Holly Parrish, CFRE

Principal Consultant

Holly Parrish, a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2004, has worked for more than 25 years in fundraising, public relations, and marketing. Before joining JCA in January 2020, Holly was managing partner of PH Solutions, a consulting firm focused on outsourced grant management, CRM consulting, and fundraising advisory services. Holly has worked primarily on needs assessments, selection projects and Raiser’s Edge optimization projects for the National Civil Rights Museum, Baylor College of Medicine, Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology, St. Olaf College and the University of Toledo Foundation.  

Holly holds the Blackbaud RENXT Professional certification. She is also on the training faculty for the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, a division of the Crummer Graduate School of Business for Rollins College. Prior to consulting, Holly led fundraising programs for Cornerstone Ministries of Tampa, Lakeland Regional Health Foundation, and the Aerospace Center for Excellence. 

Holly holds a B.A. in Communications and Religion from Florida Southern College and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration & Non-Profit Management from University of South Florida. ​Holly is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Past President for the Greater Polk Chapter) and is a past member of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning. Holly lives in Lakeland, Florida and is a regular volunteer for many things musical and theatrical. 

Where do you work? Where are you from?

I’m located in Lakeland, Florida, which is about half-way between Tampa and Orlando in the middle of the state (close to Disney World!). I’m originally from Northern Virginia. I grew up in both Chantilly, VA and Sarasota, FL, but I’ve lived in Lakeland for more than 25 years.

What do you do at JCA?

I work on a variety of consulting projects that involve system assessment, improvement, and selection.

What is your background? What brought you to JCA?

A chance meeting with JCA CEO, Steve Jacobson, at an AFP Lead conference brought me to JCA. We were both in Phoenix representing our respective AFP Chapters and just happened to sit down at the same lunch table. Next thing I know, I’m working alongside this amazing JCA team. I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 20 years. I spent eight years operating a small consulting firm focused on fundraising advisory services, grants management, and CRM maximization. In this work I had the privilege of working with dozens of diverse organizations. Prior to that I led annual giving, major gift, planned gift, and capital campaign efforts for Lakeland Regional Health Foundation (LRH). During my 10 years at LRH, I developed a real passion for using technology and processes to enhance fundraising programs and organizational efficiency.

What do you do outside of JCA?

When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my family, traveling, reading, camping, or performing. All four of us are highly involved in Scouting programs and love being outdoors. Personally, my biggest passion in life is music. I sing and play the piano—performing regularly with area theaters, our local symphony, and my church.

Share one of your favorite stories of or with a JCA client:

It’s hard to pick a favorite. I love the discovery process and listening to our clients shared stories and experiences. Those stories continually reinforce my belief that our sector is truly a brotherhood and sisterhood of resilient servants. I relish playing even a small role in helping clients move toward increased success in their work.