VENTURA, Calif. - s4story -- Gerry Pantoja has been named Director of Philanthropy at the Ventura College Foundation. He had previously held the position of Director of Major and Planned Giving.

"It is a privilege to work with individuals and organizations who have and continue to seek to improve our community through the power of education," says Pantoja. "Through their partnerships and ongoing support, our students will go on to earn certificates and degrees or transfer to a four-year university, obtaining the skills and knowledge that will not only better their lives but Ventura as well. In this new role, I look forward to continuing this work with our community partners to expand our ability to make a difference in the lives of the students who will lead and care for Ventura in the coming years."

Pantoja has over 14 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. He has fundraised for a variety of nonprofit organizations including eight years fundraising in Washington, D.C. He received his Master's in Philanthropic Studies from the Lily School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

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Pantoja was also recently named a Certified Fund Raising Executive by CFRE International. To receive the designation, he successfully passed a written examination testing his knowledge, skills and abilities required of a fundraising executive and agreed to uphold CFRE Accountability Standards and its Donor Bill of Rights.

"As the foundation's Director of Major and Planned Giving, Gerry has consistently met or exceeded the foundation's overall annual fundraising goals since he joined the foundation in  2017, even during the pandemic,"  says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. "He is recognized throughout Ventura County as a leader in philanthropy and fundraising."

Pantoja is currently the co-president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter (AFPSBVC). He is the committee chair of the Ventura Chamber's Young Professionals. Pantoja is a member of the 2022 cohort of the Ventura County Leadership Academy, a program that cultivates personal and professional growth of those in leadership roles throughout the county.

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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 (mailto:aking@vcccd.edu) or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.