University of Wyoming Athletics

Derek Gossler is in his third year as the Associate Athletic Director for Development and Revenue Generation in 2024-25. In his role, Gossler manages all fundraising activities, premium seating, secondary market strategy, works collaboratively with the Wyoming Sport Properties team and oversees Wyoming’s development staff.

In his first year at UW, Gossler successfully led the Cowboy Joe Club to record-breaking FY22 performances in both cash raised and pledges. The Cowboy Joe Club has since surpassed that total in both FY23 and FY24, a three-year stretch of record-breaking fundraising. Gossler also helps to lead all revenue-generating activities for Wyoming Athletics, providing leadership across multiple functions while serving as a member of senior administration.

Prior to his arrival in Laramie, Gossler served as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at the United States Air Force Academy from 2017-22. There, he oversaw all aspects of external operations and revenue generation, including fundraising, marketing/fan experience, digital media, ticket operations, ticket sales, premium seating, , advertising, team store sales, and community outreach. Additionally, Gossler directed strategic goals, objectives and vision while growing, mentoring, and managing a diverse staff of 23 employees.
 
Included in his many accomplishments, Gossler led the Air Force development team to five straight record-setting fundraising years in terms of membership and dollars raised for Air Force Athletics. In that span, membership and dollars raised each increased over 100%. He closed the two largest gifts from individuals in Air Force Academy Corporation history, oversaw a successful rebrand of the Falcon Pride Club to Falcon Athletic Fund and development of a major giving program from scratch. In addition to fundraising accomplishments the Air Force Athletics external team set several ticket revenue records, experienced exponential social media growth and set high marks for team store sales in partnership with Fanatics. Gossler also led negotiations for and implementation of partnerships with Paciolan, Opendorse, Learfield Amplify and REVELxp.
 
He came to the Academy from Arizona State University. At ASU, Gossler served as Director of Major Gifts from 2014 to 2017 in the Sun Devil Club, the primary fundraising arm of ASU Athletics. The Sun Devil Club team broke numerous fundraising records during his time there, including $86 million in donations for FY 15’ and memberships more than doubled to over 16,000 members. Derek primarily focused on fundraising for the Reinvention of Sun Devil Stadium and for the emergence of sports that ASU added to their Division 1 offerings (Men’s Ice Hockey, Women’s Triathlon, Women’s Lacrosse and Men’s Tennis). This included working with the lead Hockey donors who contributed $32 million to make these opportunities a reality.

Prior to joining ASU, Gossler served as Director of Development in the Rebel Athletic Fund for UNLV Athletics. His primary responsibilities included identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts and high end annual giving prospects for the Rebel Athletic Fund. During his time at UNLV, both annual dollars and members doubled.

Gossler started his career at the University of Arizona in the Wildcat Club, after a year as a Development Assistant he was promoted to Development Associate. He served in this role assisting with two Capital Campaigns before rejoining former Athletic Director, Jim Livengood at UNLV.

Derek is a native of Seattle, Washington and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in 2008, and a master’s degree in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration from University of Washington in 2011. Derek currently resides in Laramie