Jody Yopp
Mission-driven executive and Pastor with more than 25 years of senior leadership experience building healthy organizations, Churches, leading transformational fundraising, developing leaders, and executing long-range strategy. Brings a rare blend of executive nonprofit leadership, pastoral executive experience, major gift fundraising, planned giving expertise, board partnership, and organizational growth. Trusted by donors, executives, and governing boards to lead with integrity, clarity, humility, and measurable results.
Senior executive with proven track record in driving growth and operational excellence. Adept at strategic planning, project management, and leveraging data to inform decisions. Strong focus on fostering team collaboration and adapting to changing business needs. Highly skilled in leadership, communication, and delivering impactful results.
Work History
Senior Director of Advancement & Planned Giving
2 Years 7 Months- Led development of statewide planned giving strategy and legacy giving initiatives, enhancing donor engagement.
- Guided relationships with 242+ donor households and professional advisors to strengthen philanthropy efforts.
- Guided relationships with 242+ donor households and professional advisors.
- Represented organization across North Carolina through speaking engagements and donor relationship building.
- Led the Metrolina Region to exponential growth moving my region from last to fist in donations from donors and churches
- Published Author in Charity and Children several times a year. Articles on Planned Giving and Stewardship.
Director of Development
3 Years- Expanded major donor engagement and strengthened statewide stewardship strategy.
- Supported organizational fundraising initiatives and strategic growth.
- Developed and implemented strategic fundraising initiatives to enhance donor engagement and retention.
- Led comprehensive marketing campaigns to promote organizational programs and services effectively.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders to secure major gifts and funding opportunities.
- Led the Metrolina Region to exponential growth and saw my area go from last in North Carolina to first in contributions from churches and donors.
Senior Pastor / Executive Leader
18 Years- Directed the organization’s vision, strategy, staff, operations, and financial oversight as chief executive.
- Led organizational growth from approximately 80 to more than 400 participants.
- Directed a $2 million capital campaign and construction of a $3.6 million campus facility.
- Developed leaders and managed multimillion-dollar budgets to strengthen organizational culture.
- Developed men who were seeking to grow spiritually and helped to disciple and ordain seven men into the ministry while at Kellum Baptist Church over 18 years. All are currently serving in the ministry.
Pastor
2 Years- Provided executive leadership, organizational development, and community engagement.
- Attendance grew from 17 to 90 in three years.
- Bi-vocational Pastor/Cleveland County North Carolina Middle School Teacher.
Education
Executive Nonprofit Leadership Program
M.A. - Ministry Leadership
Master of Religious Studies
North Carolina Teacher Licensure - Middle School Social Science
B.A. - Social Science, Minor in Religious History
Skills
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with Business Office in the development of a Stock Transfer Protocol.
- 11 years on Leadership Team of Ride to Clyde Motorcycle Fund Raiser turning it into the largest single fund raising event at Baptist Children's Home. $369,000.00 in 2026 and over $1,300,000.00 total.
- Started Planned Giving at Baptist Children's Homes. Year one produced $1,900,000.00 in documented gifts.
Affiliations
AFP Member (Association of Fundraising Professionals)
Certification
Crescendo Trained
Blackbaud/RENXT Proficient
Timeline
Senior Director of Advancement & Planned Giving
Director of Development
Senior Pastor / Executive Leader
Pastor
Gardner-Webb University
Duke University
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Southern California Seminary
Lenoir-Rhyne University
SELECTED EXECUTIVE IMPACT
- Influences approximately $3–5 million in annual philanthropic support through major gifts and planned giving.
- Personally stewards relationships with 242+ major donor households.
- Directed a $2 million capital campaign resulting in a $3.6 million ministry facility.
- Grew organizational participation fivefold—from approximately 80 to more than 400.
- More than 25 years leading mission-driven organizations through growth and change.
- Regular keynote speaker and leadership trainer (30–40 presentations annually).
- Built lasting partnerships with boards, churches, financial advisors, attorneys, business leaders, and philanthropists.
EXECUTIVE DISTINCTIVES
Executive search firms value leaders who combine measurable results with cultural leadership. My career has been defined by building trust, aligning people around mission, stewarding significant philanthropic relationships, developing future leaders, and leading organizations through sustained growth. I want to leave every ministry organization better than I found it.