John Harper is the CEO of FSG, a global nonprofit consulting firm that partners with foundations and corporations to create equitable systems change. Throughout his career, John has been a thoughtful and inclusive leader with a deep commitment to advancing equity, shifting power, and uplifting the voices of historically marginalized communities.
With a strong commitment to place-based approaches, John has supported efforts in cities like Cleveland and St. Louis and has enabled cross-sector collaboratives to achieve collective impact and sustain meaningful change. He has also advised national and multinational corporate clients on ways to drive social impact and business value both within traditional CSR approaches and as an integrated enterprise-wide strategy. With a leadership approach grounded in continuous learning, John has successfully led engagements with notable organizations such as W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Cleveland Foundation, Ares Charitable Foundation/Ares Management, the James S. McDonnell Foundation, and numerous multinational corporations.
John is also a highly sought after speaker who has presented talks for many groups, including Northern California Grantmakers, New Leaders Council, Community Foundations Leading Change, and more. He regularly writes and speaks on topics of systems change, place-based philanthropy and collaborative civic infrastructure, and translating global corporate purpose into local impact.
Before FSG
Prior to joining FSG, John worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade. He led strategy and development for both direct service and field-building nonprofits, serving in senior leadership roles with America’s Promise Alliance and Turnaround for Children. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, John now resides in New York City.
Education
- Oberlin College, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music, African American Studies and Vocal Performance
On Working At FSG
Throughout my career, I have worked to bring capital, resources, and other supports to communities of need. Joining FSG is a great opportunity to continue this core work in a new capacity. I look forward to working alongside the FSG team and our clients to help design strategies and evaluation systems that are both reflective of and responsive to the communities they are intended to support.
