Bobby Purcell has served in a number of capacities since joining the NC State athletics department staff in 1981. He has been Executive Director of the Wolfpack Club since 1991. During his tenure as Executive Director, Purcell has overseen the successful completion of the $45.2 million Wolfpack Pride Campaign, the $50 million Goal Line Drive Campaign, the $2.6 million Batter Up Campaign, the $1.6 million Advantage Wolfpack Campaign, and has led the Wolfpack Club to consistent nationally ranked fundraising results both in amount of money raised and annual number of donors. He is currently President of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors.

Under Purcell’s leadership, the Wolfpack Club was responsible for the construction of Carter-Finley Stadium renovation and expansion projects, including the Wendell H. Murphy Football Center, C. Richard Vaughn Towers, and the newly renovated A. E. Finley Fieldhouse. Overall, the Wolfpack Club is currently involved with nearly $108 million in funding initiatives for NC State athletics.

Purcell, a native of Clinton, joined the Wolfpack football coaching staff in 1981 as a part-time assistant football coach under Monte Kiffin. He helped coach running backs, special teams, and the defensive scout team. He also served as academic coordinator for the football program under Kiffin.

When Tom Reed became head football coach in 1983, he named Purcell as recruiting coordinator/assistant coach, and Purcell quickly gained recognition as one of the ACC’s top recruiters. Among his signees was Erik Kramer, the 1986 ACC Player of the Year.

When Dick Sheridan became the Wolfpack’s head coach in 1986, he named Purcell as his recruiting coordinator. Purcell also handled many administrative duties for Sheridan, including coordinator of the Dick Sheridan Football Skills Camp.

Purcell became Assistant Director of the Wolfpack Club under Charlie Bryant in July, 1987 and coordinated fundraising efforts in 49 North Carolina counties, directed the Courtesy Car Program, and oversaw management of the Stroud Wolfpack Center.

Purcell is a third generation NC State alumnus. Both his father and grandfather attended NC State. Bobby attended NC State and North Carolina, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1977. Following two years with the Whirlpool Corporation, Purcell returned to school and received a Masters degree in Sports Management at the University of Georgia. During his tenure in Athens, he worked as a volunteer graduate assistant football coach under Vince Dooley and later served as an intern with the Atlanta Falcons.

Purcell is married to the former Lori Williams and they have a son and a daughter, John (14) and Paige (13).