AFPI TAPS MARTIN GILLESPIE TO SERVE AS CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

This week, Martin Gillespie joined the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) to be the organization’s Chief Development Officer.  At AFPI, Gillespie will continue to build out AFPI’s already impressive development team.  Specifically, Gillespie will focus on major gifts and integration with digital fundraising efforts.  Prior to joining AFPI, Martin served as the Director of Donor Relations and Senior Advisor to the President for Corporate Relations at the Heritage Foundation.  Under his leadership, major gift revenue increased by over 60 percent in just two years.  Gillespie has also held senior roles in both the House and Senate as well as at the Republican National Committee. 

“The America First agenda has inspired millions of our fellow citizens to join and support the conservative movement—many for the first time,” AFPI President/CEO Brooke L. Rollins noted. “We are absolutely thrilled that Martin will lead our AFPI development team. His more than two decades of experience in the movement and background as a development professional will assure we capture the financial support needed to defeat failed liberal policy and put the interests of our fellow Americans and our country above all else.”

Martin Gillespie is a proud native of South Jersey and serves as the Chief Development Officer for the America First Policy Institute (AFPI). Gillespie previously served as Director of Donor Relations and Senior Advisor to the President for Corporate Relations at The Heritage Foundation. His over two decades in the conservative movement include serving as Deputy Director of Coalitions at the Republican National Committee, Executive Director of American Majority Action, Campaign Manager for Congressman Chris Smith, Political Director for Senator Sam Brownback, and also serving as a political appointee in the Department of Justice under President George W. Bush. He is a graduate with highest honors in political science from Rutgers University and also has a Master’s Degree in management and fundraising from Avila University. He is named after his immigrant grandfather and also married to an immigrant (Joana) and wants to preserve the promise of America for future generations, most especially his children Jimmy, William, and Martin. In his spare time, he loves playing golf (broke 70 twice in his life—with witnesses!), the Jersey shore, and Italian restaurants.