Ray Watts

Ray Watts manages the Development/Philanthropy team at Claremont McKenna College (CMC), and oversees all philanthropic outreach efforts, working closely with Trustees, the President and the Vice President for Advancement to achieve organizational goals. Before assuming the role of AVP at CMC in 2019, Ray served for 17 years in philanthropic leadership at the University of Redlands overseeing two major gift fundraising campaigns and partnering with staff and volunteers to help raise more than $400M over that period. Prior to coming to Redlands, Ray spent 7 years at his alma mater, Loyola Marymount University of Los Angeles, spending the last 4 years as Director of Annual and Special Campaigns. Prior to this role, Ray served as Director of University Relations Administration, overseeing special events, donor stewardship and worked closely with the Vice President of University Relations. Ray received a Bachelor’s degree in English literature from LMU and a Masters in Business Administration from LMU with an emphasis in management. Ray received CSPG (Certified Specialist in Planned Giving) certification in 2014 and has presented at multiple conferences on varying topics relating to development and management. He is also an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business at the University of Redlands, teaching undergraduate and graduate-level classes on management, leadership, change and working with students on their capstone projects. He is currently a member of the board of directors for the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners.