About
Adam de la Peña-Gafke is a purpose-driven philanthropic executive who has spent over two decades enhancing the impact of nonprofit organizations across health care, higher education, and beyond. A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), he is known for leading high-performing teams, scaling fundraising success, and embedding data-informed strategy into mission-centered innovation.
His philanthropic journey began in the early 2000s, following a formative role in military recreation management after earning a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Missouri. Rooted in family tradition and personal conviction, Adam transitioned into the nonprofit sector and quickly distinguished himself as a visionary builder, fundraiser, and teacher.
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As a fundraising professional, Adam has led comprehensive campaigns that exceeded ambitious goals and built donor-centered strategies that make every constituent feel like a changemaker. He’s trained more than 3,500 fundraisers representing over 50 institutions, empowering others to succeed through mentorship, storytelling, and shared purpose.
His leadership blends human connection and technological acumen—modernizing advancement and CRM systems, launching business intelligence divisions, and forging strategic partnerships with boards, donors, and volunteers. From front-line fundraising to enterprise-level strategy, Adam translates vision into results that save lives, elevate communities, and shape lasting legacy.
A proud Mizzou alumnus, Adam’s connection to his alma mater is lifelong and multi-regional. Wherever he’s lived—from Florida to Nevada to California—he’s deepened alumni engagement and expanded the university’s reach. Most notably, he led the Los Angeles/Orange County alumni chapter for over a decade, growing scholarship fundraising, facilitating connections among alumni and students, and developing high-impact programs that fostered institutional pride and sustained engagement.
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Adam lives in coastal Orange County, California, with his wife and two dogs. Among his many pursuits, he enjoys biking, golf, sailing, photography, cooking, gardening, and immersive international travel—especially when it includes bespoke culinary experiences and opportunities to refine his conversational language skills. These personal passions echo the intentionality and curiosity he brings to both professional and personal life.