CHARLESTON, S.C.—Celebrating its 20th anniversary milestone, the Winkler Group, a leading national fundraising consulting firm, has revealed a strategic move in line with its enduring expansion strategy. Founder and principal Tim Winkler is slated to assume the Board Chair role, signifying a strategic shift in the company's leadership landscape. Simultaneously, Jim Bush has been appointed President and CEO, underscoring the firm's commitment to delivering top-tier services in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector.
“It is my honor to announce that Jim Bush will become President and CEO effective June 1. He has embraced the firm’s vision and mission while leading by example,” said Tim Winkler, who has held the position of CEO since the firm’s inception in 2004. “Upon his promotion, I will transition from CEO to Board Chair of the Winkler Group. I express immense pride in the accomplished team assembled over the past two decades, with their collective experience of 250 years in fundraising and a track record of raising over $2 billion for worthy causes. As much as we’ve achieved over the past 20 years, I am confident the best is yet to come.”
Having served as Winkler Group President since 2019, Bush has presided over unprecedented growth. During those five years, the firm’s revenue doubled, and the team expanded by 45%, a testament to its client-focused approach and commitment to advancing the fundraising sector. Under Bush’s leadership, the firm has initiated transformative measures, including an overhaul of core processes and focus, providing strategic clarity to the growth plan.
Bush’s nonprofit involvement extends beyond the firm, with roles such as Chair of the National Program and Education Committee for the Giving Institute and membership on the Editorial Review Board for Giving USA, an annual report on charitable giving in the U.S.
“I remain committed to positively impacting the fundraising field, particularly addressing the generosity crisis—a decline in charitable giving among Americans over the past two decades,” said 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.”
When Winkler assumes the Chair position in June, he will be engaged with the leadership team to discuss the firm’s expansion and strategic vision. His responsibilities also extend to leading the firm’s merger and acquisition efforts.
Timothy M. Winkler, Sr., MA, CFRE
Chairman of the Board, effective June 1, 2024
Jim Bush
President and CEO, effective June 1, 2024
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. For more information, visit winklergroup.com or call (843) 849-6256.
