Frank Pisch

As the founder of The Compass Group Frank Pisch brings more than 40 years of results-driven fundraising experience, securing more than $4 billion in philanthropic support for nonprofits. Frank has advanced the mission of hundreds of organizations through capital campaigns, major gift fundraising, strategic planning, and fundraising counsel. His diverse clients span private and four-year colleges, public universities, community colleges, university foundation boards, independent schools, hospitals and medical centers, human service and environmental agencies, youth groups, arts organizations, and trade associations.

“I believe I have the best job in the world. Every day, I wake up and work with people trying to make the world a better place.”

Frank began his fundraising career with seven years at Ketchum, Inc., a national consulting firm where he later returned to serve as a senior officer. Through these tenures, Frank became entrenched in the world of philanthropy and provided exceptional service to clients coast to coast. His strengths include board and staff training; campaign design and management; transformational and major gift solicitation; board and staff development; successful utilization of volunteers; and the creation of effective fundraising teams.

Frank’s expertise and leadership was further honed by three stints within complex nonprofit organizations, serving as vice president for advancement for Berry College in Rome, Georgia; vice president for resources and public affairs for the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges in the District of Columbia; and director of development for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in Baltimore, Maryland. These senior-level positions continued to elevate Frank’s understanding of philanthropy and the ways effective fundraising impacts the capacity of those making the world a better place.

In addition to fundraising roles, Frank’s resume includes creating, funding, and directing the Adventure Challenge School, an experiential learning program, and serving as a classroom teacher. This educational experience underscores Frank’s approach to his clients, teaching and directing – versus telling and dictating – how to improve and strengthen organizations. He also educates through frequent presentations at national conferences including Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE); the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP); and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and is a Certified Board Consultant through BoardSource.

Frank’s leadership extends into his volunteer service, currently serving as a CASE Industry Advisory Council Member. He has also provided pro bono services to many small nonprofits and served as both campaign chair and board chair for the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Frank is an Antioch Fellow, holding a Master of Arts degree in organization and management specializing in nonprofit institutions from Antioch New England Graduate School. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut School of Education.