Staff News

Alumni Agencies Welcomes New Staff

Brittany Booher became executive assistant for gift planning and estate administration March 1, 2022. She has worked in higher education for about 10 years. Booher came to VMI from Washington and Lee University, where she worked in the admissions office. She supervised nearly 30 work-study students, helped manage the marketing and communication tasks, and worked in an administrative role. Before her role at W&L, Booher worked at Omicron Delta Kappa, which was founded in Lexington in 1914.

A native of Lexington, Booher earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University in marketing and accounting. She has a son, Paxton, who will be entering first grade this fall.

“We are so excited about Brittany joining our team,” said Terrie Conrad, vice president of gift planning and estate administration. “She brings enthusiasm and a ‘let’s get it done’ attitude that’s backed up by talent and a great sense of organizational priorities. I think we can expect her to make

Austin England was promoted to the role of major gifts officer in March 2022. He began working for the Alumni Agencies as a leadership annual giving officer in February 2020, tasked with overseeing the memberships of the Institute Society and Keydet Club.

A native of the greater Nashville, Tennessee, area, England attended Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee, completing a degree in political science.

He has spent his career in higher education, most recently working at the University of Virginia’s Office of Advancement amid the launch of its $5 billion Honor the Future campaign.

England resides in Staunton with his 3-year-old, Harvey.

“During his time with Annual Giving, Austin has demonstrated the ability to cultivate and solicit gifts for the Institute,” said Andrew Deal ’12, Keydet Club chief operating officer. “He is prepared and ready to take those same great skills to the major gift level. His passion for VMI will serve him well.”

Tyler “TJ” Lighton ’15 was named development officer for the VMI Keydet Club in May 2022. He began working with the VMI Alumni Agencies in June 2017 and has served as a program outreach officer, director of alumni outreach, and reunion giving officer. In his outreach roles, Lighton was heavily involved with new cadet recruiting, career networking, chapter operations, and many on-post initiatives to help the Corps engage with alumni. In his most recent role as reunion giving officer, he was responsible for working closely with the 10th, 25th, and 50th Reunion classes and committees to organize and execute their reunion campaign efforts.

A native of Chesapeake, Virginia, Lighton matriculated to VMI with the Class of 2015 and was a member of the VMI baseball team during his time on post.

In 2016, Lighton graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and worked as an operations manager in Target’s supply chain and distribution pyramid before returning to VMI. An internship experience with the VMI Foundation sparked Lighton’s interest in higher education development work and alumni relations—particularly at VMI—and it played a large role in his wanting to come back to be part of the team.

He and his wife, Shelby, have a 3-year-old son, Camden.

“I am excited to welcome TJ to the Keydet Club family,” said Deal. “His wealth of knowledge of the college athletic landscape and being a former baseball scholarship athlete will benefit our efforts in support of VMI athletics.”

Booher

David

a difference ... and point of fact, she already has.”

Jenny David, assistant director of reunion giving, is a graduate of the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, where she majored in communications. She comes to VMI from Washington and Lee University, where she served as the reunion giving coordinator. She has lived in Lexington with her husband and two children for 11 years and enjoys watching VMI basketball, attending parades, and hosting rats. Before her roles in higher education, David worked as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor, teaching many classes at the Rockbridge Area YMCA. Before moving to Lexington, she was fitness manager at the Boston Sports Club in Woburn, Massachusetts.

“Jenny brings a wealth of experience in reunion fundraising and working with volunteers,” said Patti Cook, director of annual and reunion giving. “Her longstanding connection to VMI and her energy are a great complement to the reunion team and will serve VMI well.”