NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Victoria M. "Vicky" Chun, Yale University's Thomas A. Beckett Director of Athletics, has announced the hiring of James Frey as Associate Athletic Director for Development.
 
"We are thrilled to have James lead our development staff. He comes with a lot of knowledge and experience that will move our department forward," said Chun on Frey's hiring. 
 
Frey joins Yale from The College of William and Mary, where he served as Assistant Athletic Director for Advancement. In this role, he led the strategic direction of the major gifts unit and oversaw a national portfolio that generated more than $1.5 million annually. His leadership was instrumental in the creation of The Griffin Society, W&M Athletics' premier giving society, which secured more than $15 million in new pledges since its 2022 launch. Frey also played a key role in exceeding the $55 million goal for the "All In" campaign, helping raise more than $57 million for key athletics initiatives.
 
"It's a tremendous honor to join Yale University and the Yale Athletics community," said Frey. "I'm deeply grateful to Vicky [Chun] and the search committee for the opportunity to lead our development efforts and collaborate with her outstanding leadership team to advance our mission. Serving this extraordinary community steeped in history, tradition, and excellence is a true privilege. After building a career shaped by meaningful experiences across the country, returning to Connecticut and joining Yale Athletics feels both like a homecoming and a perfect fit."
 
A Connecticut native and former Division I student-athlete, Frey began his development career with the Huskers Athletic Fund at Nebraska before advancing through leadership roles at Appalachian State, Kansas State, and William & Mary. He has been involved in several high-impact campaigns, including W&M's $55 million "All In," K-State's $105 million "Building Champions," App State's $60 million "A Mountaineer Impact," and Nebraska's $165 million "Go BIG."
 
In his new role at Yale, Frey will provide strategic leadership for athletic development initiatives, overseeing fundraising and supporting capital projects, and key donor programs. He will work closely with university alumni affairs and development, alumni, supporters, and friends of Yale Athletics to grow philanthropic support and enhance the student-athlete experience.
 
Frey holds a master's degree in athletics administration from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing an MBA from William & Mary. Selected to participate in the Sports Management Institute (SMI) Executive Program, he will attend instruction at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Georgia over the next year for further skill development. He earned his undergraduate degree from Central Connecticut State University, where he was a four-year letterwinner in track and field and served as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.