Mark Ruffo

Mark Ruffo is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in advancement and development roles across various organizations. Currently serving as the Chief Advancement Officer at the California Academy of Sciences since December 2024, Mark collaborates with the Academy Board of Trustees to enhance philanthropic support for scientific research and conservation initiatives. Prior to this, Mark held the position of Chief Development Officer at Landesa from 2017 to December 2024, focusing on global poverty alleviation and land rights. Mark also served as Managing Director of Resource Development at Malaria No More, and as Director of Major Gifts at Seattle Children's, where responsibilities included managing significant donor portfolios and marketing efforts. Mark's academic background includes a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Washington and an MBA from the UW Foster School of Business, complemented by a BS in Biology from Georgetown University.