Brian Upton Email & Phone Number

A nonprofit professional who co-founded the organization he currently directs, Brian believes he has the best job in the world. He coaches a ridiculously talented and creative staff, enjoys collaborating with other dynamic business, community, church and organizational leaders to fuel renewal and transformation in urban Cleveland, and believes it a great privilege and opportunity to partner with donors and volunteers to achieve their philanthropic and Kingdom interests.As executive director of Building Hope in the City since 2013, Brian has provided oversight and guided a strategy that's led to the organization's remarkable growth, including:- The launch of a social enterprise arm that now employs 50+ people across two enterprises and accounts for 50% of the organization's annual gross income. - The opening of Cleveland's only drop-in center for refugees and immigrants that served 3,300 people last year. - An affordable housing initiative that to date has restored 9 homes out of foreclosure and will construct 28 new housing units on Cleveland's near west side by 2026. - Leader and community development initiatives that annually build the capacity of dozens of the city's faith-leaders, social entrepreneurs and pastors, not to mention 400+ community residents. Brian started in his career in the fast-paced fields of public relations and marketing communications, working for many high-profile agencies and clients. These experiences gave him an affinity for results-driven project planning and execution, as well as relationship management. He adds value to groups, organizations and processes by asking questions, keeping focused on strategy, building and motivating effective teams, and making sure those around him succeed in finding significance in their work. For the 15+ years, Brian served as a deacon at a city church, where he was highly involved in faith- and community-based leadership development, teaching and training. Brian strives to see people normally separated by culture, race, language and socio-economic divides brought together through the Church and community development. In his spare time, Brian enjoys traveling with his wife, great food/wine/scotch and conversation, music, and sharing the abundant goodness of God with others.

Listed skills include Fundraising, Nonprofits, Community Development, Public Relations, and 16 others.