JP Paul, MM, CFRE is an enthusiastic philanthropy leader with a proven record of successfully supervising and building development operations, building and implementing strategic plans, and developing new and current donor relationships. He joined the team at Connect With A Wish in May 2024 to increase support for youth and young adults in Hampton Roads foster care!

JP graduated from Murray State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Performance and completed a Master of Music in Classical Voice at the University of Memphis in 2017. He served as the Leadership Gift Officer at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech from 2018 to 2021 and the Director of Development at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra from 2022 to 2023. In addition to his embedded roles at these institutions, he operates a freelance fundraising consultancy and assists organizations in restructuring their development operations, in grant management, and strategic planning.

JP is very active in Hampton Roads and is an emerging leader in the community. He has served as President of Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia (Hampton Roads longest-operating youth orchestral program) since July 2024, and has been appointed the President for Special Olympics Virginia 757 Young Professionals Board for 2025-2027. He was the National Philanthropy Day Chair in 2023 and 2024 as a part of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Hampton Roads Board of the Directors. He is also a member of the Urban League of Hampton Roads Young Professionals, tHRive Young Professionals of the Hampton Roads Chamber, and an active volunteer on committees with the Association of Fundraising Professionals – International.

JP was recognized as a Top 22 Under 40 by the Murray State University Alumni Association in 2021, which honors the most influential, innovative and inspiring Murray State alumni under the age of 40. He was also a mentee in the 2022 AFP/Blackbaud Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program, which is an international opportunity pairs seasoned professionals with emerging leaders to help grow, evolve and further new fundraiser education to develop leadership skills and create an inclusive and equitable future of our profession. He also received the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in March 2025. This voluntary credential, recognized worldwide, signifies a confident, ethical fundraising professional who exemplifies accountability, service, and commitment to making a difference for good.