Executive Board Position
Vice President (three-year term)
Full Name (First and Last Name)
Jeff Porto Jr.
Contact Phone
209-228-4132
Current Position Title
Director of Development, Student Affairs and Athletics
Current Department
Development and Alumni Relations
Years of service with UC Merced
6.75
Years of service with UC
6.75
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position:
Director of Development, Student Affairs and Athletics-2012-Present
As a Director of Development for more than five years, I have helped the University reach its fundraising goals with strategic planning and partnerships with campus colleagues and donors. I also serve as a liaison to donors, community members and our Foundation Trustees.
With a focus on Student Affairs and Athletics, my fundraising efforts have supported scholarships and fellowships, the Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center, the Center for Career and Professional Advancement, Office of Student Life, CalTeach, and UC Merced Athletics including the annual Building Future Champions Dinner and Ma Kelley Memorial Golf Tournament, to name a few. I have worked with many members of the campus community from the Chancellor and members of her cabinet to faculty, staff and students.
Analyst, Government Relations-2010-2012
Highlights: Instrumental in bringing the first county polling place to campus in 2011
Coordinating the UC Merced delegation for UC Day to advocate for the importance of higher education to the state legislature in Sacramento
Before UC Merced
Catapult Strategies
I worked in the private sector in consulting and political campaigns. Working with various clients including corporations, school districts, police unions, members of Congress and local candidates, helped provide information, analysis and recommendations on policy and politics. The project that was the most fun was working with the San Francisco 49ers owners and front office to organize community and regional stakeholders including local and state elected officials, business and community leaders and fans, to support the siting and construction of a new NFL stadium in the city of Santa Clara.
interned at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group in San Jose providing research support on transportation policy, and was the lead intern on organizing and marketing the 2nd Annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot which raised more than $175,000 for three local charities: Healthier Kids Foundation Santa Clara County, Housing Trust Silicon Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank, Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein:
UC Merced-Current
Co-Chair Fundraising, UC Merced Staff Assembly
2012-Current-Chair, Ma Kelley Events Committee
2016-Present-Member, UC Merced Giving Tuesday Committee-The Committee organizes and executes the annual Giving Tuesday fundraising initiative for undergraduate scholarships at UC Merced.
2014-Member, UC Merced Giving.ucmerced.edu website advisory committee
Provided feedback and recommendations on the design and function of the University's giving website.
Community
League of Women Voters of Merced County
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.
2016-Present-Vice President, Programs
Committee Member, Lunch & Learn Program Committee
Continuing “Lunch and Learns” for the community to hear from guest speakers on projects, issues and policies in Merced County. And also developing new programs to educate and inform voters.
Co-Lead on the 2016 Candidates Night
2011-2016-Volunteer Coach, UC Merced Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Teams
Provide support to the head coach, and mentorship to student athletes.
Merced Satellite Rotary Club
July 1, 2016 to Current -Chairman
Provide club leadership and direction for our club’s 15 members and to carry out Rotary’s mission of ‘Service above Self
2015-2016, founding member and Fundraising Chair
Our club focuses on supporting youth in Merced including raising funds for "Free Swim Fridays" at McNamara Park during the summer and sending at-risk youth through Merced Chamber's Junior Leadership Program.
As Fundraising Chair in 2016, created and coordinated a “Back to the Future” costume fundraiser at 510 Bistro to raise funds for high school students to participate in the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership program.
Past
San Francisco Junior Giants Little League Volunteer Head Coach
Taught the game of baseball to under served youth in San Jose.
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participating in events, or attendance at Executive Board meetings:
2016-2017-Served as Co-Chair of Fundraising
Led the Giving Tuesday initiative for the Staff Assembly Scholarship which raised close to $20,000 for the scholarship
Co-Chaired the successful 2017 UC Merced United Way Campaign
Participated in Executive Board meetings and decided on staff members' nominations to join various campus committees
Created the idea to invite staff to bring canned goods to the Fall 2016 Staff Social to benefit the UC Merced Food Pantry
Received toys from staff during the Chancellor's annual holiday toy drive
Participated in staff games and staff appreciation picnics
Purchased staff t-shirts
Led one of The Barn tours in 2015.
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution?
I believe my diverse professional background working in both the private and public sectors will serve UC Merced, staff and the Executive board well. Also, my experience and leadership roles working with a diverse group of people both on and off campus, and serving as a liaison in the community will be helpful to meet the needs of staff as the campus changes and grows with the Merced 2020 Project.
I will continue to be a strong advocate for staff and listen, and be proactive and nimble to address challenges, and strengthen the staff experience for current and future staff at UC Merced. I also look forward to supporting the incoming President and doing what I can to help him to be successful. I look forward to continuing to share my passion for UC Merced and our community, on Staff Assembly.
Thank you for your sincere consideration.
