Henry “Hall” Powell, Jr. celebrates his 86th birthday this March 31st, and is honored by his peers for his remarkable legacy of leadership in both the nonprofit sector and Christian ministry. This tribute honors a man whose career spans decades and whose influence spans generations. Hall’s life has been defined by service – from raising funds to transform and save lives to guiding others in their walks of faith.
Jimmy LaRose, one of Hall’s proteges, often points to the different roles he’s played in the lives of others: “Hall’s fundraising expertise made me a professional success, his spiritual guidance brought me personal peace. In examining his life and career, we celebrate a leader who embodies integrity, wisdom, and the grace of a life well-lived.”
His Distinguished Career
Hall Powell has dedicated over forty years to the art and science of fundraising. His journey began in the private sector – in the 1960s, he developed his relationship-building skills in his family’s insurance business in Georgia. Those early lessons in putting people first would become a hallmark of his fundraising philosophy. After a successful stint in business (including leadership roles in corporate marketing), Hall felt a higher calling and was ordained into pastoral ministry, where he served for nine years. This combination of business acumen and pastoral heart uniquely equipped him for the nonprofit world. In the 1980s, Hall transitioned fully into fundraising, working first with a national consulting firm where he led one of Charlotte’s largest capital campaigns at the time. His leadership contributed to the campaign exceeding its $10 million goal and led to the creation of a foundation for long-term support. Hall went on to found and direct nonprofit foundations, earn his MBA to deepen his management expertise, and teach nonprofit management as an adjunct professor. By the 1990s, he had become a respected voice nationwide, even helping establish chapters of what is now the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Hall’s career is studded with achievements, but he is the first to deflect praise, crediting faith and teamwork for his successes.
Hall & Jimmy – Their Partnership
After “retiring” to coastal North Carolina, Hall could not step away from his passion for helping nonprofits. A turning point came in the mid-2000s when Hall met Jimmy LaRose at a fundraising conference. Jimmy was a young entrepreneur in the nonprofit consulting arena, and Hall was an industry veteran with a wealth of knowledge. What began as a conversation about fundraising best practices sparked mutual respect and friendship. Not long after, Hall came out of retirement to join Jimmy’s firm, Development Systems International (DSI). It was an unusual move – Hall was already in his seventies at the time, when most are enjoying quiet lives. But Hall saw in Jimmy’s vision an opportunity to further a cause he believed in: empowering charities to secure the resources they need. By taking on the role of Senior Vice President at DSI, Hall not only lent the firm his credibility and expertise, but he also entered a new chapter of mentorship. He became a guide to Jimmy and the entire DSI team, illustrating that true leaders never stop influencing others. Over the past twenty years, Jimmy LaRose credits Hall for shaping the firm’s success. Their partnership bridged two generations, blending Hall’s time-tested wisdom with Jimmy’s innovative drive. The formal mentor-mentee relationship between them blossomed into a collaboration of peers united by a shared mission.
Innovating the “Major Gifts Ramp-Up” Model
One of Hall Powell’s notable contributions in his tenure at DSI has been the enhancement of the Major Gifts Ramp-Up (MGRU) model. Major Gifts Ramp-Up is a strategic fundraising approach pioneered by Jimmy LaRose, designed to help nonprofits build sustainable funding through major donor engagement. When Hall joined the effort, he brought clarity and refinement to this model. Drawing on his decades of experience, Hall ensured that donor-centric principles were at the forefront. He often emphasized that fundraising should align with donors’ passions and needs. In Hall’s words, “Donor-centered fundraising is the correct way to attract individuals to invest in nonprofits.” Under his guidance, the MGRU model expanded this graceful, relational approach, strengthening its effectiveness. Furthermore, Hall introduced robust leadership structures into the model. He insists that leadership is the cornerstone of any campaign’s success. He famously summarizes successful campaigns with the formula: “Leadership, leadership, leadership.” This is not a mere slogan for Hall, but a reflection of his experience that strong leadership at every level—from organizational executives to volunteer committees—drives results. Thanks in part to Hall’s refinements, the Major Gifts Ramp-Up model has been successfully implemented by over 1,000 organizations, raising millions to save and transform lives. Hall’s role in co-designing and improving MGRU has cemented his legacy as an innovator in the field, even in the later chapters of his life.
Hall’s Philosophy of Leadership and Excellence
Throughout his career, Hall Powell has provided counsel to many, and his fundraising philosophies have influenced countless professionals. Central to his approach is the idea of donor-focused generosity – the belief that fundraising is not about what the nonprofit needs to receive, but about fulfilling the donor’s desire to make a positive impact. He teaches that a fundraiser is an “honest broker” within a relationship, not just a solicitor of funds. Additionally, Hall is widely recognized for his skill in building high-performing campaign cabinets. These are teams of lead volunteers and donors who spearhead fundraising campaigns. Hall’s deep expertise in this area has helped organizations recruit influential philanthropic leaders to champion their causes. He has repeatedly demonstrated that when you form a campaign cabinet of respected individuals who lead by example (through their own giving and advocacy), others follow suit. This leadership-by-example approach creates a ripple effect of generosity in the community. Hall’s strategies often involve careful cultivation of these leaders, clear goal-setting, and empowering volunteers with meaningful roles. His protégés, like Jimmy LaRose, carry forward these philosophies in their own work. Jimmy often notes that Hall’s counsel on building leadership teams and focusing on donor relationships has been fundamental to DSI’s identity.
Faith and Family – His Christian Life Well-Lived
Beyond the boardrooms and campaign plans, Hall Powell’s life is firmly anchored in faith. Together with his wife, Melinda Powell, Hall has dedicated much of his life to Christian ministry and spiritual mentorship. Colleagues and friends observe that Hall’s character—his honesty, compassion, and generosity—flows directly from his deep faith in Jesus Christ. Hall is not shy about critiquing the state of modern Christianity when it strays from its core values. In his book The Missing Link, he provides a thought-provoking analysis of contemporary Christian practice. Hall writes, for instance, “Most of what is represented as Christianity today is at best a poor counterfeit…” – a challenging statement that calls believers back to authenticity. He lives out this call in his own life by focusing on personal relationship with Christ and selfless service to others. As a spiritual father to Jimmy LaRose, Hall has had a profound effect on Jimmy’s personal life. Weekly conversations and prayers have been a staple of their relationship. Hall ends nearly every interaction with a simple but powerful reminder to Jimmy that he is loved. Those who know Hall understand that this is not just a casual note, but an expression of genuine care rooted in Christian brotherhood. Hall and Melinda have consistently supported Jimmy and his wife, Kristi LaRose, through prayer and counsel. Many in Hall’s circle have similar stories of his pastoral care. Even while achieving great things professionally, Hall has always made time to guide others in their faith journey. This integration of faith and work is perhaps Hall Powell’s most defining feature. He demonstrates that being a successful executive and a humble servant of God are not mutually exclusive, but in fact complementary.
Legacy of an Exemplary Life
As Henry Hall Powell, Jr. reaches the age of 86, it is fitting to celebrate the legacy of a life devoted to uplifting others. In the realm of nonprofit fundraising, he has raised millions for hospitals, ministries, and charities, transforming organizations and the people they serve. In the realm of personal influence, he has mentored hundreds of professionals who carry forward his teachings, thereby multiplying his impact for future generations. Hall’s legacy is also shared with Melinda, his partner in life and ministry, whose quiet strength and faith have been the bedrock of his journey. His
daughters Diana, Melanie & Christi adore him and carry on in his footsteps. Those who know Hall often speak of his humility and his tendency to shine the spotlight on others. Yet on this special occasion, the spotlight rightly turns to him. It illuminates a man who exemplifies servant-leadership, intellectual curiosity (Hall continues studying and writing), and love for family. In formal recognition, we honor Henry “Hall” Powell, Jr. for his extraordinary contributions. His story is a testament to how one person’s dedication is forward facing—strengthening institutions, nurturing leaders, and inspiring faith. Happy 86th Birthday, Hall Powell. May your example continue to guide and inspire all who work to make the world a better place.
We all love you Hall,
For readers who wish to learn more about Hall Powell’s work and writings, please VISIT HERE to explore his ongoing contributions.
Henry Powell at 86…His Life of Leadership and Faith was first posted at INSIDE CHARITY
