Devin Girod

Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement

Since Devin Girod returned to A&M-Commerce in 2022, the university and its donors have partnered to create the third-highest and the highest fundraising years in university history. Girod came to A&M-Commerce from the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a U.S. non-profit organization. He began working with TPL in 2017 as the Texas director of philanthropy before transferring to Atlanta, Georgia, to become the Southeast director of philanthropy. At TPL, Girod raised approximately $35 million for the organization and its partners, expanding donor bases in Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. He also led TPL’s first campaign in Texas and the process to secure a 9 million dollar grant and other lead gifts for the organization’s work in Georgia. Before TPL, Girod was the senior director of development at A&M-Commerce and the director of Alumni Affairs at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Devin was raised in Louisiana and enjoys golfing, camping, hiking, gardening and biking. He is married to Angelica Girod, a speech-language pathologist, and they live in Rockwall with their beloved rescue dog, Don Draper.

A Conversation with Devin Girod

How do you help students?

I am fortunate to connect donors' passions with students' needs, witnessing the collective impact and outcomes. It's rewarding to hear from students how donors make a difference in their lives while also seeing donors' joy in knowing their investments will have a ripple effect in others' lives.

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

A&M-Commerce will transform your life and establish the foundation to pursue your personal and professional passions. You will gain value and grow through conversations with your peers, faculty, staff, and alumni. The culture is familial, and people genuinely care about your current and future success. Join us and become part of the Lion family!

Why did you choose your career/what draws you to your discipline?

Philanthropy is about joy—the joy of giving and its ability to change people's lives and make a difference in society. I find joy in connecting like-minded individuals and working alongside alumni, friends, faculty and staff, students, and our team to advance individual and collective goals.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your A&M-Commerce experience?

I am looking forward to calling A&M-Commerce home for quite a while. I hope this is where I can finish out my working years and eventually retire.

Educational Background

• M.A., Communications, University of Louisiana at Monroe
• B.A., Mass Communications, University of Louisiana at Monroe

Honors and Awards

• Conservation Trailblazer, Trust for Public Land, 2021
• Philanthropy Action Hero, Trust for Public Land, 2020