John Gest Email & Phone Number

Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Senior Director, Northern Ohio Member Engagement January 2022-presentSenior Director, Northern Ohio & Statewide Strategy January 2021-December 2021Managing Director, Northern Ohio Office January 2015-December 2020Director, Northeast Ohio Office August 2010-December 2014In this role I develop and deliver regional and statewide educational programs and professional development services. I have also taken on increased responsibility for special projects related to Philanthropy Ohio’s evolving and expanding statewide strategy. This position is part of an entrepreneurial and collaborative team responsible for developing a comprehensive package of member programs each year that reflects and enhances Philanthropy Ohio’s strategic plan.Philanthropy Ohio (FKA: Ohio Grantmakers Forum) is a statewide membership association that provides the network, tools and knowledge to help people engaged in philanthropy become more effective, powerful change agents in their communities. How do we do this?Through Leadership: The recognized advocate and convener trusted to represent the interests of Ohio philanthropy in the state and the nation.Through Educating: The preferred source for the latest knowledge and best tools that make philanthropy more effective and impactful.Through Connecting: The network linking all forms of philanthropy, both locally and statewide, around topics and issues of interest to donors and funders.

Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

Case Western Reserve is a top 40 ranked (US News) national university. It offers a wealth of resources and opportunities to students seeking a unique undergraduate experience. Students learn from top faculty in academic programs that weave classroom theory with hands-on applications in a host of real-world settings. The mid-sized urban campus is located within Cleveland's University Circle neighborhood, a concentration of nearly 50 cultural, medical, educational and social service institutions situated within a one square mile district.My role was to represent the university--through extensive travel--at high schools, college fairs and other off-campus programs including admission interviews. I recruited students to apply, reviewed credentials and rendered admission decisions for first-year and transfer students. I was responsible for first-tier "feeder" territories including Cleveland's eastern suburbs, Columbus, Rochester/Buffalo and Chicago-land.

Evanston, Il

Sigma Chi is a 150+ year old nonprofit association dedicated to adding meaning to the lives and relationships of its members. Established new department to oversee development of enhanced member services and policies.

Evanston, Il

Managed department charged with overseeing chapter services and university relations at 225+ college campuses across North America. Led entirety of the Leadership Consultant program including hiring, training and deployment.

Evanston, Il

Conducted ~30 weeklong on-site consultations with undergraduate chapters throughout United States. Established proposed development plan for each chapter president, alumni/faculty advisor and tracked progress with these constituents.

Mba, Nonprofit Management

Bs, Education

Activities and Societies: Sigma Chi