Name: John B. Gest, Jr.
Pronouns: he/him
Title: Senior Director, Northern Ohio Member Engagement
Phone: 216.367.9512
Email: jgest@philanthropyohio.org
Here’s what I can help you with:
- Considering any civic or community issue and its potential impact and interplay within the context of philanthropy
- Identifying peers within the Philanthropy Ohio network to help address pressing questions and/or maximize emerging opportunities
- Facilitating interesting conversations about philanthropy, especially about constantly improving our sector
What’s your role at Philanthropy Ohio?
My primary focus is on developing and delivering educational and informational programs relating to grantmaking core competencies, professional development, funding interest areas and issues of local and statewide importance. Additionally, I leverage connections with social sector partners, provide member services and work with staff colleagues on programmatic offerings and member recruitment, retention and relationship management.
What’s the best part about your job?
I value being part of the evolution that Philanthropy Ohio has gone through with its members over my decade-plus with the organization. I feel our positioning has gone from being an association “established by and for” organized philanthropy to one that not only provides the network, tools and knowledge to serve the sector but also a critical partner that has the capacity and expertise to work with and alongside our members in their quest to become effective partners for change in our communities.
When did you start work at Philanthropy Ohio?
August 2010
Career background/education?
Prior to joining Philanthropy Ohio, my career was focused on higher education most recently serving as an admission officer at Case Western Reserve University. There, I was charged with recruiting undergraduate students through extensive travel representing the university that included making informational presentations and conducting admission interviews throughout the nation.
My first stop after university was a four-year stint working at the International Headquarters of Sigma Chi Fraternity in Evanston, Illinois. While at Sigma Chi I held various roles including director of undergraduate services, serving as chief liaison to university administrations throughout the United States and Canada. I also provided staff support to numerous alumni-led educational and governance committees.
Current city, and what do you like about it?
I live in Cleveland’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. As a native of Rhode Island, I gravitate towards water, and I am lucky enough to live within sight of Lake Erie. While our neighborhood – like so many urban communities – was dissected by a roadway that carries fast moving vehicular traffic from outlying areas to the city center, a pedestrian tunnel allows me (and the dogs) to walk under the Shoreway to gain access to the city’s premier waterfront park, Edgewater, within 10 minutes. That walkability continues with access to all that our neighborhood’s Gordon Square Arts District revolves around, including locally owned shops, coffee houses, pubs, restaurants and the community-focused creative class supplying public art, galleries, live theatrical and musical performances and a restored movie house.
What’s something people might not know about you?
I last ate pomme frites (aka: French fries, chips) in 2004 at a hotel bar in Tampa. That said, tater tots are fair game.
What do you do outside of work?
I read newspapers, support candidates and causes I believe in and look forward to baseball season. Travel feeds my curiosity about other places, history and culture. In U.S. cities, I like to experience firsthand how communities respect their citizens through investment in spaces and places though public access, art and parks. An annual trip to Europe allows me to channel my inner Rick Steves with months of research, planning and anticipation. It turns a week-long trip into a much longer and enriching experience.