SF State announces new associate vice president of development

San Francisco State University announced today the appointment of Anne Harris as the new associate vice president (AVP) of development, effective Sept. 9. Harris brings fifteen years of experience as a California State University administrator to SF State.

A long-time California resident, Harris is a product of the CSU system. She earned her bachelor’s degree in organizational communications and dual master’s degrees in business administration and organizational communication from California State University, Stanislaus.

Harris began her work at CSU Stanislaus in 1997, where she served as the director of community affairs and AVP of development. She later worked as the director of campaign and donor relations at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she founded two philanthropic organizations that are still active today: the Student Philanthropy Council and the Parent Philanthropy Program.

Most recently, as the AVP of development at California State University, East Bay, Harris increased private support by 40 percent over two years. Later, as the interim vice president of advancement, Harris directed all fundraising programs for Cal State East Bay’s $40 million campaign.

“I truly believe in the mission of the CSU,” said Harris. “Public universities serve an important group of students, first generation college students, international students  -- a truly diverse group. Securing private support for SF State ensures that the mission stays alive.”

As the AVP of development, Harris will manage all major fundraising campaigns and develop new fundraising initiatives. Harris joins the University as plans evolve for a new comprehensive fundraising campaign, which will provide funding for a state-of-the-art creative arts center and student scholarships.

“Anne Harris is an exceptional leader with proven ability to secure philanthropic support for public education," said Vice President for University Advancement Robert Nava. "This is an exciting time at SF State and Anne’s experience will play an important role in achieving fundraising success.” 

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SF State is the only master's level public university serving the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. The university enrolls more than 30,000 students each year. With nationally acclaimed programs in a range of fields -- from creative writing, cinema and biology to history, broadcast and electronic communications arts, theatre arts and ethnic studies -- the University's more than 219,000 graduates have contributed to the economic cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond.