A Texas native and higher education professional with 25 years of experience, Brad Walker joined the National Ranching Heritage Center as the Senior Director of Development for the Red Steagall Institute in November 2024. Brad came to the NRHC after 10 years as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and the Chief Executive Officer of Texas A&M University-Kingsville Foundation, Inc. While in his role at Texas A&M-Kingsville, the university launched its first ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, which surpassed the campaign goal of $100 million and 20 months ahead of schedule. Prior to his tenure at Texas A&M-Kingsville, Brad served as the executive director of the INTEGRIS Health System Foundation, serving multiple hospital campuses in Oklahoma.  

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After a stint in publications, Brad began his advancement career first as a development officer followed by multiple promotions within the Texas Tech System, eventually landing in the athletics department as Associate Director of the Red Raider Club. In this position, he led the department in implementing a priority points system for donors and tripling its endowment. Brad earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Texas Tech University. He received his Certificate in Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2005 and his Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University in 2008. Brad and his wife Patricia, a higher education consultant, reside in the Austin area. Together they have two married daughters and five grandchildren.