Paul J. Strawhecker, ACFRE
Contact
Expertise
Planned Giving
Endowments
Capital Campaigns
Philanthropic Planning Studies
Fundraising & Planning
Trainings & Speaking Engagements
Education
MPA Public Administration, University of Nebraska at Omaha
BA Sociology/Political Science, Creighton University, Omaha, NE
Principal
About
Paul is a native of Omaha and brings decades of leadership and expertise in fundraising to his work. Throughout his career, he has lived in several states including Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Oregon, and North Dakota, gaining a broad perspective and deep experience across sectors.
Paul’s career spans a wide range of roles, including serving as a mayoral assistant, launching the national planned giving program for Boys Town, leading fundraising for a network of 75 hospitals and 26 nursing homes, and advancing development efforts for a university with campuses in three states. He has also supported endowment efforts for the Archdiocese of Omaha. As a fundraising consultant, Paul has advised more than 350 clients across the United States and internationally, helping raise millions of dollars for mission-driven organizations.
He holds a bachelor’s degree at Creighton University and earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha. Paul is among a select group of professionals to achieve the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) credential, the highest certification in the field. Paul’s professional background includes extensive experience in government, healthcare, education, religious institutions, and social services. He has authored two books on fundraising, served as an adjunct professor, and has taught in fundraising certificate programs for over two decades.
He has held leadership positions with several national fundraising organizations including the National Association of Hospital Development (NAHD), the interNational Advancement Council, and the Association of Philanthropic Counsel. A long-standing member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Paul has served on the AFP International Board, chaired the AFP Foundation, led certification efforts, and served as a chapter president in Nebraska, Michigan and North Dakota. He currently serves on the AFP Ethics Committee.
Paul’s contributions have been recognized by AFP International, the Nebraska AFP Chapter, and the Nebraska Partnership for Philanthropic Planning. He remains an active volunteer and is dedicated to advancing the field of philanthropy.