Sandy Liarakos has been named the new vice president of philanthropy at Sanford Burnham Prebys, returning to San Diego where she distinguished herself over many years in similar capacities at some of the city’s leading biomedical research and academic institutions.
“I am thrilled to return home,” said Liarakos, whose duties will include overseeing the strategic philanthropic plan for the institute, building strong relationships with donors, corporations and foundations and working collaboratively with President and CEO David Brenner, MD.
“Sanford Burnham Prebys has long been a leader in biomedical research and education, even more now as it embarks and expands on bold plans to remedy some of our most daunting diseases. I am honored to join this visionary organization and help, with many others, to make a positive impact on patient health.”
Liarakos comes to Sanford Burnham Prebys from the University of California, Riverside, where she served as Senior Director of Gift Planning, overseeing legacy philanthropy programs for the university and the UC Riverside School of Medicine.
Prior to UC Riverside, Liarakos was senior director, external relations at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (2017-2022), where she managed the cancer center’s fundraising and collaborated with national cancer foundations. She has also been part of leadership teams at UC Davis, UC San Diego, San Diego State University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Scripps Health Foundation and Sharp HealthCare.
“Sandy brings a wealth of experience to the job of vice president of philanthropy at Sanford Burnham Prebys,” said Brenner. “She has been in senior positions for more than 15 years, deeply involved in different aspects of the research enterprise across the Mesa. She knows the science, the institutions and the people. Most critically, she has the expertise and ability to convey that knowledge and enthusiasm.
“We are doing great things here. The institute is pushing past old boundaries, embracing a biomedical revolution powered by new technologies and unprecedented information and opportunity. Sandy will help us, with the support of our communities and many others, to translate science into health.”
Liarakos is a second-generation San Diegan. She graduated from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She is a member of Certified Fund Raising Executive International and a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving.