Bob Carter
A consultant with significant expertise in local, national and international fundraising, Bob Carter has faced complex problems and opportunities and found ways to be successful in nearly every case. Bob established Of Counsel Philanthropy in 2010 and is now President and CEO of Bob Carter Companies LLC.
Bob concentrates on building dynamic teams to deliver specific services that meet the unique needs of charities and donors. He works with complex regional, national and international organizations and institutions to design specific strategies, based on individual cultural realities, to maximize positive outcomes. His service as member and chair of numerous not-for-profit boards lends firsthand experience to his governance counsel.
Bob’s experience includes a 26-year career with Ketchum (including 15 years as President), one of the largest firms in the fundraising industry, and serving as Senior Advisor to Changing Our World and Omnicom Nonprofit Group.
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Bob has published articles in several professional journals and frequently serves as a lecturer and presenter for Columbia University’s Masters in Philanthropy Management program, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP).
Bob and his wife, Carol, live in Anna Maria, Florida. His sons, Travis and Trent, and their families live in Naples, Florida.
Board Membership
Having worked on several local, regional and national boards, Bob Carter is current Chair-Elect for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International Board of Directors, and he has served as first chair of their Industry Partners Council. He also serves on the board of directors for: the National Aquarium (Chair-Elect), The Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University, and The Mote Marine Laboratory (Board Chair). He is a member of the USA Advisory Board of PlaNet Finance, a microfinance organization headquartered in Paris with global operations.
Academic Career
Prior to joining Ketchum in 1981, Bob served as Vice President for University Relations at The Catholic University of America; Director of Development for Arts and Sciences and Engineering, and Associate Director of Annual Giving at The Johns Hopkins University; and Assistant to the Headmaster at the Gilman School in Baltimore. Bob graduated from The Boys' Latin School in Baltimore, and after earning his degree from Johns Hopkins, returned there to teach and to organize the school’s development office.
