Purdue for Life Foundation launches search for the next CEO as Folk steps down after 5 years of outstanding leadership

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue for Life Foundation President and CEO Matt Folk announced Monday (May 20) that he plans to step down from his current role and will focus his efforts on the growth of Purdue’s new Indianapolis campus, launching this summer, as Ambassador for Purdue in Indianapolis.

A national search will be launched, with the assistance of an executive search firm, to identify the next leader for Purdue for Life Foundation. Folk will remain in his current role until the new CEO starts.

“We thank and celebrate Matt’s outstanding leadership since spring 2019 in merging three distinct organizations to create Purdue for Life Foundation and officially launching the foundation in March 2020,” said Mung Chiang, Purdue University president and Purdue for Life Foundation chairman. “His dedication, vision and execution have resulted in unprecedented growth on all fronts: philanthropic fundraising, alumni relations, athletic fans’ engagement and the foundation's daily operation. And his love for Purdue University knows no bounds. We strongly appreciate his experience in and new focus toward Indianapolis. We also thank all the Purdue for Life Foundation colleagues for their continued contributions to the Boilermakers.”  

A 1991 Purdue electrical engineering graduate, Folk has been Purdue University’s vice president for advancement and alumni engagement and Purdue for Life Foundation’s CEO since spring 2020, when the foundation was formally created to support the university through coordinated engagement with alumni, donors and fans.  

Since 2020 fundraising has grown to more than $600 million per year, the number of donors has increased annually and the Purdue Day of Giving has continued to set records. Additionally, the lifelong learning program now offers 477 courses, the number of alumni clubs has grown to more than 70 and participation in alumni travel programs has tripled.  

“I am ever grateful to our Purdue for Life team for joining me on the journey to bring this foundation to life as well as to the alumni, friends and fans, especially the Purdue Alumni Association Board of Directors, whose support has made it such a success,” Folk said. “I’m incredibly proud of everyone’s hard work and the growth we’ve seen in giving and in participation across our many engagement programs and other initiatives. To Boilermakers everywhere: Thank you for all you do to advance Purdue.” 

Prior to being named CEO of the Purdue for Life Foundation, Folk was president and CEO of Technology Marketing Corp.  For many years, he has served as president for the Boiler Business Exchange of Indianapolis, a group of over 2,000 business owners who are all graduates or die-hard fans of the university. Folk is a longtime member of Purdue President’s Council, an active Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association and has been responsible for multiple scholarships on campus. He is a passionate Purdue fan and long-term member of John Purdue Club, where he served on the Brees National Executive Leadership Committee. In 2016 he named the Purdue soccer field Folk Field in memory of his parents, Loren and Donna.

Media contact: Tim Doty, doty2@purdue.edu