Cristina Fekeci
Chief Development Officer
Since 1988, Cristina Fekeci has overseen the Aquarium's Development and Membership programs that today include over 70,000 member and donor households nationwide. As a member of the senior staff Executive Committee, she works closely with Julie Packard and the Board of Trustees to solicit and steward major gifts to position the institution for the future.
Cristina recently helped complete a $125 million campaign to support a suite of Aquarium programs in education, exhibits, conservation, and field research. Working with the late David Packard and a council of the nation's top leaders, including former Secretary of State George P. Shultz, she ran the institution's first-ever major fundraising campaign to open the $60 million Open Sea wing in 1996.
"As a child, I remember going to Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey often with my family. Each time we went there, my brother and I would sneak off and go visit one of the fish stalls where there was often a live octopus in an aquarium in the back."
Cristina Fekeci
From 1978 to 1984, Cristina held a number of positions in Washington, D.C., in direct mail marketing, nonprofit management, fundraising, and public relations. From 1984 to 1987, she worked in development at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Cristina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Arts degree in communications from American University in Washington, D.C.
Keep exploring
About us
Our history
Since opening in 1984, we've inspired millions of visitors and become a leader in ocean conservation.
Read more – Our history
About us
Our mission, vision & values
We envision a future where the ocean flourishes and people thrive in a just and equitable world.
Read more – Our mission, vision & values
About us
Strategic Plan 2024-2029
Read our 2024-2029 strategic plan, "Flourishing Ocean, Thriving People," to see our vision for the future.
Read more – Strategic Plan 2024-2029
About us
Follow us on social media
Follow us on your favorite channel and make the ocean a part of your daily routine.
Read more – Follow us on social media