Family Values: A Conversation with Lee Ernst and Ted Grossnickle

In this episode, we speak with two leaders in philanthropy. Lee Ernst is Chief Executive Officer and Senior Consultant at Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates, where she leads strategic partnerships and new product development while advising nonprofit clients across education, the arts, and social services. Her career spans major institutions, including a leadership role at the University of Chicago during the institution’s $2 billion campaign, and the Salvation Army’s Chicago Division. She is a past chair of The Giving Institute’s Summer Symposium and a member of the Communications Task Force for The Generosity Commission. Ted Grossnickle serves as chair of the JGA board of directors, as managing counsel to several clients, and as a mentor to staff. He has received numerous honors and awards for his achievements, including the Henry A. Rosso Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Ethical Fundraising. He currently serves as a member and is a former chair of the Giving Institute, is counselor to The Generosity Commission, and is past board chair and current member of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Board of Visitors. In this conversation, we explore their careers, their shared values, and their vision for the future of philanthropy—and along the way, discover a personal connection that makes this story even more meaningful.