve our goals,” adds Hickey-Garcia. “His mentorship and guidance have left an indelible impact on my life and career.”
As the organization looks to the future, one thing is certain: the legacy of strong leadership and meaningful relationship-building will continue to shape Texas A&M Athletics for generations to come. Through unwavering dedication, strategic vision and a commitment to excellence, the Major Gifts team has not only secured remarkable philanthropic success but also set the stage for continued achievement.
The future is bright, and the spirit of the 12th Man remains as strong as ever.