Ron Smicker Jr. has spent more than a decade on the frontlines of fundraising and nonprofit leadership, guiding organizations through seasons of both growth and uncertainty. From leading donor portfolios at Fuller Theological Seminary to navigating the complex funding streams of Union Gospel Mission Portland, Ron has built a reputation as a bridge-builder - someone equally at home with CEOs and board members as with frontline staff and the communities they serve.

 

Over the years, Ron has helped raise millions of dollars by doing what he does best: connecting vision with people. He believes generosity is unlocked not through pressure, but through trust, clarity, and genuine relationship. Whether partnering with philanthropists, equipping fundraisers, or translating complex systems into daily rhythms, Ron brings both entrepreneurial creativity and deep respect for the people doing the work.

 

A proud husband and dad of two, Ron approaches his work with the same values he brings to his family: integrity, humility, and a belief that everyone has a role to play in creating lasting impact.

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Why I Built Credo

Before launching Credo Fundraising Solutions, Ron spent 20 years in hospitality learning how to anticipate needs, listen well, and make people feel genuinely valued. He later worked in commercial real estate, where he saw firsthand that true trust is built on being honest and straightforward, no matter what.

 

When Ron moved into fundraising, something clicked. He discovered that real philanthropy isn’t about transactions—it’s about service, relationships, and honesty. But he also saw a problem: most fundraising systems felt cold, transactional, and disconnected from what donors actually needed.

 

Out of that tension, Generosity Rhythm™ was born. Credo is Ron’s way of offering nonprofits a framework that’s relational, readable, and actionable—tools designed to simplify the work while deepening donor connection.

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The Credo Difference

​Credo Fundraising Solutions exists to help nonprofits:

• Build trust through clear and consistent rhythms.

• Strengthen donor relationships with tools that are simple and human-centered.

• Move beyond transactions into transformation, where both leaders and donors see their role in shaping a better future.

 

For Ron, this isn’t just theory—it’s what he’s lived, tested, and refined across decades of real-world experience. Credo is built to equip fundraisers, honor their calling, and create space for generosity to flourish.