Jeff Porto Jr.

Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position:

As a Director of Development for more than four years, I have helped the University reach its fundraising goals with strategic planning and partnerships with campus colleagues. 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, the Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center, the Center for Career and Professional Advancement, Office of Student Life and our NAIA Athletics program to name a few. I have worked with all members of the campus community from the Chancellor and her cabinet to faculty, staff and students. Previously, I served as an analyst in Governmental Relations for almost two years and was instrumental in bringing the first county polling place to campus in 2011 and coordinating the UC Merced delegation for UC Day in Sacramento to advocate for higher education to the state legislature.

Before my time at UC Merced, 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.

Before that, I interned at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group in San Jose 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
2011-Present-Volunteer Coach, UC Merced Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Teams
Provide support to the head coach and mentorship and advice to student athletes. Travel to meets in the Valley and other parts of California.
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.
2015-2016-At-Large Board Member
Co-Lead on the 2016 Candidates Night
July 1, 2016-2018-2nd Vice President-Programs
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.

Merced Satellite Rotary Club
2015-2016, founding member and Fundraising Chair
Our club focuses on supporting youth in Merced including raising funds for "Free Swim Fridays" during the summer and sending at-risk youth through Merced Chamber's Junior Leadership Program.
As Fundraising Chair, created and coordinated a “Back to the Future” costume fundraiser at 510 Bistro to raise funds for the Junior Leadership program.
Starting July 1, 2016 to 2017-Club Chairman
Provide club leadership and direction for our club’s 15 members and to carry out Rotary’s mission of ‘Service above Self” 

Past
San Francisco Junior Giants Little League Volunteer Head Coach
Taught the game of baseball to underserved 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:

Participated in staff games, picnics.
Purchased staff t-shirt
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 working with a diverse group of people both on and off campus and being goal oriented will help Staff Assembly reach their fundraising goals. Also, I look forward to bringing my passion for UC Merced and our community to Staff Assembly. 

Thank you for your consideration.