Meet Mike Avila, PSI-PIF
Mike Avila is a senior fundraising leader with more than 30 years of experience in major and principal gifts, nonprofit management, and strategic development. He advises mission-driven healthcare and wellness organizations, as well as family offices, on how to deploy philanthropy thoughtfully and strategically for lasting impact.
About Mike
Mike brings a particular passion for advancing mental health and neuroscience innovation, working closely with the leadership of Psychedelic Science Institute and the nonprofit Psychedelic Innovation Fund, to help structure philanthropic and impact-investing strategies that responsibly accelerate clinical research, patient access, and next-generation care models.
He is known for strengthening development teams for long-term sustainability and for building trusted, enduring relationships with donors, clinicians, and colleagues alike.
Outside of work, Mike is an avid supporter of the arts and a dedicated meditation practitioner currently training to become a Vedic Meditation teacher.
Background & Experience
- Senior Vice President for Development, Saint John's Health Center Foundation, leading principal and major gift strategy and supporting philanthropic fundraising for neuroscience, brain health, and specialty clinical programs, including initiatives benefiting Pacific Neuroscience Institute Foundation
- Vice President for Major Gifts, Eisenhower Health
- Advisor to healthcare nonprofits and family offices on strategic philanthropy and impact-oriented giving
- Early career in global health as a grant writer and program coordinator on USAID-funded programs across East Africa, Southeast Asia, and the former Soviet republics
- President, Vyasanand Foundation, supporting meditation education and research
- B.A., Political Science (International Relations), UCLA
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