POMONA, Calif. - Director of Athletics Brian Swanson announced Friday the hiring of Mario Perez as the Director of Development within the Cal Poly Pomona Intercollegiate Athletics Department.

"Mario brings with him a great understanding of the intricacies of fundraising for athletic programs," Associate Vice President for University Development Michelle Stoddard said. "Because of his tenure in the local area, Mario has development relationships that will help to move the athletic projects along. We are pleased to have him on the CPP team."

A graduate of the University of La Verne, Perez has more than 10 years of development and fundraising experience after starting his career in the marketing and public relations field.

"Our coaches and student-athletes will benefit from Mario being a member of our team," Swanson said. "His experience, local connections and passion for intercollegiate athletics will be a great benefit in moving our program forward. Having been a student-athlete, Mario's personal insights and understanding of the student-athlete experience will be invaluable for our program's success."

In his new role with the Broncos, Perez will manage the Bronco Athletics Club (BAC) - the official fundraising organization of Cal Poly Pomona athletics.

"Cal Poly Pomona has a rich history in transforming student athletes from champions to successful members of the community," Perez said. "I'm excited about the opportunity to join an athletic department with a rich tradition and so much success."

In building relationships with Bronco alumni, Perez will guide the program's Scolinos Baseball Field campaign that is underway. In 2012, the Broncos announced Danny Andrews' record-setting pledge of $400,000.

"As a member of the Bronco family I look forward to helping all of the Bronco athletes and teams while moving the baseball field project from dream to reality," Perez said. "The new baseball stadium will enhance the university as a whole. There is no better way to honor legendary coach John Scolinos than to build a great stadium that will facilitate camaraderie, chemistry and community."

Most recently, Perez worked as an agent for the Stepco Insurance Agency. There, he worked closely with the company's president to secure new business partnerships. He also developed and executed plans for Stepco to enter new opportunities in the fields of education and professional sports risk management.

Prior to joining the Stepco organization, Perez spent four years as an employee at his alma mater La Verne. From 2002 through 2004, he served as the Director of Development for Corporate Relations before being promoted to the Senior Director of Development position he held for the next two years.

While at La Verne, Perez competed as a four-year starter on the football team and received All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Honorable Mention accolades. After graduating from La Verne in 1992 with a degree in Communications, Perez started his career as assistant director of public relations with the Oakland Raiders.

Perez returned to La Verne for his graduate studies and in May 2012, he earned a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership and Management. Born and raised in Long Beach, Perez now resides in Rancho Cucamonga with his wife Lori and daughters Marissa and Elyse.