This event has passed. ×

The Henry Institute Presents: Bob Ottenhoff, President and CEO, Center for Disaster Philanthropy

  • Friday, October 4, 2019
  • 10:30 AM–11:20 AM
  • DeVos Communication Center 170

The Henry Institute Series on Public and Non-Profit Leadership presents: Bob Ottenhoff, President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, formerly with the Public Broadcasting Service will share his own professional journey about how he became involved with Public and Non-Profit entities. All are welcome to attend.

Careers in government service and the non-profit sector require specific leadership, theoretical, and technical skills which are critical to successful operations and implementing sound public policy. This series hosts individuals who have chosen a career in public and non-profit leadership as they consider the challenges and rewards of their work. This week's guest is Bob Ottenhoff.

Robert G. Ottenhoff, a veteran in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, is president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP). Prior to joining CDP, Bob spent a decade as president and CEO of GuideStar, an industry leader in the use of providing high-quality data to help donors make better decisions and improve nonprofit practice. While there, Bob developed a sustainable business model which supports free and fee-based services to more than 10 million users. He also led efforts to build partnerships with more than 150 leading U.S. and community foundations, and oversaw the development of www.guidestar.org into a nationally respected, comprehensive source of reports and services on more than 1.5 million nonprofits.

Bob has more than 25 years of management experience in public broadcasting and high-tech companies, including nine years as chief operating officer of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Bob is known for his entrepreneurial spirit, strong technology focus, and quest to make an impact on the world. In addition to his role at CDP, he serves on the board of Inspirit Foundation (formerly Vision TV); Link TV; and Write on Sports. He also serves on the advisory committee of the Netherlands-America Foundation. He previously served on the board of the Grameen Foundation, USAAAFRC Trust for Philanthropy and the e-Philanthropy Foundation. Bob holds a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College (now Calvin University) and a master’s degree in planning from Rutgers University. He frequently writes and comments on nonprofit and philanthropic issues, and has been quoted in a variety of media, including television, radio and print publications such as NPR, the New York Times, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.

Read Bob’s blog posts.

All of the Henry Institute Series on Public and Non-Profit Leadership sessions are in DC170, from 10:30-11:20 am.This series is presented in conjunction with Political Science 209, Public and Non-Profit Administration. 

The future speakers and dates in the series are:

Wednesday, October 9, 2019; Jill Stolzfus, Executive Director, Association for a More Just Society

Friday, October 18, 2019; Crissa Blankenburg, Offender Success, Michigan Department of Corrections

Monday, October 21, 2019; JR DeGroot, Vice President of Operations and Finance of Crossroads Prison Ministries

Friday, November 1, 2019; William Byl, Kent County Drain Commissioner (retired)

Wednesday, November 6, 2019; Pam Hoekwater, Executive Director, Legal Aid of Western Michigan

Friday, November 15, 2019;  Ron Gorman, Interim Superintendent, Grand Rapids Public Schools

Friday, November 22, 2019; Michelle Van Dyke; President and CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way

October 2019
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

View Today
Event quick search
Save this event
  • Icon for adding event to Outlook calendar
  • Icon for adding event to Google calendar
Share this event