TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama recently named Lance Covan as its director of leadership gifts.

Covan, who most recently served as the regional resource development director at The Salvation Army’s corporate divisional headquarters, concentrates on top tier philanthropic gifts within UA’s Office of Advancement.

In his position with the Salvation Army, Covan designed and implemented development plans for the organization in southern Alabama, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the greater New Orleans area. Covan has also worked with the American Red Cross and as director of international relations with the International Professional Resources for China, where he managed a team of 33 employees while living in China.

Covan, who earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from UA, is a native of Mobile.