Orr Group Announces Leadership Transition: Welcoming CJ Orr as New CEO 

Washington, DC (September 3, 2024) — Orr Group, a leading consultancy dedicated to transforming nonprofits through embedded partnerships and innovative philanthropy, today announced that CJ Orr, current Partner and President, is named Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately.  

Steve Orr will continue to serve as Managing Partner and has turned over the firm’s day-to-day management to CJ. As such, Steve will continue to partner with CJ while serving clients and helping grow the firm, as Orr Group’s goal is to significantly expand our comprehensive set of service lines and build long-term trusted relationships with strong nonprofit organizations.   

CJ is appointed CEO, a new title for the firm, and marks a significant milestone after several years of leadership at Orr Group. CJ has been instrumental in setting and achieving the firm’s financial targets, overseeing operations, and supporting the Growth team in identifying new business opportunities. His strong foundation in finance, honed during his tenure in Institutional Fixed Income Trading at Alliance Bernstein and municipal bonds sales and trading at Oppenheimer & Co., provides him with exceptional analytical and strategic skills. As a trusted partner to clients, he has launched funds, led strategic initiatives, and driven fundraising efforts for large-scale campaigns into billions of dollars in revenue. His project and relationship management expertise consistently delivers effective strategies that meet and exceed targets.  

CJ’s leadership extends beyond Orr Group and its clients, reflecting his commitment to the broader philanthropic community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals – NYC Chapter, the Fundraising.AI Advisory Board Committee, and the Young President’s Organization Polaris Chapter. His dedication to excellence also shows in his personal life, where he enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, and engaging in avid nonfiction reading to continually expand his knowledge and understanding of the world.  

“Steve’s vision and leadership have built a strong foundation for Orr Group. I am honored to step into this role and continue our work in transforming the nonprofit sector,” said CJ Orr. “Our commitment to innovative, strategic partnerships will remain at the heart of everything we do, with the continued support of our entire leadership team.”  

Steve co-founded Orr Group in 1991 alongside his wife, Carol, with a vision to empower dynamic change agents in the social sector. After a successful career at Goldman Sachs, Steve leveraged his financial expertise to bring a new level of strategic business practices to philanthropy. Under his leadership, Orr Group emerged as a trusted partner for nonprofits, delivering strategic advice, innovative solutions, and comprehensive support. Over the past 33 years, Orr Group has specialized in scaling and sustaining impact through what Steve coined “the business of philanthropy,” partnering with thousands of nonprofits to achieve their missions. Steve’s dedication transformed nonprofit fundraising, leadership development, and team dynamics, helping organizations achieve their goals and maximize their impact.  

“Looking back at the journey we started, I am immensely proud of Orr Group’s positive impact on the nonprofit sector. Our team’s dedication and our clients’ trust have been the cornerstone of our success,” said Steve Orr. “I am confident that CJ, alongside our broader leadership team, will continue to drive our mission forward with the same passion and commitment.  I’m looking forward to remaining engaged at Orr Group, partnering with CJ, helping build the firm to scale, and helping clients reach their aggressive goals.”    

As CJ steps into the role of CEO, his deep understanding of Orr Group’s values and vision, along with the unwavering support of our experienced leadership team, ensures continued focus on innovation and impact. His leadership will carry forward the legacy of excellence and strategic partnership established by Steve and Carol.

About Orr Group 

Orr Group envisions a world where dynamic change agents in the social sector are empowered to accelerate progress and innovation. Since its founding in 1991, Orr Group’s mission has been to transform nonprofits through embedded partnerships, trusted advice, and the business of philanthropy. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on impactful solutions, Orr Group continues to lead the way in helping nonprofits achieve their goals and make a difference in their communities.