Those who excel at fundraising are often humanitarians at heart—driven as much by people as by progress.  Chapman University’s Executive Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer, Jessica Berger, is a strong example.  As the leader of the university’s fundraising and development efforts, alumni and parent relations, and Chapman’s $500 million comprehensive campaign, Inspire: The Campaign for Chapman University, Berger keeps an eye on the big picture.  But at the center of her work are the people behind the goals and the impact those goals can make.

For Berger, the campaign’s momentum is important, with $480 million raised toward the $500 million goal.  “The numbers tell one story, but the real impact lives in the people behind them, our alumni, parents and community members who believe in Chapman and the power of what is possible through philanthropy.  It is about expanding opportunity, advancing excellence and shaping lives of students for generations to come,” says Berger, who joined the university in July 2025.

Before coming to Chapman, Berger built her 20-year career in advancement through a series of leadership roles in education and non-profit, including Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation at California State University, San Marcos, and Assistant Vice President for Development at Harvey Mudd

Midwest Beginnings

Born and raised in Ohio, Berger is a first-generation college graduate.  “Both my parents worked in a factory and didn’t have the opportunity to go to college,” she says.  “They instilled in me the value of hard work.  As a first-generation college student, I learned the importance of higher education and how it can truly open doors and create life-changing opportunities.”

At age five, Berger began competitive swimming, and the sport quickly became a training ground for habits that still shape how she works today.  “Swimming helped build my character in terms of setting goals and always working toward my personal best,” she says.  “Back then, I wrote my goals on the wall of my bedroom so that I would see them every day when I woke up.  Today, I do the same with sticky notes on my computer to always have goals in sight.”

Although swimming is an individual sport, it also showed Berger the value of collaboration and teamwork.  “I was team captain in high school and college, which helped me understand what it means to work with others toward a common goal.  That’s reflected in how I lead today.”     Intent on making a meaningful impact, Berger earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wittenberg University and a Master of Social Work from Cleveland State University.  She then worked in roles ranging from social work case manager to congressional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Seeds of Fundraising and Development

During the summer between her first and second year of graduate school in 2005, Berger traveled to Kerala, India to assist with rebuilding efforts following the December 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.  The experience gave her a firsthand look at how philanthropy, when organized and well-directed, can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

“During my time in India, I was exposed to organizations rebuilding homes that could withstand a tsunami for the equivalent of $2,000 American dollars.  I saw first-hand the impact philanthropy had on communities and in changing lives.”

Berger, who is based in Orange County, was recruited to Chapman through a national search.  “I had heard wonderful things about the personalized education at Chapman, but nothing quite prepared me for stepping onto campus.  It’s a beautiful place, and you immediately feel the energy and sense of belonging that define the Chapman Family.  I’m honored to collaborate with an inspiring leader in President Parlow, and with the campus community, donors and partners in advancing Chapman’s important mission.”

Chapman University President Matt Parlow, who works closely with Berger, first met her several years ago when he held the role she now occupies.  At the time, he reached out to chief advancement officers across Southern California to learn from their experiences, and the two stayed in touch.

“I was thrilled when Jessica applied for the EVP/Chief Advancement Officer role,” says Parlow.  “She stood out amongst an incredibly experienced, talented and deep pool of applicants as the best candidate for the position.  She is incredibly smart, a very strategic thinker and a seasoned advancement leader, who brings 20 years of experience from different fundraising environments.  She has already brought in several gifts of $1 million or more, which is a remarkable accomplishment for being in the role only about six months!  She has also forged strong bonds with her team and our donors and is launching several new initiatives that will move the needle for Chapman.  It is a real joy to work with Jessica, who lifts the spirits of those around her and motivates all of us to deepen our commitment to Chapman and our mission.”

Keeping Chapman Moving Forward

Irving M. Chase, a member of the Chapman University Board of Trustees and Chair of the Advancement Committee, met Berger during the search to fill her current role.  “Jessica is a fantastic addition to Chapman University’s senior management team,” says Chase.  “She brings great enthusiasm, vitality and new ideas to Chapman’s advancement and development work and will be an important partner in implementing President Parlow’s plans for the university’s continued upward trajectory as one of the nation’s leading universities.  She has the personality, knowledge and experience needed to help keep Chapman moving forward.”

Part of that movement forward is strengthening the university’s ties with alumni and their parents.  “We’re in the process of building a program to engage parents as ambassadors and strategic partners,” says Berger.  “We have such dedicated parents.  By partnering with them, we can enhance the student experience and help shape a connected community that supports Panthers long after graduation.”

Miaad Bushala is a founding member of Chapman’s new Parent and Family Leadership Council.  “I’ve been consistently impressed by Jessica’s impact in university advancement and development,” says Bushala.  “She brings a relationship-driven, thoughtful approach to engaging families and supporters, and that is exactly the kind of leadership that strengthens a university community.  Jessica makes people feel welcome, valued and included, which is vital when inviting parents and families to deepen their connection with the university.  She represents Chapman beautifully: professional, approachable and mission-driven.  Having someone like Jessica in this role makes my family and me even more committed to Chapman.”

In the near future, Berger looks forward to celebrating when Chapman reaches its historic campaign goal, while continuing to deepen engagement with donors and the broader community in support of Chapman’s mission of academic excellence through personalized education.

“I’m excited about being a part of Chapman’s upward trajectory,” says Berger.  “I feel like I hit the jackpot, and I’m incredibly grateful to be here.”