Board Member Spotlight
Mark Ruffo
Chief Advancement Officer, California Academy of Sciences
AFP Golden Gate Chapter
How long have you been involved in the nonprofit sector? What inspired you to get into fundraising?
I have been in fundraising since my postdoctoral fellowship at MIT’s McGovern Institute for Brain Research. My position was partly funded by a gift, and when the development team asked me to help with stewardship, I discovered the field of fundraising and decided to pursue it as a career.
I have been in fundraising since my postdoctoral fellowship at MIT’s McGovern Institute for Brain Research. My position was partly funded by a gift, and when the development team asked me to help with stewardship, I discovered the field of fundraising and decided to pursue it as a career.
Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
I have served as Chief Advancement Officer at the California Academy of Sciences for almost a year. My team oversees all philanthropic revenue streams and the membership program, and I also work closely with Trustees while serving on the Senior Leadership Team.
I have served as Chief Advancement Officer at the California Academy of Sciences for almost a year. My team oversees all philanthropic revenue streams and the membership program, and I also work closely with Trustees while serving on the Senior Leadership Team.
What are some highlights in your current role and in your career? What has been the biggest challenge?
Working at Landesa was a highlight, as the organization advanced land rights for rural people and improved the lives of hundreds of millions worldwide. Joining Cal Academy has been another, since it allows me to combine my background in science with my fundraising experience. The greatest challenge right now is navigating the difficult climate for cultural institutions, particularly with reduced tourism in San Francisco.
Working at Landesa was a highlight, as the organization advanced land rights for rural people and improved the lives of hundreds of millions worldwide. Joining Cal Academy has been another, since it allows me to combine my background in science with my fundraising experience. The greatest challenge right now is navigating the difficult climate for cultural institutions, particularly with reduced tourism in San Francisco.
What professional knowledge would you impart to other nonprofit fundraisers?
I would remind fundraisers that there is a strong community ready to support them. Hearing no is part of the process, and often it simply means not yet. Take pride in the fact that this work helps people and creates lasting impact.
I would remind fundraisers that there is a strong community ready to support them. Hearing no is part of the process, and often it simply means not yet. Take pride in the fact that this work helps people and creates lasting impact.
How did you get involved with AFP?
I first connected with AFP in Seattle through AFP Northwest while working as a Major Gifts Officer at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Research Institute. A colleague encouraged me to attend events, and before long AFP became an important part of my professional life.
I first connected with AFP in Seattle through AFP Northwest while working as a Major Gifts Officer at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Research Institute. A colleague encouraged me to attend events, and before long AFP became an important part of my professional life.
What advice would you give to AFP members who are considering becoming an AFP board member?
Board service is an excellent way to build closer connections within the chapter. It creates opportunities for collaboration, friendships, and support, and the commitment is manageable while still being meaningful.
Board service is an excellent way to build closer connections within the chapter. It creates opportunities for collaboration, friendships, and support, and the commitment is manageable while still being meaningful.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
I find balance by going into the office. Being onsite helps me keep a clearer line between work and personal time, which is harder to achieve when working from home.
I find balance by going into the office. Being onsite helps me keep a clearer line between work and personal time, which is harder to achieve when working from home.
What are some activities you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy trying food from different cultures and am working through as many international restaurants as possible. Travel is also a passion, and I have several international trips planned this year. Time in nature, especially hiking and skiing, helps me recharge.
I enjoy trying food from different cultures and am working through as many international restaurants as possible. Travel is also a passion, and I have several international trips planned this year. Time in nature, especially hiking and skiing, helps me recharge.
What career goals do you still want to pursue or accomplish?
I would like to complete a major campaign and possibly move into an executive leadership role. Serving on more boards also appeals to me, and one day I hope to spend part of each year living in other parts of the world.
I would like to complete a major campaign and possibly move into an executive leadership role. Serving on more boards also appeals to me, and one day I hope to spend part of each year living in other parts of the world.