Moraga is an accomplished philanthropy executive who is deeply connected to the community
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. – Feb. 7, 2024 – Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, a leading philanthropic organization dedicated to connecting donors with regional and global needs through visionary community leadership, personalized service and effective grantmaking, welcomes Ben Moraga as its new president and CEO. Moraga officially assumes his new role on Feb. 20, 2024.
“Rancho Santa Fe Foundation has been a pillar of the community for over 40 years, and I am honored to join in the important mission,” said Moraga. “The opportunity to lead a community foundation—especially one with the stellar reputation of Rancho Santa Fe Foundation—doesn’t come along very often. I’m excited to help grow the Foundation and accelerate local impact.”
Moraga’s distinguished background and community involvement
A resident of the Del Sur community in North County, Moraga was selected following a months-long search for a new president and chief executive officer. Moraga, who recently served as vice president of Sharp HealthCare Foundation, brings over 20 years of distinguished experience in nonprofit development, community relations, board development and leadership within healthcare foundations and higher education. As the vice president of Sharp HealthCare Foundation, he led a team of 35 professionals across three foundations, representing four acute care hospitals, three specialty hospitals and 25 outpatient clinics. Before Sharp HealthCare, Moraga was the associate vice president of university relations and development at San Diego State University.
Moraga’s commitment to community service is evident through his involvement in various organizations. He currently serves on the boards of San Diego’s Regional Task Force on Homelessness and the USS Midway Museum. He previously held roles of chair and board member of Monarch School, which is committed to aiding youth experiencing homelessness in San Diego, and served as commissioner for both the San Diego Housing Commission and the San Diego Library Commission. He was recognized as one of San Diego Business Journal’s Top 50 Latino Leaders of Influence in 2022 and is a current member of the Century Club of San Diego and Sports San Diego.
As president and CEO, Moraga will steer the Foundation’s new grantmaking focus areas
In his new role with Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, Moraga will lead the strategic direction and operational excellence for the Foundation, guiding the vision, ensuring financial health and building strong relationships with fundholders, nonprofit partners, employees and the community.
Moraga takes the helm as Rancho Santa Fe Foundation rolls out two new grantmaking focus areas: Advancing Education and Building Healthy Communities, joining the Foundation’s flagship impact pillar, Supporting Our Heroes (formerly known as The Patriots Connection). Collaborative grantmaking for these three impact pillars aims to combine the giving power of many, creating a much larger collective fund that can be strategically directed toward key community needs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ben as the new president and CEO of Rancho Santa Fe Foundation,” said Karen Sprigle, chief operating officer, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. “His extensive experience, leadership skills and commitment to philanthropy align seamlessly with our mission. We are excited that he is the leader who will guide the Foundation into our next chapter, continuing our legacy of impactful community service.” Sprigle served as interim president and CEO of the Foundation during the executive search and has now resumed her position as COO.
Linda Kitchens, chair of the Foundation’s executive board, added, “Ben’s proven track record of successful leadership and deep connections throughout the region make him an excellent fit for our organization. We look forward to working together to fulfill our mission and serve the community with distinction.”
About Rancho Santa Fe Foundation
Rancho Santa Fe Foundation is the bridge that connects forward-thinking philanthropists in North County with outstanding nonprofit institutions. The Foundation holds and invests donor advised and nonprofit agency funds, and facilitates grantmaking in our local community. Learn more at www.rsffoundation.org.