Brian Gawor

With his background in data analytics and a passion for philanthropy, Brian Gawor, CFRE, plays a key role in helping our clients harness the power of data to drive their fundraising efforts. Brian brings more than 25 years of higher education experience in donor engagement and development to JGA. As Consultant, Director Business Development at JGA, he uses this experience to assist nonprofits in engaging with JGA to grow their philanthropy using JGA’s innovative new data analytics tools and traditional philanthropic and strategic consulting services.

Before joining JGA in 2024, Brian served as Vice President for Research at Ruffalo Noel Levitz for ten years. He has a significant reputation as an expert on fundraising and engagement with a thorough understanding of the trends and issues impacting nonprofits. Brian frequently presents at industry conferences, has been regularly cited in publications on trends in philanthropy, and created the Fundraising Voices podcast.
Prior to his role at RNL, Brian served as director of development for the Illinois State University College of Fine Arts. He began his career in student affairs, admissions, and fundraising at Knox College.

In addition to his formal experience, Brian volunteers his time to help advance the field of philanthropy through the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) having served as a faculty member for CASE Senior Annual Giving and the CASE Symposium on Students in Philanthropy/Diversity in Student Philanthropy, and as a a member of the CASE Insights advisory board.

Brian is a Certified Fundraising Executive via CFRE International, is pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Illinois State University, holds a Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University, and is also a graduate of Knox College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.