Brian DeMarco Named Head of Development and Philanthropy 

Brian DeMarco will join National Cathedral School in May as the school’s new head of development and philanthropy, Head of School Elinor Scully announced on Tuesday.

In this position, DeMarco will be responsible for developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support NCS's philanthropic priorities and for building a highly relational and dynamic culture of philanthropy within the community. He will be charged with amplifying NCS's culture of generosity and further elevating the school’s seven-figure annual giving program to one that is transformative for the goals and mission of the school. 

“The opportunity to lead NCS’s philanthropic program drew a strong pool of applicants in a national search,” Dr. Scully wrote in a message to the NCS community. “DeMarco’s experience running capital campaigns, his demonstrated strategic approach to generating and sustaining a culture of philanthropy, and his ability to build a cohesive and successful team helped him stand out during the search.” 

DeMarco brings with him a breadth of fundraising experience. At his current organization, the Center for American Progress, he leads a team that has raised more than $50 million annually and increased annual fundraising by 34 percent. Since joining the D.C. research and advocacy organization in 2013, DeMarco has himself solicited more than $10 million annually while serving in a number of roles on the team. 

A first-generation college graduate, DeMarco attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., where he later worked in admissions and development positions and raised funds to help the college meet its $150 million capital campaign ahead of schedule. 

He has also worked extensively with governing boards, including through the recruitment of new members and management of volunteers.  

In addition to overseeing NCS's philanthropic strategies, DeMarco will lead the school’s alumnae and parent relations programs, which are key to enriching and deepening the bonds of community in support of NCS’s mission.  

DeMarco is eager to return to a school setting as he believes his own life was changed through the value of education. A Pittsburgh native, he developed a love for travel and learning about other cultures while studying in Spain. In his free time, he enjoys running, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and his two young nieces: Samantha and Chloe. 

DeMarco will succeed Director of Development Richard Hastings, who has led NCS’s fundraising initiatives and development team since 2016. In the announcement, Dr. Scully thanked Hastings for his contributions to the school and broader NCS community. She also thanked members of the advisory committee for their feedback and insights throughout the process. 
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