Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities
Mr. Brian Crimmins, an accomplished SJU alumnus, is the Chief Executive Officer of Changing our World, a leading philanthropic fund-raising consulting firm. He generously shares his own story of how his parents’ values and the Vincentian charism at St. John’s University moved him from a goal for a career in sports management to leadership in philanthropic fund-raising in the human services sector of non-profit organizations. Brian has much experience assisting non-profits develop strategic plans and fund-raising for their stability and growth. His ideas are in line with how Vincent de Paul assisted groups delivering service to the poor, encouraging them to do so with competence, consistency, and compassion.
Here is Brian’s story.
At Changing our World, I found myself in a very collaborative environment. We were not only responding to the changes around us, but actually driving change. Ten years later, I  was named its Chief Executive Officer. I have worked alongside some of the most influential people in the philanthropic sector and served clients in the faith-based, education, human service, healthcare, and the corporate sectors.... Looking back, I never thought working as a graduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Advancement at St. John’s would have such an impact on my future. I didn’t realize at first that what my parents were saying and doing as I grew up—namely the importance of the Vincentian mission—would ring true in my life in such a profound and lasting manner, day in and day out. It is this — a Vincentian education in the way of service that gave me the foundation to succeed. To this very day, it guides and helps me grow personally and professionally. This, in turn, helps my clients make a difference in the world. It is all this, that I am grateful for.Read the full story...An Alumnus Learns and Serves Changing Our World is part of Omnicom, a Fortune 200 company, consisting of world-class public relations, communications, marketing, branding, digital, research and advertising experts. It is a full-service fundraising consulting group, working with our nonprofit clients to strengthen revenue strategies, develop innovative partnerships and grow to meet changing needs. PS I consider myself privileged to have known Brian and his late father during my years teaching at St.John's University.
The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. Brian’s Dad, Bob, had Vincent’s genes in him too …
Our Lord,Saint Vincent and Heaven’s company must be rejoicing! Brian’s ministry is,indeed, Vincentian!
Ed Ambrose,AA,St. Joe’s 1957