Sam Fowler Chief Development Officer
Sam Fowler once began a student body president election speech in sixth grade by saying, “I’d like to demonstrate my greatest skill.” Then, he stood there and said nothing. “Listening… that’s right, listening,” were the next words out of his mouth. Since that time, he’s been listening to people tell their stories… and then encouraging them find ways to participate in stories bigger than themselves.
Boys & Girls Clubs have been his bigger story for the past 18 years, first as Executive Director of the Magic Valley Club in Idaho, then as Chief Development Officer of the Greater Scottsdale and East Valley Clubs, to his current role as Chief Development Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ). Sam leads a talented resource development team at BGCAZ, one of the largest and fastest growing Boys & Girls Clubs in the country. Listening to investors and connecting them with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others has been the heart of his mission and that of his teams. Before diving into the world of fundraising, he began his career as a pastor in Washington state and has led communities of faith in California, Montana, and Idaho.
A Mesa resident who grew up in Seattle, Sam has two grown children, Cody and Kendra who are constantly educating their dad on what’s actually hip and cool. He loves to write, whether it be his own work or ghost-writing for those who “always dreamed of writing a book.” Sam has been a sought-after speaker for events and conferences through the years, entertaining audiences with (mostly true) real-life tales that address real-world issues. He’s a big-time hoops guy who believes that people who played at Duke are better than most and that the Sonics need to come home. He holds a BA in Political Science from Northwest Nazarene University and a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary -- which means if he can’t convince you of something, you know who he’s calling on next.
