Bob Hartsook has been a fundraising maverick for half a century. He remains one of the most influential leaders for growing philanthropy. His tenacity, nonconformity and ability to see possibilities everywhere, even where others cannot, led him to launch Hartsook.

Bob's career began with distinction, gained momentum and never waned. At the age of 21, while working at Colby Community College in Kansas, Bob was the nation's youngest Chief Operating Officer of a higher education institution. While working at Wichita State University in the 80s, Bob advanced his reputation by completing one of only 30 of the first $100-million university campaigns. Over the years, he has invested more than $30 million to support advanced fundraising education and created multiple forums for applied fundraising research.

Bob has authored numerous fundraising books including Reality Fundraising; Closing that Gift; How to Get Million Dollar Gifts and Have Donors Thank You; Getting Your Ducks in a Row; Nobody Wants to Give Money Away; On the Money; and $231 Billion Raised and Counting. 

HE IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF THE "MAJOR GIFTS" CHAPTER IN THE FIRST PEDAGOGICALLY-SOUND TEXT FOR MASTER'S DEGREE EDUCATION, FUNDRAISING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE, FIRST AND SECOND EDITION.

Awards and recognition he has received include the Indiana University's Spirit of Philanthropy Award, 2004; Key to the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, 2014; Emporia State University, Alum of the Year, 2003; Wall street journal philanthropist recognition, 2006; Avila University, Philanthropist of the Year Medal, 2012; Emporia High School Life Achievement Hall of Fame, 2013; Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation, 2017; Washburn Law School Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017; and an honorary doctorate of business administration from Plymouth University, United Kingdom where Bob was introduced as having accomplished "... more to improve the donor experience of philanthropy than any other living individual." Special Founder growing philanthropy award, Hartsook institutes, 2019. 

He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Master of Science in Counseling; Juris Doctorate in Law; Doctor of Educational Administration and honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Plymouth, United Kingdom.