Scott Biedermann, the No. 2 development officer at University of the Pacific who has played a central role in raising nearly $280 million during the largest campaign in the 170-year history of California’s first university, will succeed Burnie Atterbury as the university’s top fundraiser.

Biedermann will become vice president of development and alumni relations July 1 when Atterbury steps down after nine successful years.

“Scott is an accomplished, energetic and forward-looking executive perfectly positioned to help Pacific become the very best small comprehensive university in the nation,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “His experience bringing together diverse constituencies in support of shared goals will be invaluable in advancing the university's philanthropic goals, building on the strong foundation Burnie created over the past decade.”

Biedermann joined Pacific in 2012 and has progressed through the ranks of Pacific’s development leadership. In his various roles, he has overseen all facets of fundraising at the university.  He has led efforts to support Pacific’s student scholarships, new and improved facilities and endowed faculty positions.

“I am honored and humbled to be appointed to this important university leadership position and continue to grow a strong culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Pacific,” said Biedermann, who holds two advanced degrees from the university. “I understand the value of a Pacific education as I have experienced it, and it has changed my life for the better.”

Prior to joining Pacific, Biedermann led the first Research and Grant Development Department at the San Joaquin County Office of Education. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at Modesto Junior College and Teachers College of San Joaquin. A graduate of University of California at Berkeley, Biedermann went on to earn his master’s in communications at Pacific in 2005 and his doctorate in education in 2020. 

Biedermann is a lifelong San Joaquin County resident whose family has deep roots at Pacific. He met his wife, Alicia, on the Stockton campus as students. Her grandfather, Bob Heyborne, was the dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

He also is chair of Visionary Homebuilders of California and a senior fellow of the Great Valley Chapter of American Leadership Forum.

“As an alumnus and extraordinary professional, Scott understands what a special place Pacific is and how best to tell the story of our students,” said Pacific Regent Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt, vice president of retail banking and a director at the Bank of Stockton. “He has demonstrated an extensive track record of success and will be a great champion for advancing the university’s strategic priorities. I am confident that he will help lead Pacific to new heights of philanthropy.”

Regent-elect Janet Rogers said, “I have always appreciated Scott’s ability to communicate the value and excellence of a Pacific education in an authentic and inspiring way, He has changed Pacific for the better and truly represents the very best this university stands for.”

Biedermann will succeed Atterbury, who served as the university’s top development officer since 2012, overseeing major gifts, planned giving, the Pacific Fund, corporation and foundation relations, alumni relations and advancement services.

“Burnie built a tremendous fundraising foundation at Pacific. He truly has taken fundraising to the next level,” Callahan said. “We are indebted to Burnie for his exemplary leadership throughout the campaign and are delighted that he will be staying in a part-time capacity through the successful end of the campaign next year.”

Together with long-time donors and campaign co-chairs Tony and Virginia Chan, Atterbury developed and implemented the university’s $300 million fundraising campaign – the largest in school history.

“Burnie has successfully led and managed our Leading with Purpose campaign and has shepherded thousands of new donors into the campaign,” said Tony Chan ’77, former Pacific regent and campaign co-chair. “The results will resonate and support students and the university for decades to come.”

Atterbury also introduced the Powell Match program, which leverages The Powell Fund to match endowment gifts 1:1, which has resulted in the rapid growth in endowed student scholarships and academic program support, from $150 million in 2012 to more than $500 million.

Also under Atterbury’s leadership, the university saw a record $1.2 million in donations during April’s Pacific Gives, a 24-hour online giving event launched four years ago.

Biedermann will join other new senior leaders at Pacific appointed since Callahan joined the university 11 months ago as president after 15 years as dean and vice provost at Arizona State University. 

UCLA Dean for Students Maria Q. Blandizzi was named vice president for student life in April. Liz Orwin, head of engineering at Harvey Mudd College, was appointed dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science earlier in April. Mary Wardell-Ghirarduzzi, vice provost for diversity at University of San Francisco, was appointed Pacific’s inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion in March. Christopher Ferguson, an enrollment strategist from Occidental College, started in September as Pacific’s vice president for enrollment management.

Pacific, California’s first university with campuses in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco, is ranked as the No. 18 university in the West by The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education.