Below are the current members of the SETI Institute Development Team. If you’re not sure who to contact with your inquiry, please email development@seti.org and we will have the appropriate person contact you promptly.
Stephen Bourdow - Deputy Director, Director of Development
sbourdow@seti.org
650-961-6633
Steve is a development professional with more than 20 years of wide-ranging experience in fundraising - from grassroots non-profits to higher education research institutions. His career path has grounded him with a strong background in relationship-based sales, fund-raising, corporate relations, group dynamics and leadership. Many of these skills are the result of his tremendous passion for coaching. Steve has created and operated numerous youth sailing programs and was the head sailing coach at Stanford University for many years. He has provided elite-level coaching to numerous Olympic medalists and world champions. Himself an Olympic Silver Medalist in the 1992 Barcelona Games, Steve continues active competition in the sport. When not working or sailing, he enjoys biking and spending time with his family in Santa Cruz.
Christine de Pagter - Associate Director of Development, Leadership Giving
cdepagter@seti.org
With a dynamic background in fundraising, marketing, and sales, Christine brings a strategic and relationship-driven approach to philanthropy. Previously serving in development roles in higher education and nonprofit organizations, she played a pivotal role in advancing fundraising initiatives that enriched academic programs and cultural endeavors. Christine’s experience driving campaigns that inspire donors, combined with her expertise in donor stewardship, strategy, and revenue growth, underscore her deep commitment to advancing excellence in the nonprofit sector through philanthropy. Passionate about building lasting relationships and creating impact-driven fundraising initiatives, she is dedicated to empowering institutions and individuals through strategic development efforts.
A former marathon and triathlon competitor, Christine is a passionate traveler, animal-lover, and food enthusiast. She loves hiking, paddleboarding, and skiing—embracing the outdoors whenever she can. From San Diego by way of Jakarta, she recently relocated to the Bay Area with her family and now calls Woodside home.
A former marathon and triathlon competitor, Christine is a passionate traveler, animal-lover, and food enthusiast. She loves hiking, paddleboarding, and skiing—embracing the outdoors whenever she can. From San Diego by way of Jakarta, she recently relocated to the Bay Area with her family and now calls Woodside home.
Heena Khubchandani - Development Associate
hkhubchandani@seti.org
Heena is a communications-driven development professional with a passion for storytelling and a deep commitment to donor care. As Development Associate at the SETI Institute, she plays a vital role in ensuring that every gift—large or small—is stewarded with precision, gratitude, and intention. Her work bridges the administrative backbone of fundraising with the art of meaningful connection.
With a background in social media marketing, content writing, and personal branding, Heena brings a dynamic and modern approach to donor engagement. She thrives on finding creative ways to celebrate and communicate the impact of generosity, keeping supporters informed and inspired by SETI’s mission to explore, understand, and explain the origin and nature of life in the universe.
Whether she’s processing a contribution or crafting a message that connects a donor to SETI’s groundbreaking work, Heena approaches her role with curiosity, clarity, and care. When she’s not immersed in data and donor communications, you’ll likely find her exploring a new café, diving into a good book, or enjoying time with friends and family.
If you have any questions about your contribution and gift options and want to make your giving to the SETI both meaningful and simple, reach out to her at hkhubchandani@seti.org
With a background in social media marketing, content writing, and personal branding, Heena brings a dynamic and modern approach to donor engagement. She thrives on finding creative ways to celebrate and communicate the impact of generosity, keeping supporters informed and inspired by SETI’s mission to explore, understand, and explain the origin and nature of life in the universe.
Whether she’s processing a contribution or crafting a message that connects a donor to SETI’s groundbreaking work, Heena approaches her role with curiosity, clarity, and care. When she’s not immersed in data and donor communications, you’ll likely find her exploring a new café, diving into a good book, or enjoying time with friends and family.
If you have any questions about your contribution and gift options and want to make your giving to the SETI both meaningful and simple, reach out to her at hkhubchandani@seti.org