John joins the Columns Fundraising team with over 30 years of experience serving nonprofits as an advocate, volunteer and professional. Holding both an MBA from Harvard Business school and a CAP (Certified Advisor in Philanthropy) from the American College, John’s education and professional experience will be an asset to our team.

His past roles – including director of development at the Marcus Autism Center, head of foundation relations at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and planned giving officer at the Carter Center

John has served on various fundraising teams – ranging from the Good Shepherd Society at Saint Luke’s Episcopal church, Philips Exeter Academy, Harvard Business School and the Woodruff Arts Center – and has been a part of many nonprofit boards, including the Atlanta History Center, Historic Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta Mission and the Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges.

His favorite piece of fundraising advice? Make personal relationships part of your fundraising strategy. People will support someone they trust and a cause they care about – but you have to ask them to get gifts!