Mark Stuart is a fundraising and community building professional with nearly 30 years of experience in all aspects of operations and leadership. As president and CEO of The San Diego Foundation, he reports to and collaborates with the Board of Governors and is responsible for developing and managing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders as well as the operating health of the foundation. His career has been devoted to helping donors realize their hopes, dreams and aspirations.

Prior to joining the foundation, Stuart managed a staff of 64 and a budget of $15M at San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG), including development, membership, government and community relations. Under his leadership, SDZG raised more than $120M, as well as $500M in its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign. He also served as the founding president of the Foundation for San Diego Zoo Global. He is the founder of an industry-wide collaborative to increase capacity, data-sharing and media coverage for all accredited zoos and aquariums. Stuart was associate dean of development and alumni relations for the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. During his tenure, the school raised $100M in a campaign that was the largest fundraiser for any veterinary school at that time.

He serves on the McDaniel College Board of Trustees and the Certified Fundraising Executives International Board of Directors. He is an internationally recognized expert on the art and science of fundraising, and 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 been recognized as an 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.