UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center has appointed Reese Olander as managing executive director of development to guide philanthropic initiatives.

“Philanthropy is an essential partner in UC Davis’ efforts to improve the cancer care we provide our community,” Olander said. “Each donated dollar is a challenge to us to further enhance the high-quality care, education and research we perform at the region’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. This designation ensures that we can provide the best possible outcome for so many of our community members, and I am excited to help build support for the great work being done here.”

Previously, Olander was the senior director of development at Renown Health in Reno, Nevada. At Renown, he managed the major giving, grants and planned giving teams within the health system. He attracted key gifts that transformed Renown’s cancer center, medical education and pediatrics programs. Olander also began a grateful patient program that channeled substantial support for departments throughout the health system.

Before joining Renown, Olander worked at Sutter Health as well as the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, growing each organization’s major giving programs. Olander, who is originally from Nevada, enjoys mountain biking, fishing, skiing and travel with his family.

Olander received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and completed his master’s degree at Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University in Salem and Portland, Oregon.