David Gillig

Chief Philanthropy Officer

David Gillig leads the development of philanthropic support to further growth of the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s commitment to worldwide conservation efforts.

Gillig brings a wealth of philanthropic experience, leadership, professionalism, strong relationships in San Diego, and an inspiring global lens. Prior to joining the organization in 2021, Gillig spent eight years at the international consulting firm Marts & Lundy, where he served as a senior consultant and principal, and a member of the firm’s board of directors. During his tenure there, Gillig provided counsel to more than 150 health, education, arts, and environmental organizations, including some of the nation’s premier nonprofit institutions. Before joining Marts & Lundy, Gillig served as senior vice president and foundation executive director at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego for 19 years, with leadership responsibilities for philanthropy, volunteer services, and institution-wide marketing communications. Prior to his work at Rady Children’s, Gillig served as senior vice president of Scripps Foundation for Medicine & Science—the philanthropic arm of Scripps Clinic, Scripps Memorial Hospitals, and The Scripps Research Institute.

Gillig has been recognized throughout his career as a professional leader, consistently giving back to his community and mentoring others. He has a proven track record of building strong and meaningful relationships with philanthropists, as evidenced by his efforts to secure what was then the second largest gift to a children’s hospital in history in 2006, resulting in the naming of the Rady Children’s Hospital.

Gillig served as dean of fundraising management at the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s (AHP) Madison Institute at the University of Wisconsin for 21 years. He has served on the board of directors of AHP, the Woodmark Group (a consortium of leading children’s hospitals), Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the Rotary Club of La Jolla, and Painted Rock School Foundation. Gillig was selected as Development Executive of the Year in 1994 by the San Diego Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Executives. In October 2016, AHP presented Gillig with its highest honor recognizing outstanding achievement and service to the profession: the AHP Si Seymour Award.