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Christopher Delisio

Christopher Delisio

Title (field 2)
Vice President of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the FAU Foundation, Inc.
Department
Institutional Advancement and Foundation Board of Directors Leadership
Phone
561.297.3015
Email
delisioc@fau.edu
Full Bio

Christopher J. “Chris” Delisio was named Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and chief executive officer of the FAU Foundation on September 12, 2021.

In his role as Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Chris is responsible for the overall direction and management of fundraising at Florida Atlantic, including Advancement operations, Advancement communications and marketing, Development, FAU Foundation Finance, and Alumni and Community Engagement. As CEO of the FAU Foundation, he is charged with offering advice, counsel and leadership to the independent foundation and board of directors. In December 2022, the university moved to the public phase of its first comprehensive fundraising campaign in 20 years – Transcend Tomorrow: The Campaign for Florida Atlantic University. The goal is to raise $600 million for the university with a focus in three key areas: FAU Health, scholarships and student success, and the environment. During fiscal year 2022, FAU raised a record-breaking $81.2 million, of which a $28 million estate pledge from John and Ann Wood represented the largest scholarship gift in FAU’s history.

Prior to arriving at FAU, Chris spent 11 total years at The Ohio State University, most recently as the Assistant Vice President for Development and Executive Director of Principal Gifts. He was responsible for assisting with the execution of a more than $500 million annual fundraising strategy and providing comprehensive leadership and oversight of the principal gift operation (gifts in excess of $5 million).

Chris’ development leadership experience spans more than 25 years, and includes positions with the North Carolina Special Olympics and institutions of higher education in North Carolina and Ohio.

Chris earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hiram College. He also has published several articles and presented at a variety of professional conferences.

Education:

  • Kent State University: Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree

  • Hiram College: Bachelor of Arts Degree