Alumni Spotlights
Johnny Hufford '20
Employer
Northern Illinois Food Bank; Development Officer, Strategic &
Legacy Gifts
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnyhufford/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
I've been lucky to have landed and stayed in the nonprofit sector
since graduation. Shortly after I graduated from GVSU, I joined
AmeriCorps and spent a year building capacity in peer-to-peer
fundraising for a Food Bank in Madison, WI. I loved Madison and stayed
there working in hunger relief philanthropy until late 2023, at which
point I moved to the Chicago area. Now, I work with donors across
Northern Illinois who want to make a difference through a major or
planned gift. In the Fall of 2024, I will start a graduate program
through Indiana University's Lilly School of Philanthropy. It has been
an exciting first few years since graduation, and I'm eager to see
what's next!
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
I have great memories from GVSU including Welcome Week freshman
year, my first year Honors College sequence, traveling to Washington
DC to present with a group of peers, and sharing research during
Student Scholars Day; however, my favorite memories include the time I
spent with amazing friends and roommates, and with my coworkers as a
barista on campus.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Take the time to slow down, stay present, and don't get ahead of yourself.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Opportunity, Passion, and Community
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I love working alongside and connecting with passionate donors,
especially in the hunger relief space. I want to give them the
opportunity to make the change they want to see!
August 2024
Interest Area(s)
Public and Nonprofit Admin
Categories
Honors College
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