George Ruotolo, Jr. has been a leader in fundraising and public relations since 1973. Before founding Ruotolo Associates in 1979, he served as vice president at a major public relations and fundraising firm and previously worked in investment banking. Recognizing the need for a more modern, personalized approach to fundraising consulting, he established Ruotolo Associates with a hallmark commitment to high-level, hands-on professional service.
He brings expertise in pre-campaign studies, annual appeals, capital campaigns, planned giving, and integrated marketing and public relations programs. George has guided successful initiatives for a wide range of organizations—including dioceses, churches, colleges, schools, hospitals, and social service agencies—at the local, regional, and national levels. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with religious, civic, and corporate leaders, as well as administrators, board members, volunteers, and development professionals.
George is Past Chair and a current Trustee of the Ramapo College of New Jersey Board of Trustees and a founding member of the Ridgewood Educational Foundation in Ridgewood, NJ. He also played a key advisory role in Niagara University’s capital campaign, which surpassed its $80 million goal, and has provided counsel to the SUNY New Paltz Foundation. George has shared his insights as a guest lecturer at Baruch College, Columbia University, and Boston University. He has also served as a spokesperson on philanthropic issues for national media outlets, including appearances on CNBC’s Money Talk, NPR, CNN, MSNBC’s Donahue, and features in Worth Magazine.
A recognized speaker and seminar leader, George has addressed major conferences on topics such as leadership, fundraising, development strategy, and nonprofit communications. His presentations include those for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International Conference, the National Catholic Development Conference (NCDC), the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), and Seton Hall University’s Fund-Raising Fundamentals course.
Ruotolo Associates is one of the longest standing members of The Giving Institute, the hallmark of ethical fundraising, where George has served as Chair. He is also a board member and former Chair of the Giving USA Foundation, publisher of the Giving USA report. Additional leadership roles include board service with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Vice Chair of the Nonprofit Advisory Council of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), and the American Red Cross, Bergen-Hudson Chapter and currently a trustee of the Anello Feeds First Foundation.
George is a Certified Fundraising Executive and a member of AFP’s New Jersey Chapter. In 2005, he received the chapter’s Robert J. Smythe Outstanding Professional Fundraiser Award in recognition of his impact on the field.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from Niagara University, with additional advanced training through professional institutes. George lives in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, with his wife, Joanne, a nurse practitioner. They have three grown children.