Zack Smith

Executive Director of Development, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego

Zachary Smith leads the efforts of the external relations staff at the Jacobs School which includes major and principal gifts, donor relations, stewardship, and events. He works directly with the Dean of the School to provide strategic direction for a comprehensive major and principal gifts program as the University completes the next comprehensive campaign. Smith is passionate about advancing higher education by developing strategic and meaningful relationships.  

At the Palomar Health Foundation, Smith served as the Senior Director of Development where he oversaw a team of fundraising professionals dedicated to the advancement of Palomar Health, California’s largest public health care district. Prior to this position, he served as the Director of Major Gifts within the Palomar Health Foundation where he had the primary fundraising responsibility for the divisions of Orthopedic Medicine, Cardiovascular Care, Men’s Health, Rehabilitative Care, and Neurosciences.  He cultivated his passion for higher education at Portland State University, where he earned a B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Civic Leadership. Smith was a member of the PSU Wrestling Team and competed in the PAC 10 Division, during which he was honored as an All-Academic PAC 10 wrestler. He went on to earn his MBA at the Rady School of Management at UC San Diego.