A former attorney and banker, Gian brings more than 25 years of experience in the fields of philanthropy, law, fundraising, and banking to his role as President & CEO of Nevada Community Foundation.
During his tenure at NCF (2008- present), the organization has experienced exponential growth during a period of extraordinary economic upheaval, growing from $14.9mm to more than $160mm today.
Equally, the Foundation has reached unprecedented influence as a thought leader and catalyst for change in the community.
He spent four years with The Rhode Island Foundation as a development officer and gift planning advisor before joining U.S. Trust Bank of America, where he served as Vice President for the Philanthropic Management Group. While at U.S. Trust, Gian counseled individuals, families, and private foundations on their philanthropy and advised institutional clients about governance and nonprofit management issues. He also served as an expert for the bank’s clients on the subjects of philanthropy and planned giving, leadership and governance, and fiduciary and tax matters.
Prior to that, Gian practiced law as a litigator and estate planning attorney on the east coast and served as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer to a family office in Houston, Texas.
In his career, Gian has advised more than 1,000 public charities, private foundations, individuals, and families on all aspects of charitable giving and philanthropy. He is one of 175 BoardSource© Certified Governance Trainers globally.
Gian advises nonprofit organizations on board governance, change management and fundraising. He also counsels for-profit corporations (as well as Southern Nevada’s leading families) on philanthropy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and serves on the board of The Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE Advisory Committee.
He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgetown University and completed his Juris Doctor from the New England School of Law in 1990. A Greenspun Distinguished Professor of Practice at UNLV’s School of Public Policy and Leadership, Gian taught courses in 21st Century Leadership and Public Policy. He is licensed to practice law (inactive status) in Rhode Island and Texas and is a sought-after speaker on philanthropy, leadership and governance, fundraising, and change management.