Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the CSUSM Foundation

Cal State San Marcos has announced the appointment of Andrea “Andy” Fisher as its new vice president (VP) of University Advancement and executive director of the CSUSM Foundation, beginning her role later this month.

Fisher joins CSUSM at a pivotal moment as the university advances its ambitious Blueprint for the Future campaign, which has reached 87% of its $200 million goal. This momentum reflects the strength of faculty and staff grants, along with generous support from CSUSM’s alumni, donors, and community partners. Fisher will lead CSUSM’s University Advancement division, overseeing development, alumni engagement, events and conference services, government relations, and advancement operations. As a close partner to President Ellen Neufeldt, university leadership, and the CSUSM Foundation Board, Fisher will strengthen philanthropic relationships in order to advance the university’s strategic priorities.

Fisher brings more than 25 years of leadership experience to CSUSM, spanning higher education philanthropy, nonprofit management, and community service. She joins CSUSM from the University of Arizona, where she has served in various development roles since 2019, most recently as a vice president of development leading centralized and college-embedded advancement teams across a broad portfolio of academic and university programs. In her role at the University of Arizona, Fisher partnered with donors, faculty, and university leaders to advance philanthropic initiatives supporting student success, research innovation, and community engagement; cultivated and stewarded a portfolio of major and principal gift donors; and played an integral role in planning and executing the university’s current multibillion-dollar fundraising campaign.

Before her career in higher education philanthropy, Fisher spent over two decades 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 grow 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 holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Shippensburg University and a bachelor’s in administration of justice from Pennsylvania State University.

Read the full press release here.

Rachel Ellenport led this search with Christina Garrison and Rebecca Lyons.