June 30, 2025
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) has named Melissa Berrett as its new vice president for technology & innovation and chief technology officer (CTO), effective July 28. In this executive leadership role, Berrett will oversee the Foundation’s enterprise-wide technology strategy and innovation roadmap, with a focus on digital transformation, data management and CRM optimization.
Berrett brings more than a decade of leadership experience in information technology, data architecture and digital innovation across the higher education, nonprofit and healthcare sectors. She most recently served as senior director of IT at the Oregon Health and Science University Foundation, where she led complex technology initiatives including large-scale CRM optimizations, cloud integration, business intelligence and digital operations.
“As a proven leader in advancement technology, I am thrilled to have Melissa’s expertise and experience at the helm of our technology efforts,” said UTFI President and CEO Kerry Witcher. “She will play a pivotal role in helping UTFI expand our reach while also driving efficiency in our efforts to raise financial, public and political support for the UT System.”
As CTO, she will serve as the central architect of a robust technology and innovation program that aligns infrastructure, business functions and data policy with UTFI’s strategic goals. A strategic thinker with hands-on leadership experience, Berrett is known for delivering scalable, secure and user-centric systems and brings particular expertise in post-go-live CRM optimization, advancement technologies and developing solutions for complex, multi-site integrated organizations.
“It’s a true honor to join the UTFI team following such a milestone year of system impact and growth,” said Berrett. “I’m excited to build on that momentum by strengthening our technology and digital operations, ensuring we stay innovative and move with confidence, agility and purpose in support of our mission.”
She holds an MBA in Business Analytics from Southern Oregon University and a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Northern Arizona University. She is an active member of the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) and the Society for Information Management (SIM).
About the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.
For more information about the University of Tennessee Foundation and its programs, please visit www.utfi.org.
Contact:
Jackie Wise
Senior Director of Communications
University of Tennessee Foundation
(865) 228-3989
[email protected]