After a months-long search, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation welcomes Ben Moraga as President and CEO effective Feb. 20, 2024. He is an accomplished philanthropy executive with over 20 years of distinguished experience in nonprofit development, community relations, board development and leadership within healthcare foundations and higher education.
“I am honored to join the important mission of Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, a pillar of our community for over 40 years,” shared Ben. “The opportunity to lead a foundation with such a stellar reputation is rare, and I am excited to contribute to the growth and acceleration of local impact.
Deep Sector Experience and Commitment to Community
Before joining Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, Ben was the Vice President of Sharp HealthCare Foundation where 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, he was the Associate Vice President of University Relations and Development at San Diego State University.
Ben’s commitment to community service is evident through his involvement in local organizations. He currently serves on the boards of the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness and the USS Midway Museum. He previously held roles of chair and board member of Monarch School, an organization 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.
Steering New Grantmaking Initiatives
As President and CEO, Ben will lead the strategic direction and operational excellence for the Foundation, ensuring financial health and building strong relationships with fundholders, nonprofit partners, employees and the community. He 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).
“We are thrilled to welcome Ben as our new President and CEO. His extensive experience, leadership skills and commitment to philanthropy align seamlessly with our mission,” said Karen Sprigle, Chief Operating Officer of Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. Karen served as interim President and CEO during the executive search and has now resumed her position as COO.
Foundation Executive Board Chair Linda Kitchens added, “Ben’s proven track record of successful leadership and his deep connections throughout the region make him an excellent fit for the Foundation. We look forward to working together to fulfill our mission and serve the community with distinction.”
Ben and his family live in the Del Sur community in North County. Please join us in extending him a warm welcome as he begins his next chapter with Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. Welcome, Ben!
