Charitable Financial Planning Expert & Professor at Texas Tech University; Author of "Inside the Mind of the Bequest Donor"

Lubbock, TX, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Russell N. James III Biography

Russell N. James III, J.D., Ph.D., CFP, is a professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University, where he holds the CH Foundation Chair in Personal Financial Planning and directs the on-campus and online graduate program in charitable financial planning. James also serves as an adjunct professor at the Texas Tech University School of Law, teaching charitable gift planning. His expertise spans law, economics, and financial planning, contributing a multidisciplinary perspective to the field of philanthropy and nonprofit fundraising.

Before his academic career, James worked as director of planned giving for Central Christian College and later served as president of the college, overseeing all fundraising activities. During his tenure, the college completed two capital campaigns, constructed new debt-free buildings, and increased enrollment. James graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri School of Law, where he was a member of the Missouri Law Review and received the United Missouri Bank Award for most outstanding work in gift and estate taxation and planning. He also holds a Ph.D. in consumer economics from the University of Missouri, with a dissertation focused on charitable giving.

James has published more than 150 works in academic journals, conference proceedings, and books, with a focus on statistical analysis and experimental research related to gifts, estates, and property. His research incorporates neuroscience, including the first published peer-reviewed study using fMRI to examine charitable bequest decision-making. By integrating neuroimaging, experimental psychology, psychological theory, and survey research, James explores the conscious and subconscious processes involved in bequest decisions. His books include "Inside the Mind of the Bequest Donor," "Visual Planned Giving," "The Storytelling Fundraiser," "The Epic Fundraiser," and "The Primal Fundraiser," which provide practical guidance for fundraising professionals.

James's research on philanthropy and planned giving has been recognized by his induction into the Charitable Gift Planners' Hall of Fame. He has received teaching honors from the Texas Tech University School of Personal Financial Planning and the Personal Financial Planning Association. James has been quoted on charitable and financial issues in news sources such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC News, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Associated Press, Bloomberg News, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. His work connects academic research with practical insights for nonprofit professionals, financial advisors, and estate planners.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/06/2026.

Russell N. James III Speaking Topics

  • How to make an EPIC fundraising ask: The story principles of successful major gift requests

    Want to make an EPIC fundraising ask? Start with an EPIC story for your prospective donor hero. This presentation looks at the science and the story principles behind powerful major gift requests. We’ll look at fun examples from the hero’s journey archetypal “guiding sage” characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Morpheus, and Gandalf the Grey. But beyond the fun stories, this presentation dives into the phrases and strategies that work in the real world to make a compelling fundraising ask.

  • How to talk to people about wealth in ways that inspire major gifts of assets: The science and the sentences

    Wealth is not held in cash; it’s held in other assets like stocks, bonds, real estate, and IRAs. Research shows that shifting donors to giving from their wealth (assets), rather than just from their cash (disposable income) can lead to transformational donations. But how can we actually make this happen? Talking about someone else’s wealth can be scary! In this presentation, Professor James walks through the step-by-step process that makes these conversations simple, easy, and stress free. You don’t need to be a gift planning expert to inspire major gifts of assets. You just need to attend this presentation!

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  • What topics does Russell N. James III speak about?

    Russell N. James III is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Education, Finance, Government, Law, Non-Profit, Philanthropy, Professors, Social Activism, Storytelling
  • Where does Russell N. James III travel from?

    Russell N. James III generally travels from Lubbock, TX, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Russell N. James III is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as How to make an EPIC fundraising ask: The story principles of successful major gift requests, How to talk to people about wealth in ways that inspire major gifts of assets: The science and the sentences, Using behavioral science in fundraising communications: What experimental research tells us about the right words and phrases, How to ask for an estate gift without fear or anxiety: The science and the sentences and Using storytelling in major and planned gifts fundraising: New findings, ancient origins, and practical tips . The estimated speaking fee range to book Russell N. James III for your event is available upon request. Russell N. James III generally travels from Lubbock, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Gerri Walsh, Dr. Michael Time, Judith Browne Dianis, Tonya M. Evans and John Kania. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Russell N. James III for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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