Mark Stuart Selected as President & CEO of The San Diego Foundation

March 14, 2019 – San Diego, CA – The San Diego Foundation Board of Governors today announced that local nonprofit fundraising and community building executive Mark Stuart has been selected as President and Chief Executive Officer of The San Diego Foundation.

A long-time San Diego community member and resident of Point Loma, Stuart brings a collaborative, creative and service-oriented leadership and management style to the $850 million community foundation and is described as a selfless leader and dedicated coach with a high level of integrity, versatility and a spirit of innovation.

“Mark Stuart is the perfect choice for the position of CEO,” shared The San Diego Foundation Board of Governors Chair and San Diego Community College District Chancellor Dr. Constance Carroll. “Mark has a distinguished history of success and leadership in the San Diego region, characterized by enormous talent and an impressive track record in fundraising. I am confident that The San Diego Foundation will benefit from his knowledge of the community, his leadership abilities, his engaging management style, his deep understanding of the Foundation’s philanthropic mission and his vision.”

The national search that ultimately drew more than 1,000 candidates began last year when executive search firm Blair Search Partners was appointed to assist The Foundation Board Search Committee, chaired by Dr. Constance Carroll and composed of Board and community members.

“The Foundation Board and I are grateful to the search committee, which included many individuals and groups who provided advice regarding the future direction of The Foundation and the qualities we should be seeking in a new CEO,” Carroll stated. “We are really pleased that the search has concluded in a manner that reflects the counsel we received from people who really care about San Diego.”

With nearly 30 years of experience in all aspects of operations and leadership, Stuart previously held positions as Chief Development & Membership Officer of San Diego Zoo Global, President of the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global, and Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations for the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

“I am humbled and excited to begin my work with The Foundation and its professional team of dedicated staff who partner with our generous philanthropists to serve our community,” offered Mark Stuart, President and CEO of The San Diego Foundation. “The leadership opportunities at San Diego Zoo Global prepared me well for this new role that focuses on ensuring the best days are ahead for all who call the San Diego region home.”

Stuart is an internationally recognized expert on the art and science of fundraising who serves on the McDaniel College Board of Trustees and the Certified Fundraising Executives International Board of Directors. He gives his time and talent as a frequent presenter and lecturer on fundraising at national and regional conferences, as well as San Diego State University and National University’s Sanford Institute of Philanthropy.

Stuart has also been recognized as Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, San Diego and achieved accreditation as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). He received a master’s degree in educational administration with a focus on the support and evaluation of personnel from McDaniel College and a bachelor’s degree in English, political science and public service from Albion College.

To learn more about President & CEO Mark Stuart, visit SDFoundation.org/CEO.

About The San Diego Foundation

The San Diego Foundation maximizes the impact of your charitable giving. We mobilize philanthropic resources to advance quality of life, increase social impact and champion civic engagement. For more than 40 years, The Foundation and our donors have granted more than $1.1 billion to grow a vibrant San Diego region. Learn more on our website, and consider a donation to the Fund for the Future Endowment which supports San Diego community needs for good, forever.

Contacts

Theresa Nakata, 619-890-1378, theresan@sdfoundation.org