Following a national search, Chapman University has named Jessica Berger as its next Executive Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer (EVP/CAO), effective July 30.
“I am confident that Jessica will help lead Chapman into the next phase of our Inspire campaign and advance our efforts to grow philanthropic support, deepen community partnerships and further elevate our national standing,” said Chapman University President-elect Matt Parlow. “I want to thank the search committee and the many colleagues who participated in the search process.”
Berger brings nearly two decades of advancement and fundraising leadership experience across multiple institutions. Most recently, she served as vice president for university advancement and executive director of the foundation at California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM), where she led a team of nearly 50 professionals across fundraising, alumni and donor relations, marketing and communications, events and government relations.
Under her leadership, CSUSM set a philanthropic record in fiscal year 2024, raising more than $26 million and securing the institution’s first-ever eight-figure gifts. She also oversaw a $200 million blended comprehensive campaign and developed a nationally recognized case statement supporting social mobility following CSUSM’s No. 1 national ranking by CollegeNet. Additionally, she helped secure private support for a new Integrated Science and Engineering Building, CSUSM’s first new academic facility in more than a decade and chaired the CSU systemwide Council of Vice Presidents for University Advancement across all 23 campuses.
Prior to CSUSM, Berger spent seven years at Harvey Mudd College, rising to the role of assistant vice president for development. She played a key role in helping the institution exceed its $150 million campaign goal, ultimately raising $175 million. Her portfolio there included principal gifts, donor relations, stewardship and the development of a Parent Leadership Council.
Earlier in her career, Berger contributed to fundraising efforts at Polytechnic School in Pasadena during a $93 million campaign, raised private support for a children’s home in Kenya and served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a congressional staff member focused on constituent advocacy.
“Chapman is a dream opportunity for me,” said Berger. “I believe deeply in the university’s mission and vision and am thrilled to join the Chapman Family at such an exciting time in its history. As someone who has led and contributed to three comprehensive campaigns and loves to dream big, I’m honored to help close out the Inspire campaign and collaborate with the campus community, donors and partners in strengthening our academic excellence and student impact.”
She earned a Master of Social Work from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wittenberg University, both with honors.
