(WASHINGTON D.C., October 8, 2025) – Today, Independent Sector, the national membership organization representing nonprofits and philanthropic foundations, announced the selection of the winners of the 2025 John W. Gardner Leadership Award and Janine Lee Mentorship Award. These sector-wide recognitions are awarded to trailblazing nonprofit advocates who have made significant contributions to the civic sector on the national level and in the communities they serve.
The winner of the 2025 John W. Gardner Leadership Award is Arlington nonprofit leader Herman “Art” Taylor, President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The John W. Gardner Leadership Award honors visionaries and transformative nonprofit changemakers who exemplify the leadership and ideals of American statesman and Independent Sector co-founder John W. Gardner. Taylor will receive the award at a special presentation during Independent Sector’s National Summit on October 29th, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Public trust is the heart and soul of the nonprofit sector — it underlies everything we do and makes it possible for even the most under-resourced organization to serve the public good. It is also incredibly hard to build and easy to lose — which is what makes Art’s work to expand accountability and transparency reporting across the nonprofit sector so transformational,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector. “In a moment where public trust is decreasing for virtually every institution in American society, trust in nonprofits is holding strong — and Art’s decades of leadership promoting honest and straightforward information-sharing across our sector have been essential to earning and maintaining that trust.”
“The nonprofit sector thrives when people can believe in the integrity of its work — and I have deep faith in nonprofit institutions to carry out our philanthropic aspirations. I’ve dedicated my career to helping donors give with confidence and supporting nonprofits in honoring that confidence through BBB accountability standards and now the ethical code to which AFP members adhere. When nonprofits uphold these standards and fundraisers act ethically, they serve as vital vessels for our collective hopes and our commitment to the common good,” said Art Taylor, President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). “I’m deeply honored to receive the John W. Gardner Leadership Award and to join the many extraordinary leaders who have been recognized before me. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration across our sector — fundraisers, nonprofits, and the communities we serve — to strengthen trust and advance our shared philanthropic vision.“
The winner of the 2025 Janine Lee Mentorship Award is Regina G. Jackson, President and CEO of RGJackson Management Group and former President and CEO of East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC). The Janine Lee Mentorship Award, to be awarded for the first time this year, is named in memory of Janine Lee—President and CEO of Philanthropy Southeast. The Janine Lee Mentorship Award is awarded to a mentor leader who embodies the ideals and commitment to the next generation of leaders that Lee exemplified throughout her life. After a competitive nationwide nomination and selection process, Regina G. Jackson (‘Mama Gina’) was selected to receive the award at a special presentation during Independent Sector’s National Summit on October 29th, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
“As someone who spent a formative part of my career within the Atlanta charitable sector, I count myself lucky to have been one of those privileged to learn and grow under the mentorship and guidance of Janine Lee. Needless to say, this award is very close to my heart, and I am thrilled to be able to recognize Regina G. Jackson as the first ever Janine Lee Mentorship Award honoree,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector. “Throughout Regina’s decades of service, she has prepared and promoted generations of young people toward leadership roles in their neighborhoods, schools, and communities—unlocking career opportunities, boosting earning potential, and nurturing a lifelong love for civil engagement. I can think of no one more deserving to carry on the legacy of Janine Lee.”
“Mentoring Matters,” said Regina G. Jackson, President and CEO of RGJackson Management Group. “I tell all my children: Character is the root. Leadership is the fruit. Your journey begins with one brave decision.”