Craig Willis

Craig’s expertise is based on 16 years of experience as a Senior Program Officer at the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, a private grant-making foundation which awarded an average of $115 million annually through targeted programs.  The Foundation consistently ranked among the top 20 nationally for funds distributed annually, and was recognized as one of the most efficient grant-making operations in the nation.

With a background in real estate and construction, Craig was engaged in all aspects of the Foundation’s cornerstone grant-making program that awarded an average of $51 million annually for capital projects at exemplary nonprofit cultural, human services, education and health organizations.  Craig investigated, analyzed and evaluated applicants for the $32 million Oklahoma community centers initiative, ensuring successful outcomes through researching applicants’ strategic planning, program effectiveness, architectural planning and financial performance. 

Craig also led the Foundation’s Hunger Relief Initiative, overseeing $80 million in planning, program and capital awards to advance effective and efficient charitable food distribution, including the funding and establishment of a network of hunger organizations in multiple states. He managed the research, development, launch and administration of the program, and led a planning team that included key national philanthropic partners, national industry leaders, direct service providers and key governmental partners. 

In addition to his role at the Foundation, Craig was an active board member of Philanthropy Southwest, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships and advance philanthropic excellence.  He also served as a Trustee for the Joseph E. and Mary Cacioppo Foundation in Tucson, Arizona for seven years.  Craig has participated in numerous national and regional philanthropy conferences, as well as sharing his expertise through speaking engagements.

Craig earned a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree in Real Estate and Finance from University of Arkansas.  He also completed additional coursework in accounting and was a licensed real estate broker in Colorado, Iowa and Oklahoma.