CFAES Names Chief Advancement Officer

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Chris Delisio has been named chief advancement officer of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University.

As such, he will lead the college’s efforts to increase resources for programming and capital priorities through the “But for Ohio State” campaign. CFAES is seeking $150 million as part of Ohio State’s $2.5 billion effort.

“Chris will be working at the highest collaborative level with our college communications and alumni relations teams as we seek to grow and expand our stakeholder engagement,” said Bruce McPheron, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of the college. “We look forward to Chris being an active participant in the dialogue and strategy development, especially related to our Discovery Themes: Food Production and Security, Energy and Environment, and Health and Wellness.”

Delisio joined the college Oct. 7 and comes from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he served as assistant vice president. There, he managed its development staff; led all major, planned, corporate, foundation and governmental relations efforts; and directed its comprehensive fundraising campaign.

“With my mom’s involvement as both a Master Gardener and volunteer in the Mahoning County office of Ohio State University Extension, I have seen the impact that CFAES has in each county in Ohio,” Delisio said.

“I look forward to working with Dean McPheron and his team to continue to build upon the past success of the college.” Extension is the outreach arm of the college, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center is its research arm.

Delisio brings 20 years of development experience, including fundraising at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, University of Dayton and Ohio University. 

Delisio also has “Buckeye roots,” having served for three years as a senior director of development at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center -- James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. 

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