Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates, Inc. (JGA) is pleased to announce that Brian Gawor, CFRE, has joined the philanthropic consulting firm as Consultant, Director of Business Development.
“This new position is important as we expand more robust data services into our consulting to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients,” said Lee Ernst, COO and Senior Consultant. “With his background in data analytics and a passion for philanthropy, Brian will play a key role in helping our clients harness the power of data to drive their fundraising efforts.”
Gawor brings more than 25 years of higher education experience in donor engagement and development to JGA. Serving as the Vice President for Research at Ruffalo Noel Levitz for the past ten years, Gawor has developed a significant reputation as an expert on fundraising and engagement with a thorough understanding of the trends and issues impacting nonprofits. He is a frequent presenter at industry conferences, regularly cited in publications on trends in philanthropy, and created the Fundraising Voices podcast.
As Consultant, Director Business Development at JGA, he will use 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.
“Giving is a joyful experience,” says Gawor. “Donors are changing how they approach generosity, however. We must do more than just ask. Givers, especially big donors, are becoming more strategic, and fundraisers must move to match them. Showing impact, personalizing the donor experience, and engaging donors with data-driven strategy are now key parts of how we maximize that joy of giving.”
Prior to his role at RNL, Gawor 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, Gawor 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.
Gawor 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.