Staff Directory
- Title:
- Assistant Director of Athletics, Major Gifts
- Email:
- Phone:
- 217-265-8498
Derek Stark joined Illinois Athletics in 2023 and currently serves as Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Director – Development Strategy and Donor Engagement. In his role, Stark leads major gift strategy to advance Illinois Athletics’ fundraising priorities.
Prior to assuming his current role, Stark served as Assistant Athletics Director for Major Gifts, where he managed a portfolio of prospects and donors while cultivating philanthropic support for the Fighting Illini. Stark also helped launch the Investors Society, a major giving initiative designed to deepen engagement with Illinois Athletics’ top supporters. He was part of the Illinois Athletics development team that contributed to a record-setting $158 million in new business.
In his first role at Illinois, Stark served as Assistant Athletics Director for NIL Engagement, where he directed Illinois Athletics’ NIL commercial strategy. He also served as a lead fundraiser for the Illini ERA initiative, which saw the I FUND grow from $7.2M to an all-time high of $14.9M.
Before arriving in Champaign, Stark spent two years at Illinois State University, where he served as Associate Athletics Director for Revenue Generation after initially joining the department as Director of Development for the Weisbecker Athletic Fund. Stark oversaw annual fund strategy, ticket operations, sales, and revenue generation initiatives while serving on the department’s senior staff. During his tenure, the development unit set multiple fundraising records, including Birds Give Back ($83K) and Support Your Sport ($220K).
Stark began his professional career at the University of Kansas, where he held multiple roles supporting student-athlete development, academics, communications, and executive operations. Most recently, he served as Assistant to the Athletic Director and Executive Team, contributing to strategic initiatives including the Kansas Athletics Fan Advisory Committee, Marian E. Washington Trailblazer Series, and the department’s Women’s Mentorship Program.
A native of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Stark earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and a master’s degree in sport management from the University of Kansas.
Stark resides in Champaign, Illinois. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, reading and traveling.
Last updated Sept. 2026
