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Eileen Heisman
Eileen R. Heisman is a prominent leader in the philanthropic sector, currently serving as the President and CEO of the National Philanthropic Trust since October 1998.1
Professional Background
Education:
- Bachelor's in Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University (1973-1976)
- Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan (1977-1978)
- Executive Education from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and The Wharton School1
Academic Role:
- Lecturer in Philanthropy at the University of Pennsylvania, teaching a graduate course in Philanthropy and Asset Development since 200614
Professional Achievements
- Has been leading the National Philanthropic Trust for over 25 years
- Recognized as an expert in philanthropy, frequently discussing charitable giving
- Recently appeared on Bloomberg to discuss GivingTuesday and provide charitable giving tips5
Personal Insights
Heisman is also known for her personal reflections, including sharing experiences about being a first-generation college student3 and discussing personal challenges, such as dealing with loss during holidays.7 She is a mother who has been passionate about her daughter's soccer involvement2 and continues to be actively engaged in the nonprofit sector.6
Her professional journey demonstrates a deep commitment to philanthropy, education, and social innovation, with a career spanning academic and nonprofit leadership roles.
Highlights
For 28 years I have had the honor of working at National Philanthropic Trust —and for 26 of those years, leading the organization. As I transition to my "next chapter," I’m reflecting on what it means to leave a job I love and the people who truly live our values of integrity, innovation, and inclusion every day.
I have the opportunity now to look back and see the challenges and wins as one full arc. The sometimes painful and other times glorious moments of aspiring to make an impact and grow NPT now become “remember whens.” One of my favorite things is to share about our launch and "early days" when we onboard new staff. They highlight our collective grit, bravery, and creativity. They weave a narrative of what NPT is today; one of the leading grantmaking organizations in the country. It’s a story I’m so proud to share and one that has so profoundly impacted my life.
I never imagined that our small, entrepreneurial team in our Jenkintown, PA office would grow to be a staff of more than 200 with a US and UK footprint and grantmaking to more than 70 countries. I’m eternally grateful to NPT’s early board members who saw my potential as a leader and stood alongside me in those days when we could all only imagine what this organization could be. Our Trustees over the years have been champions of the organization; I value their time and commitment to our mission and all that I have learned from them, it is vast.
I am deeply grateful to our partners in the philanthropy and financial sectors—and to the donors who have entrusted us to support them in their giving journey. It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth of donor-advised funds as a tool that more individuals, families, and companies can use to accelerate their giving. I have been surrounded by amazingly talented staff with leadership and technical skills that have propelled our growth and excellence. I love, and often use, the phrase “punching above your weight” because it reminds us to reach for new opportunities.
Trends and changes in giving are exciting, but I always come back to the root of what has inspired me to keep going and why so many of us do this work, the meaning of the word philanthropy itself—the love of humanity. In a world that teeters between potential and crisis, I encourage everyone to find ways to lift up those around them.
To begin my next chapter, I will be taking some time off to travel, relishing being an even a more avid theater-goer, continuing my cherished teaching at University of Pennsylvania’s #Nonprofit Leadership Program, and perhaps serving on a board. As NPT moves into its new chapter, I am confident that Holly Welch Stubbing as NPT’s CEO, will be a highly effective leader in charting the organization’s future. Through this transition and beyond, I will be enthusiastically cheering on our talented senior leadership team and applauding our gifted staff.
With brimming gratitude,
Eileen
Went to a great corporate board training program last week with the Ellig Group. Janice Ellig Maggie Wilderotter thank you for a well organized and informative two days.
