Warren Buford

B.A. Davidson College;
M.Phil. University of Cape Town

Executive Director of Foundation

Warren Buford joined the School of Architecture as Executive Director of the School of Architecture Foundation in May 2008. His professional responsibilities have exposed him to policy, developmental and managerial experiences in higher education and related fields in the U.S. and internationally.

In his current role, he oversees the advancement and alumni relations activities for the UVa School of Architecture and, together with the Dean, Foundation staff and Board, and faculty, he leads the School?s current $25 million campaign. Prior to joining the School of Architecture, Warren was Associate Vice President for Development at the UVa School of Engineering and Applied Science, where he played a leadership role in daily operations and Campaign activities, with primary focus on major and leadership gift initiatives in a $150 million campaign.

Before joining the University of Virginia, Warren worked as Deputy Director of Operations and New Initiatives at the Children?s Defense Fund (CDF) in Washington, DC. At CDF, he advanced higher education service, policy and advocacy initiatives, including CDF Freedom Schools? and the CDF Internship Program. He has served as a Rotary Ambassadorial Fellow, a competitive research and teaching fellowship, in Cape Town, South Africa and served for numerous years in admission and financial aid at Davidson College, reaching the position of senior assistant dean of admission and financial aid and director of multicultural recruitment. Since a young age, he has lived or worked in Kenya, Spain, South Africa and Austria, and has traveled extensively.

Warren holds a B.A. in political science with a concentration in ethnic relations from Davidson College and an MPhil in political studies with a concentration in justice and transformation from the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa. He has written and presented on topics ranging from higher education advancement and fundraising, college access, admission and financial aid, literacy and child development, leadership development, political and social change, and peacemaking.

Warren and his wife, Ashley, live in Charlottesville with their two children, Maxwell and James.