Shara Freeman Hoefel joined UC San Diego as Assistant Vice Chancellor, Alumni Relations in 2025. Previously, she oversaw fundraising, parent and alumni relations, communications, marketing and admissions at Francis Parker School in San Diego for 12 years.
Her career in development started in 2004. She has worked in Boston and New York City for Cornell University, Fordham Law School, and the Chapin School. She has expertise in campaign fundraising, donor engagement, strategic planning and communications, board governance, and development operations. She has spoken at CASE regional and national conferences and has served on two CAIS accreditation teams.
Hoefel received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Cornell University and a master's degree in sport psychology from Ithaca College.