CSUSM Names New Vice President of University Advancement
Cal State San Marcos has announced the appointment of Andrea “Andy” Fisher as its new vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the CSUSM Foundation.
Fisher joins CSUSM at an important moment in the university’s fundraising efforts, as it advances its ambitious “Blueprint for the Future” fundraising campaign. The $200 million campaign has reached 87% of its goal, reflecting the extraordinary momentum of faculty and staff grants, as well as the generosity of CSUSM’s alumni, donors and community partners, positioning the university for an exciting next chapter of growth and impact.
Fisher joins CSUSM from the University of Arizona, where she served in various development roles since 2019. Most recently, she spent nearly four years as vice president of development, leading centralized and college-embedded advancement teams supporting a broad portfolio of academic and university programs. She brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning higher education philanthropy, nonprofit management and community service.
“I am overjoyed by the opportunity to join President Neufeldt and the CSUSM team,” Fisher said. “As a first-generation college student myself, student success and social mobility connect deeply to every chapter of my life, and it will be an honor to lead advancement at this amazing university.”
As VP of development at Arizona, Fisher partnered with donors, faculty and university leaders to advance philanthropic initiatives supporting student success, research innovation and community engagement. She led development teams across multiple colleges and university programs, while cultivating and stewarding a portfolio of major and principal gift donors. She also played an integral role in planning and executing the university’s current multibillion-dollar fundraising campaign.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andy to CSUSM at such an important time in the university’s history,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “Her experience as a successful advancement leader, combined with her background as a nonprofit CEO and her deep commitment to student success, makes her an exceptional addition to our leadership team. Andy understands the transformative power of education personally and professionally, and I look forward to partnering with her as we continue building the philanthropic support necessary to advance our university’s vision and create even greater opportunities for our students.”
Before her career in higher education philanthropy, Fisher spent nearly 25 years in the nonprofit sector, culminating in her role as CEO of the Centre County Youth Service Bureau in central Pennsylvania. She led an organization with more than 90 employees and 14 programs serving children, youth and families across eight sites. During her tenure, she helped expand the organization’s private giving and donor retention efforts and worked closely with community organizations, government leaders and elected officials on issues affecting children and families.
Fisher said her experience working directly with families and communities continues to shape her approach to philanthropy.
“I know firsthand the difference that opportunity and support can make in a person’s life,” Fisher said. “I am especially drawn to CSUSM because of its extraordinary commitment to social mobility and its focus on helping students achieve their dreams. I look forward to building strong relationships with our alumni, donors, Foundation Board, campus community and regional partners to help advance that mission.”
In her new role, Fisher will lead CSUSM’s University Advancement division, including development, alumni engagement, events and conference services, government relations and advancement operations. She will work closely with Neufeldt, university leadership and the CSUSM Foundation Board to strengthen philanthropic partnerships and support the university’s strategic priorities.
Fisher holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Shippensburg University and a bachelor’s in administration of justice from Penn State University. She began her career in human services after being hired in 1994 to implement a federally funded residential program for homeless youth.
Fisher’s appointment marks the next chapter in CSUSM’s efforts to build upon its strong foundation of philanthropic and community support and expand opportunities for students and the region. She will begin her new role at CSUSM later this month.
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