Emeritus Advisor
Brief info
Emeritus Advisor
Aspen Leadership Group mourns the loss of our colleague and friend, Robert F. Sharpe, Jr. Robert made significant, positive, and lasting contributions to the world of philanthropy, and beyond. He will be sorely missed.
"I am deeply saddened by the death of my ALG colleague and treasured friend Robert Sharpe. For 30 years, Robert was one of my principal advisors - he was more knowledgeable about philanthropy than any person I know. He also lived the word "philanthropy" - constantly working to promote the welfare of others. In addition to his work, his love for life, love of friends, and above all love of his beautiful family, were a source of joy and great inspiration, for me and countless others." - Ronald Schiller, Founding Partner, Aspen Leadership Group
Robert's obituary can be read here.
Robert F. Sharpe, Jr., was born in Memphis on July 30, 1953 to Jane Allen Sharpe and Robert Faye Sharpe, Sr. A 1971 graduate of Memphis University School, he graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University and Cornell Law School. After initially practicing law at the Heiskell Donelson law firm (now Baker Donelson), he joined and ultimately ran the consulting, training and publishing business Robert F. Sharpe and Co., which later became the Sharpe Group. Most recently Robert launched Encore, a new and innovative network of top independent consultants to nonprofits.
Robert was a nationally recognized pioneer, leader and authority in the field of philanthropy and charitable gift planning. Over his 40-year career serving America’s nonprofit community, he was instrumental in helping to raise tens of billions of dollars for some of the largest charitable organizations in the nation. He authored many articles, and his remarks on philanthropy were regularly published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Forbes, Trusts & Estates, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Robert served as chairman of the philanthropy editorial board of Trusts & Estates magazine and co-authored the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) Model Standards of Gift Valuation. He was a recipient of the CASE Crystal Apple award for excellence in teaching and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philanthropic Planning Group of Greater New York, the David M. Donaldson Distinguished Service award from the Planned Giving Group of New England and was inducted to the CGA Gift Planning Hall of Fame. He also served as a member of the board of directors of Memphis Museums, Inc.
Robert was a brilliant leader and exceptional individual. Aspen Leadership Group joins his family in sorrow and in celebration of a life well lived.