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Stephen Bourdow
Director of Development
[email protected]
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.
Peter K. Sanders
Director of Development, Major Gifts
[email protected]
720-534-1812
A Philadelphia native, Peter has more than 20 years of fundraising and development experience in higher education. He has held roles at the University of Vermont, the University of Colorado, UC Davis, and UC San Diego, where he led the development team for the Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, including the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. Most recently he served as Assistant Dean of Development for the University of Colorado Law School. Peter earned a BA in English from Guilford College and holds master's degrees in classics and philosophy from St. Johns College (Annapolis) and in American literature from the State University of New York at Buffalo. In addition to his work at the SETI Institute, he enjoys reading, learning new languages, running ultramarathons, and spending time with his wife, Susan, at their home near Boulder, Colorado.
Tom Dearduff
Associate Director, Annual Fund & Engagement
[email protected]
Tom draws on a distinct background in nonprofit development, multimedia communications, and content strategy to bring a creative, mission-driven approach to public engagement. He combines operational precision with imaginative storytelling to create meaningful donor experiences that advance the Institute’s mission to explore, discover, and inspire.
With prior experience in higher education, publishing, and marketing, Tom thrives at the intersection of collaboration and innovation. He specializes in programming that sparks curiosity and cultivates lasting relationships, and he is delighted to channel his passion for space science communication into creating opportunities for deeper connection with the mysteries of the cosmos.
Curious by nature, Tom has spent time living on three continents and visiting over 30 countries, drawn by a desire to listen, learn, and engage across cultures. At home, he finds joy in camping trips, slow mornings with good coffee, composing music, and long board game nights with friends. He now lives in the Bay Area, having most recently relocated from Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. David Decker
Major Gift Specialist
[email protected]
David is a strategic development and project manager professional with over 20 years of experience ranging from higher education institutions such as the University of Kansas, Western Governors University and Emporia State University to large non-profits such as the American Red Cross and Envision Incorporated. His love for space exploration includes designing space themed Lego sets, star gazing and supporting the SETI Institute mission.
Heena Khubchandani
Development Associate
[email protected]
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 [email protected]