Derek Sabori, '95, MBA '02, Named Executive Director of UC Irvine Alumni Association
Derek Sabori, ’95, MBA ’02, has been named Executive Director of the UC Irvine Alumni Association, marking an exciting new chapter for the UC Irvine Alumni Association (UCIAA) and the university’s growing global alumni community.
“Derek brings a rare combination of deep alumni insight, proven leadership and a clear vision for what alumni engagement can be,” said Brian Hervey, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations and President of the UC Irvine Foundation. “He understands UC Irvine, he understands our alumni, and he has the strategic and operational experience to build on the extraordinary momentum we have right now.”
A proud Anteater and immediate past president of the UC Irvine Alumni Association Board, Sabori brings more than seven years of hands-on leadership with UCIAA and strong relationships across campus and alumni networks. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as UC Irvine builds on the success of the Brilliant Future campaign, which has surpassed $2.4 billion and engaged more than 93,000 alumni.
Sabori is widely recognized as a mission-driven leader and organizational builder, with experience spanning corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, nonprofit governance and higher education. His background includes senior leadership roles at Volcom, where he built new departments and enterprise-wide strategies, as well as consulting and brand-building work focused on innovation, sustainability and organizational growth. He has also served on multiple nonprofit foundation boards and taught business and sustainability courses at Orange Coast College.
“I am deeply honored to step into this role at a university that fundamentally shaped my life and career,” said Sabori. “UC Irvine has built incredible momentum through its alumni community, and I am excited to work alongside our talented team and campus partners to deepen relationships, expand engagement and help shape the next decade of impact for UCIAA.”
In his new role, Sabori will focus on strengthening connections across UC Irvine’s increasingly diverse alumni base and elevating alumni engagement. His vision centers on relationship-driven engagement that positions UCIAA as a national leader in public university alumni relations.
A first-generation college graduate raised in Orange County, Sabori brings a deeply personal connection to UC Irvine’s mission. He is committed to ensuring every Anteater, regardless of background, feels a strong sense of belonging, pride and connection to the university.
As Executive Director of Alumni Relations, Sabori will serve as the university’s chief alumni relations officer, guiding UCIAA into its next era of growth and engagement.