Andrew Deal ’12 is the new Keydet Club chief operating officer. Deal is in his 10th year working for the Keydet Club.—Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.
The VMI Alumni Agencies named Andrew Deal ’12 VMI Keydet Club chief operating officer July 26, 2021. Deal began working for the Keydet Club Aug. 1, 2012.
“The Keydet Club’s future is bright. Andrew has repeatedly demonstrated the organization and discipline to lead the Keydet Club, works exceptionally well with board leadership, and his passion for VMI Athletics is unmatched,” said Steve Maconi, Alumni Agencies chief executive officer. “I am excited to see Andrew build a dynamic, new relationship with both the superintendent and the yet-to-be-identified VMI athletic director. I am confident he will always have the best interests of our stellar cadet-athletes in mind.”
The move also frees Meade King ’85, VMI Foundation chief operating officer, to dedicate his full time and energy to the VMI Foundation. For the past two years, King has served as chief operating officer of both the Keydet Club and the VMI Foundation.
“Over the last two years, Meade’s extraordinary commitment was inclusive of his responsibility as chief operating officer of both the VMI Foundation and the Keydet Club. The VMI Alumni Agencies and the Institute benefited from his strong leadership and fundraising acumen to build a team committed to the success of both organizations,” Maconi said. “Because of Meade’s teambuilding and organization, we are positioned today to achieve unprecedented success for both the VMI Foundation and the Keydet Club.”
On the Keydet Club side, the new role is a perfect fit for Deal. He has firsthand knowledge of athletic scholarships: The former right-handed pitcher for the Keydets received one during his cadetship.
“I will forever be grateful to Elmon T. Gray ’46, who established the scholarship I received,” Deal said. “I wish every cadet could sit in my chair and see the powerful support from our alumni and friends and how it continues to make the VMI experience special.”
He is thankful and appreciative to the Alumni Agencies for the opportunity to serve in a new position.
“As I enter my 10th year with the organization, I am thankful for the relationships with our constituents and the leaders before me who have set the bar high,” he said.
Deal matriculated from Chester, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from VMI. He lives with his wife, Carly, and daughter, Cameron, in Lexington.
