# Mark Astarita is new chair of the Institute of Fundraising

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2011/05/03/mark-astarita-new-chair-institute-fundraising/
- Published: 2011-05-03T13:37:29+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**Mark Astarita MInstF, Director of Fundraising at the British Red Cross, has been
appointed as the new Chair of Trustees at the Institute of Fundraising. He has been
a trustee at the Institute since February 2008.**

He takes over from Alan Gosschalk who has been Acting Chair of the Institute since
Paul Amadi stepped down from the position at the end of December 2010.

Astarita said: “In the UK we are blessed with so many of the world’s most talented,
creative and sought-after fundraisers. While the Big Society is on everyone’s lips,
in reality it is very much in fundraisers’ hands to turn this big hope into a wonderful
reality. To be able to play a small part in helping to shape current and future 
fundraising by becoming Chair of the Institute of Fundraising is a huge privilege.
I am honoured to help develop our country’s giving agenda.”

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After 10 years at the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) where he oversaw a
tenfold growth in the charity’s income, Astarita moved in 2003 to the British Red
Cross. During his time there as Director of Fundraising the charity’s fundraising
income has more than doubled. In total, Astarita estimates that he has been responsible
for raising over £750 million in his 20+ years’ fundraising career.

Also a Trustee of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), Astarita will serve his term
as Chair for the next year, whilst changes to the Institute’s governance are finalised.
One of this first tasks will be to help in recruiting a new Chief Executive for 
the Institute, following [Amanda McLean’s resignation](https://www.fundraising.co.uk/amanda-mclean-resigns-institute-fundraising-ceo)
in March.