C. Richard Mattingly has spent his entire career dedicated to philanthropic efforts. After graduating with a bachelor’s in broadcast journalism from Eastern Kentucky University, Mattingly, ’78, began his career working for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), where he spent nearly four decades committed to the pursuit of finding a cure for the disease.
Through Mattingly’s innovative fundraising strategies, market development philosophy, and state-of-the-art non-profit management structure, the CFF saw a dramatic increase in philanthropic support. Annual revenue increased from $20.3 million to more than $304 million. Mattingly’s hard work and expertise has been recognized both through national awards and promotions within the CFF.
Thanks to this massive revenue increase, the CFF was able to expand research capabilities, conduct effective clinical trials, and assemble and organize essential data. This led to groundbreaking drug discoveries and a greater understanding of the underlying biology of cystic fibrosis (CF). During Mattingly’s career with the CFF, life expectancy and quality of life for those with CF improved dramatically. Specifically, median predicted survival age for those with CF rose by more than 30 years, and today, nearly 90 percent of those born with CF have potential life-saving therapy available.
Mattingly’s accomplishments do not stop there. He has also made a significant mark on the treatment options and support for individuals with mental health issues.
Mattingly retired from the CFF in the spring of 2015 after the tragic loss of his wife and fellow EKU alum, Carolyn C. Mattingly, ’79, whose life was taken by an individual who suffered from a mental health disorder. Mattingly immediately founded The Luv u Project, Inc. to honor his wife. The mission of this public charity was to turn an unacceptable tragedy into a quantifiable agenda—taking responsible actions to advance the understanding of, and treatments for, mental health. Mattingly actively serves as the organization’s president in an all-volunteer capacity. Through the work of The Luv u Project, a partnership was created with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to create the first-ever academic center in the country focused on research and development of mental health in the workplace.
In combining his passion for mental health treatment and his expertise in philanthropic fundraising, Mattingly gives back to his beloved alma mater through both his talents and his financial support.
“We are so thankful to announce that Rich has committed a $25,000 scholarship that will support students pursuing a degree in our psychiatric nursing program,” said Melissa Grinstead, associate vice president of development and campaign manager. “This program has a clear emphasis on treating individuals with mental health disorders, creating the perfect link to Rich’s passion project.”
Mattingly offers his years of fundraising experience to the university as a member of the EKU Foundation Board of Trustees. As an active volunteer, he serves as chair of the Development Committee, member of the Board Executive Committee, and member of the Campaign Executive Committee.
“There are too many outstanding EKU alumni to count, but when thinking of who those individuals may be, Rich Mattingly comes to mind,” said Betina Gardner, vice president of development and alumni engagement and executive director of the EKU Foundation. “He is an inspiration to us all, having dedicated his life to supporting those in need. We are honored to have him as a member of the EKU Foundation Board and as an active member of our alumni family.”