Lisa Zola Greer
Bio
Member-at-Large
Lisa Zola Greer is an expert in organizational transformation, philanthropic leadership, and is a bestselling author committed to sustaining the philanthropic sector. With followers around the world, Lisa is a sought-after speaker on the future of nonprofits from the perspective of a major donor, active volunteer and board member. Lisa brings both visionary leadership and hands-on experience to every conversation, whether she’s advising organizations, speaking at global conferences, or sitting at the boardroom table.
Lisa has served on more than a dozen nonprofit and civic boards, reflecting her deep commitment to service and her leadership across a wide range of sectors. She is currently a Commissioner of the California State Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, where she serves on the Executive Committee and was involved in the establishment of the Commission’s YAC (youth advisory council). and is a board member of ALLMEP (The Alliance for Middle East Peace), Jewish Story Partners, New Jewish Narrative, and the Beverly Hills Community Charitable Foundation. Her past board and leadership roles include serving on the Executive Committee of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors, the global board of the New Israel Fund, the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, and many others. Lisa has also held leadership roles with the Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commission (including Chair), the L.A. District Attorney’s Crime Prevention Foundation, Make-a-Wish Greater Los Angeles, and the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.
An evangelist for change in the nonprofit sector, Lisa is the author of the bestselling Philanthropy Revolution and co-author of The Essential Fundraiser’s Handbook. She has spoken to and trained thousands of fundraisers across the globe, including sessions for AFP, CASE, APRA, Philanthropy Ireland, Fundraising Everywhere, the Jewish Funder’s Network, and the UK Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
A former entertainment executive at NBC and Universal Studios, Lisa went on to found and lead several companies, including a strategic advisory firm focused on digital media. During that time, she also founded and led a company centered on reproductive technology and family formation. She also served in roles in various companies from HR advisor to digital production executive to senior caregiving consultant.
Currently pursuing a doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Lisa’s research focuses on ending the nonprofit “starvation cycle.” A Los Angeles native, she holds a B.A. in History from UCLA and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Lisa is also the proud mother of five children (three Millennials and two Gen Zers) and two dogs—and an unshakable optimist about the future of philanthropy.