Adam
De La Peña-Gafke, CFRE
Adam is a dynamic nonprofit leader, donor-centric fundraiser, and data-driven strategist—advancing philanthropic impact across academia and health care through servant leadership, innovation, and best practices.
​Explore how his leadership will elevate your organization—driving breakthrough results, amplifying impact, and unlocking record success.
Whether you need a full-time executive leader or an experienced consultant for a specific project, put his expertise, tenacity, and talents to work today.
Industries Served
Over his career, Adam has partnered with mission-driven organizations across a diverse spectrum of industries—including higher education, health care, and the United States military. Whether expanding access to education, fostering alumni engagement, advancing leading-edge innovations in care, or supporting those who serve, his work has consistently centered on strengthening communities and creating meaningful, lasting impact. Guided by a commitment to servant leadership, he brings strategic insight, creative problem solving, collaborative spirit, and deep respect for each sector’s unique values and challenges.
Education
University of Missouri | Columbia, MO
B.S., Parks, Recreation, Sport, and Tourism
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University of Guadalajara | Guadalajara, Mexico
Spanish Language and Culture
Certification
Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) | 2016 - 2025
Awards and Recognition
Tiger Pride Award (2022) — National honor presented by the University of Missouri Alumni Association, recognizing exceptional tenure and impact in alumni engagement. Selected from nominees across the country for exemplary volunteer leadership and chapter innovation.
Technical Skills
CRM: Salesforce (Ascend by UC Innovation / Kindsight), The Raiser’s Edge
Prospect Research: LexisNexis, iWave, Kindsight suite of research solutions, DonorSearch
Productivity Tools: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom, Google Forms, Dropbox, Box
Project Management: Smartsheet, Workfront
Artificial Intelligence: ChatGPT, Copilot
Business Intelligence: Qlik, Power BI
Digital Media Creation: InVideo, Wix, iMovie
Social Platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
Languages
English (Native)
Spanish
Italian
German
ASL
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Civic and Volunteer Leadership
University of Missouri Alumni Association (Columbia, MO)
Director - Mizzou Alumni Association Governing Board | 2025 - 2027
Chapter President - Los Angeles/Orange County, CA | 2010 - 2023
Chapter President - Las Vegas, NV | 2001 - 2008
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Current (Costa Mesa community name)
HOA Board of Directors - Treasurer | 2025 - 2027
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Neighborhood Traffic Control (Costa Mesa)
Project leader, organized community, successfully petitioned city to install speed bumps | 2024 - 2025
Newport North Townhomes (aka Corsica Villas)
HOA Board of Directors - Treasurer | 2012 - 2014
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104th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Winner of parade theme contest for entry, "Surf, Sand and Santa" | December 2012
Newport Beach Fire Department
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) - Class Participant | Fall 2012
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Newport Beach Police Department
Citizen's Academy Class 31 - Class Participant and Graduation Speaker | Spring 2012
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Miss Nevada USA (State level of Miss USA Pageant)
Pageant Judge | 2008 - 2009
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Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Jacksonville, FL chapter)
Chapter Volunteer | 1997 - 2000
Event Chair - Annual Black Tie Gala | 1998
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