Inspirational Higher Education Leader | Strategic Fundraiser | Foundation Executive
Fardin Sanai is a transformational leader in higher education advancement, with over 30 years of experience driving philanthropic growth, institutional innovation, and operational excellence. As Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the University at Albany Foundation, he led the university through its most ambitious fundraising campaign, securing more than $162 million and increasing annual giving from $5 million to $38 million.
Under his visionary leadership, the Foundation’s assets grew tenfold—from $30 million to $240 million—including an endowment expansion from $19 million to $186 million.
Fardin’s previous roles include senior advancement leadership at Albany Medical Center and SUNY Cobleskill, where he designed and executed their first capital campaigns and significantly increased fundraising performance, alumni engagement, and foundation assets. Early in his career, he served as a fundraising consultant and advancement professional at Albany Law School, gaining deep experience in campaign strategy and donor relations.
A respected leader across the State University of New York (SUNY) system, Fardin has chaired the SUNY Chief Advancement Officers Executive Committee since 2009, championing shared services, compliance, and system-wide professional development across 64 campuses. He has also served as Chair and faculty for national CASE conferences and executive coaching programs, and has held multiple board positions supporting higher education, and youth development.
Fardin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Studies from Marist College, with concentrations in Organizational Administration, Computer Science, and Mathematics. He is the recipient of numerous national awards, including seven CASE Circle of Excellence Awards and two Telly Awards, reflecting his commitment to innovative and impactful advancement practices.
