NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State University athletics director Marty L. Miller announced Thursday the hiring of Karen Holmes to the new position of associate athletics director for development.

Holmes' primary responsibilities will be to plan, coordinate and implement all development and fundraising activities for the Department of Athletics. The ultimate goal is to increase funding for athletic scholarships, capital projects and other athletic enhancements.

“In an effort to compete and achieve success within our conference and on the national level, it is critical for us to expand our fundraising initiatives. We must make every effort to create and constantly improve the environment for our student-athletes to excel academically and athletically,” Miller said. “Karen will develop and implement plans to achieve these goals. This is another step that is designed to enhance the viability of the athletics department.”

Prior to NSU, Holmes has served as the foundation manager at the Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau since 2006. She was responsible for planning and directing the foundation's operations to include fundraising, staffing, budgeting and research.

Holmes has also held positions as a business account representative at Opportunity, Inc. and as a marketing consultant at LNC (local news on cable) channel 5 and the Hampton Roads Radio Group in the Southeastern Virginia area.

Holmes, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from NSU in 1998.