Scripps Names New Chief Development Officer

John Engle, former president and CEO of The Whittier Institute for Diabetes

Scripps Health has named John Engle chief development officer (CDO) and senior vice president. Engle, formerly president and CEO of The Whittier Institute for Diabetes in La Jolla, Calif., a Scripps subsidiary, assumed the role on Oct. 1.


As CDO, Engle will oversee Scripps Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Scripps Health responsible for raising funds to support the non-profit, San Diego-based health care system. His responsibilities include foundation operations and management, as well as all donor relations and fund-raising activities. Last year, Scripps Health Foundation raised nearly $28 million to support Scripps’ capital and operational needs.


“John Engle has demonstrated results in donor relations, fund raising and operations, skills critical to the future success of the Scripps Health Foundation,” says Scripps CEO and president Chris Van Gorder. “I am especially happy that we were able to find the best candidate for the position internally because I believe in promoting from within and capitalizing on the tremendous talents of our existing staff whenever we have the opportunity.”


Engle has worked for Scripps Health for 14 years, the past 10 as president and CEO of The Whittier Institute for Diabetes. During his tenure at The Whittier, Engle developed the strategic direction and led fund raising and operations, overseeing an operating budget of $6.2 million. Prior to The Whittier, Engle was vice president, director of development for Scripps Foundation for Medicine and Science from 1990 to 1994.


“I look forward to the new opportunities and responsibilities as chief development officer for Scripps,” Engle says. “I believe philanthropy is important for a strong community and I believe in Scripps Health and the incredible asset it is to San Diego. My focus will be to expand the reach and increase the funds raised by the Scripps Health Foundation by building on the legacy of generosity of our dedicated donors.”


Prior to joining Scripps, Engle was executive director of the Trauma Research and Education Foundation (TREF) in San Diego and director of sponsor relations and marketing director for Sail America Foundation, which managed sponsor relations for the America’s Cup. He is actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Trustees of the Helen Woodward Animal Center, the President’s Community Council for Point Loma Nazarene University and a member of San Diego Rotary, San Diego Yacht Club and various event committees.


Engle lives in Scripps Ranch with his wife Cheryl and two children.


Scripps Health Foundation promotes the philanthropic support of Scripps Health. Founded in 1924 by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, Scripps Health is celebrating 80 years as a not-for-profit, San Diego-based health care system. Scripps’ 2,600 affiliated physicians and 10,500 dedicated employees treat 525,000 patients annually across the San Diego region through five acute care hospitals, an ambulatory care network, and home health care services.

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Janice Collins
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