President & CEO of Rancho Santa Fe Foundation
As an executive search and recruiting firm which works exclusively with nonprofits and public agencies, Blair Search Partners (BSP) cares about people and purpose. When we’re able to successfully match the right people with the right organization at the right time, the impact resonates throughout all of our communities.
In our Project Impact series, we’re taking the time to connect with candidates who have recently been placed in positions with mission-driven organizations about their experience with Blair Search Partners.
Follow along as we learn more about their professional journey and the ways they’re influencing change and making an impact in their new roles.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Ben Moraga, President & CEO of Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. Ben’s journey to his current role is a testament to the power of trusted partnerships, strategic recruiting, and the impact of a well-placed leader.
Meet Ben: A Leader Rooted in Purpose
For over 20 years, Ben Moraga has been a dedicated leader in nonprofit development, philanthropy, and community relations. His career has been defined by a commitment to driving meaningful change, strengthening organizational impact, and fostering collaboration between funders and communities.
Before joining Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, Ben served as Vice President of Sharp HealthCare Foundation, where he led a team of 35 professionals across multiple hospitals and clinics to ensure that philanthropy directly enhanced healthcare services and community well-being. Prior to that, he was the Associate Vice President of University Relations and Development at San Diego State University, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s fundraising and community engagement efforts.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ben has been a steadfast advocate for social causes. He currently serves on the boards of the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness and the USS Midway Museum. His leadership extends to past roles with Monarch School, the San Diego Housing Commission, and the San Diego Library Commission. Recognized as one of San Diego Business Journal’s Top 50 Latino Leaders of Influence in 2022, Ben has continually leveraged his expertise to amplify impact in the region.
In February 2024, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation welcomed Ben as its President & CEO after a thoughtful search for the right leader. Stepping into this role, he saw a rare opportunity to build upon the Foundation’s 40-year legacy while driving it forward with new initiatives.
Stepping into Leadership: A Vision for the Future
When Ben took the helm at Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, he inherited an organization with a long legacy of serving communities across North County and beyond. His first priority? Strengthening and expanding that impact.
“The biggest win of the past year has been solidifying our team,” Ben shared. “We had an amazing team to begin with, and continuing to build upon that has been a huge priority. Over the last year, we’ve developed a strategic plan to push ourselves back out into the community as a leader—because that is the fundamental purpose of a community foundation.”
Ben and his team have focused on three core areas in their strategic plan:
- Community Leadership – Through community engagement and leadership, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation is working to educate fundholders and other stakeholders on critical issues while deepening its role as a catalyst for change.
- Growing the Family of Fund Holders – Strengthening ties within Rancho Santa Fe and attracting new partners who share the foundation’s commitment to meaningful philanthropy.
- Leveraging Investments for Greater Impact – Creating partnerships with nonprofits, RSFF fundholders, and other funders to maximize the impact of every philanthropic dollar.
“We’re here to stay,” Ben emphasized. “We’re not going anywhere. Our mission remains the same—to be a community leader and make an impact. Now, we’re deepening those roots and strengthening our partnerships to accomplish even more.”
The BSP Difference: A Hiring Process Built on Partnership
Ben worked closely with Sarah Thompson, Blair Search Partners’ Senior Director, Executive Search & Recruiting, throughout the process. When asked about his experience working with BSP, Ben shared what made the process unique for him:
“When I began the process, I started working with Sarah and it’s a different process.” Ben explained. “With Blair Search Partners, it felt like a partnership. It was a conversation.”
That’s where BSP excels.
“This is the magic. At Blair Search Partners, we go beyond traditional talent pools.” Sarah emphasized. “We identify and engage individuals, even those from adjacent industries, who possess the skills and leadership qualities our clients seek. This often leads to discovering hidden gems and creating innovative matches.”
Indeed, Ben is a gem and one of the many professionals who has found the right opportunity through Blair Search Partners’ thoughtful, relationship-driven approach. By focusing on alignment beyond just a résumé, BSP ensures that both candidates and organizations thrive long after the hiring process is complete.
Choosing Blair Search Partners
Ben’s introduction to Blair Search Partners came through his professional network, and from the beginning, the process felt different.
“I was fortunate to know about Blair Search Partners for a while through my relationship with Trevor and others in the office. It’s really what attracted me to apply for the position,” Ben shared. “I wasn’t actively searching, but when you have that trust, you kind of listen to opportunities a little differently.”
For Ben, BSP’s personalized approach ensured that he wasn’t just another candidate—he was set up for success from the very beginning so that he could explore a role that aligned with his vision and strengths.
“Whenever I had a question, I just asked and got a quick response,” he said. “It wasn’t stressful or arduous like some processes can be. BSP made it easy, and that made all the difference.”
We are honored to have played a role in Ben’s journey to joining Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, and we are excited to see how his leadership continues to shape its impact. Congratulations, Ben!
If you’re an organization striving to make a difference by hiring a team of changemakers, or an individual looking for your next career move in the nonprofit sector, visit us at blairsearchpartners.com and let’s see what we can do together.
We’d love to help you find your next great hire.