Jim Sheppard
Chief Executive Officer and Principal

“At Generis we do whatever it takes to ensure our client’s interests are at the forefront of our fundraising counsel. Our company is organized so that our consultants can spend as much time as needed on-site with each client. Our Lifestyle Stewardship approach has served churches of every size, denomination, theological context and worship culture with great success. Illustrating time and again the magnitude of God’s power as He moves in and through the people of His church.”

One of the leading church consultants in America, Jim Sheppard has led 98 capital stewardship campaigns, including 24 that raised more than $10 million, and has helped his clients raise over $710 million since 1992. A proven leader and inspirational speaker, he has successfully adapted to a variety of contexts and cultures, demonstrating sensitivity to both clergy and laity perspectives. Represented among his clients are some of the largest church capital campaigns in America. 

In his previous career, Jim was a CPA and Chief Financial Officer for a major division of a NYSE financial services firm. Based on his business experience and active involvement as an officer in his home church, he brings a wealth of knowledge to Generis as CEO & Principal, advising clients in matters of church growth, strategic planning and financial administration. He understands the financial challenges that churches face today—annual giving, debt, capital projects and planned giving— and is a positive force in bridging these global needs with the power of spiritually motivated stewardship.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia and is a member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (formerly the National Society of Fund Raising Executives) and the National Association of Church Business Administrators (NACBA).

 Jim and his wife Nancy live in Atlanta and have two daughters, Anna, 23, and Emily, 21. In his spare time he enjoys reading, golf, fly fishing and hunting.