Archie Griffin to transition to new role with Ohio State Advancement

Following a decade of success, Archie Griffin, president and CEO of the Ohio State Alumni Association and senior vice president for alumni relations, will assume a new role as senior advisor within the university’s Office of Advancement.

Griffin has led the Ohio State Alumni Association since 2004. Prior to that, he served for 20 years in the university’s Department of Athletics. He earned his degree in industrial relations in 1976. Griffin shared the news with alumni and friends in a video.

“I am thrilled that Archie will continue his legacy of leadership at Ohio State while having the flexibility to spend more time with his loving family,” said Ohio State President Michael V. Drake. “He has been a tireless champion of the university, and I am grateful that he will continue to serve in such an important way.”

Michael Eicher, senior vice president for advancement, said Griffin’s hard work and storied career has moved the Alumni Association forward in meaningful ways.

“From the moment he stepped on the field at Ohio Stadium as a student athlete in 1972, Archie has worked hard and selflessly to advance the university,” said Eicher. “Earlier this year, he shared that he was ready to transition to a part-time role and that the Alumni Association was well positioned for a new leader. I’m glad to say he will continue to serve as an iconic representative for the university and will participate in numerous engagements that connect him with devoted alumni and friends.”

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the alumni association for the past 11 years. I am proud of the organization’s growth and accomplishments, I am deeply grateful to the staff, the support of the board, alumni members, community and university leaders and volunteers whose partnerships help to enhance the experiences of more than 500,000 Ohio State alumni around the world,” said Griffin. “Today, I am excited and look forward to continuing to do the work I love for the university on a part-time basis while affording me more time to spend with Bonita, our family and friends.”

Chris Ito, chair of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, says Griffin has taken the association to new heights. “Archie’s leadership, advocacy and passion for alumni and the university cannot be overstated. By leading the development of new programs that allow alumni and friends to be more connected than ever, Archie has positioned the Alumni Association to be one of the best in the country,” said Ito.

The university will soon launch a national search for the association’s next leader to ensure a seamless transition.

Griffin will deliver the spring commencement address to more than 10,000 graduates on May 10 at Ohio Stadium.