Published: July 2021
Jesse J. Rodriguez Joins Team as Assistant Vice President, Medical Development and Alumni Relations
Jesse J. Rodriguez has joined Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center as assistant vice president (AVP), medical development and alumni relations. As AVP, Rodriguez will serve as a senior member of the medical development team providing leadership for fundraising programs, and strategic planning for Sylvester.
In his new role, Rodriguez will work closely with Sarah Christensen, vice president, medical development and alumni relations and Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to develop and implement successful fundraising campaigns, cultivate important partnerships, and propel the Sylvester fundraising program to new heights.
“I am thrilled to join Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the vibrant South Florida community,” said Rodriguez. “I am inspired by the innovative work taking place at Sylvester, and excited to support Dr. Nimer’s vision and our amazing team of physicians and scientists.”
Rodriguez has broad experience leading successful fundraising programs at top-tier academic medical centers. He comes to UM from NYU Langone Health in New York City, where he led philanthropic efforts for the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center as the senior director of development. In the Fall of 2018, Rodriguez was instrumental in securing a transformational $75 million anonymous gift to establish a dedicated center for blood cancers within the Perlmutter Cancer Center.
“We are very excited to have Jesse on the Sylvester team,” said Nimer. “His experience in New York, raising funds for cancer centers, will help us build teams of the finest cancer researchers and provide them with the resources and environment they need to develop transformative therapies for cancer patients and novel ways to prevent and early detect cancer in our diverse South Florida community.”
Prior to NYU Langone Health, Rodriguez held key leadership positions at UC San Diego Health, Columbia University Medical Center, and Stanford Health. His areas of fundraising expertise include gift strategy, prospect engagement and cultivation, board management, faculty coaching, and professional development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Master of Healthcare Administration from Cornell University, and a Master of Science from Barry University.
Rodriguez began his new position at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center on July 19 and may be reached at jesse.rodriguez@med.miami.edu.