Rick Paradis

Rick Paradis serves as Interim Associate Vice President for University Development at San Francisco State University, providing strategic leadership for the University's comprehensive fundraising program. Working closely with Advancement division leadership as well as faculty, alumni, volunteers and philanthropic partners, he is committed to advancing SFSU's mission to expand educational opportunity, foster innovation and create lasting impact through philanthropy.

A nationally recognized advancement leader, Rick brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit fundraising, with expertise spanning major and principal gifts, planned giving, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, campaign strategy and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, he has built high-performing fundraising teams, strengthened donor engagement, and developed comprehensive philanthropic strategies that align donor passions with institutional priorities.

Prior to joining SFSU, Rick served as Associate Vice President for Development at California State University, Monterey Bay, where he led a multidisciplinary development team and helped guide planning for the university's $250 million comprehensive campaign. He also served as Interim Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation at Central Washington University, leading campaign readiness efforts, overseeing a 34-member advancement organization, and helping secure more than $36 million in philanthropic support. His career also includes advancement leadership positions at Eastern Oregon University, Webb Institute and Drew University, as well as earlier experience in the financial services industry.

Rick is known for his collaborative leadership style and his belief that philanthropy is built on authentic relationships, shared purpose and meaningful engagement. A first-generation college graduate, he is passionate about expanding access to higher education and creating pathways for student success through philanthropy.

Rick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Lake Forest College and attended graduate school at American University's School of International Service. He is also a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG).

Rick, his wife, M’Liz, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Charlie, have recently relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area.