Courtesy photo.
CENTRAL COAST — Gerry Pantoja, director of major and planned giving at the Ventura College Foundation, has been elected the 2021 president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter (APFSBVC).
At the Ventura College Foundation, Pantoja is responsible for securing funding to further the foundation’s mission to provide innovative and vital resources and financial support to the students and programs at Ventura College. With over 12 years working in the nonprofit sector, he has fundraised for a variety of nonprofit organizations including eight years fundraising in Washington, D.C.
APFSBVC provides resources and training to fundraising professionals in nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
“In addition to serving those in our communities who benefit from our missions, nonprofits also help foster social capital and create active citizens through other aspects of our work,” says Pantoja. “We plan to move our chapter into a new world that will eventually be a blend of the virtual one we have come to know and the in-person one we use to have–all the while continuing to provide the programming our members seek to further their development. The communities they serve will benefit from their growth as professionals.”
“Gerry has been very successful in generating significant donations for the foundation, even during these very challenging times,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “He will bring the same drive, knowledge and leadership to his role as APFSBVC president.”
Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and operates financially independent from Ventura College. It transforms students’ lives through education by providing innovative and vital resources and financial support. The Foundation collaborates with Ventura College to enhance human potential, civic engagement, careers and academic success of students enabling their effective impact and legacy on the college, local workforce, and our community. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or jharvey@vcccd.edu or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org