Winkler Group Names New CEO and Chairman of the Board

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CHARLESTON, S.C.—In conjunction with its 20th anniversary, the Winkler Group—one of the nation’s most respected fundraising consulting firms—announced that as part of the company’s long-term growth plan, founding partner and principal Tim Winkler is assuming the position of Chairman of the Board and appointing Jim Bush to President and CEO.

This carefully designed management transition reflects the vision and planning of the firm’s principals and leadership team, who have worked to ensure a seamless and effective handover of responsibilities. It underscores the Winkler Group’s long-term vision and commitment to delivering best-in-class service to its clients and positioning itself for continued growth nationally in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector.

“It is my pleasure and honor to announce that Jim Bush will become President and CEO effective June 1,” declares Winkler. “Upon his promotion, I will transition from CEO to Chairman of the Board of the Winkler Group.”

Bush has served as Winkler Group President since 2019. Under his leadership, the firm has seen unprecedented growth, with revenue doubling in the last five years and the number of team members growing by 45%. This growth is attributed to the firm’s commitment to its clients and to the fundraising sector.

“Jim started taking on the role of CEO long before he was given the title. He has embraced the firm’s vision and mission while leading by example,” explains Winkler.

Bush has spearheaded a number of initiatives over the past five years, including an overhaul of the firm’s core processes and core focus that have brought strategic clarity to the firm’s growth plan. He serves as the Chair of the National Program and Education Committee for the Giving Institute and a member of the Editorial Review Board for its publication Giving USA, the annual report on charitable giving in the U.S.

As CEO, Bush will continue to positively transform the fundraising field. His passion is providing the nonprofit sector with the tools it needs to combat the generosity crisis—the overall decline in the number of Americans giving to charities over the last 20 years.

“The organizations we are fortunate to serve provide essential services to their communities. By providing them with a pathway to more funding, we amplify their impact,” explains Bush. “Our mission is to reverse the trends in national giving by helping nonprofits show donors the value of their investment—how they use their gifts to change lives.”

As Winkler assumes the position of Chairman of the Board, he will continue to work with the firm’s leadership team regarding the firm’s expansion and strategic vision. Along with writing and speaking nationally, he will lead the firm’s merger and acquisition efforts.

“I’m proud of the team we have assembled. Our talented consultants have a combined 250 years of fundraising experience; they have raised more than $2 billion for organizations with worthy causes,” shares Winkler. “More importantly, each person on our team exemplifies the Winkler Group’s core ethos of humble confidence in all our interactions. As much as we’ve achieved over the past 20 years, I am confident the best is yet to come.”

The Winkler Group is a national full-service fundraising firm that fuels philanthropy through partnerships, strategies, and hands-on execution. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, the Winkler Group works across all nonprofit sectors, offering counsel to academic institutions, hospitals, and community service organizations.