Valerie M. Jones, CFRE
Board Guru, Major Gifts & Plans
My most important credential is that I get the job done. I’ve raised close to $200 million in contributed revenue and successfully completed assignments for 87 nonprofits and four global corporations.
I’m competitive and goal oriented. Prior to starting my firm, I led programs that increased funding 50%-100% for my employers, including Swarthmore College, People’s Light, the Philly Zoo, and Freedom Theatre.
I believe in setting leaders up for success. My Nonprofit Hero training teaches board members to play to their unique fundraising strengths. Amazon named my book Nonprofit Hero in its top ten hot new releases for nonprofits, and it made the Book Authority’s list of the Best Fundraising Books of All Time.
I like to learn and to teach. I’ve maintained my Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) status for 20 years and lecture extensively, addressing audiences from Baltimore to Beijing.
I’m smart and respected. I am an alumnus of LEADERSHIP Philadelphia and the American Express Leadership Academy. I was a U.S. finalist for the Rhodes’ Scholarship when women were first allowed to compete. I earned my B.A. in Anthropology and Art from Hamilton and Kirkland Colleges.
On the personal side, I travel the world with my husband for his dinosaur business, have two frighteningly smart children, grew up in Maine, and face crises with a sense of humor.
