Gabriel Rhoads brings nearly 30 years of experience as a dynamic leader and innovator, excelling in translating vision into action and measurable results. His work bridges the worlds of funders, evaluators, and nonprofit service providers, with a career shaped by his expertise in facilitation, strategic evidence planning, and dispute resolution. Drawing on roles as an Ombudsman and court mediator, Gabriel’s approach emphasizes clear communication and actionable learning to align stakeholders and drive impact.
As a Senior Advisor at Project Evident, Gabriel supports nonprofits in enhancing their capacity for continuous improvement and evidence generation. Previously, he served as Managing Director of the Nonprofit and Philanthropy Practice, where he helped grow the organization from its inception to serving more than 100 clients. His leadership extended to crafting evidence strategies for top funders such as the Duke Endowment, the Bainum Family Foundation, and the United Way.
Gabriel’s tenure at the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation as Director of Evaluation and Learning underscores his ability to integrate evaluation with strategic philanthropy, overseeing tens of millions of evaluation grants. His early career includes roles with Friends of the Children and Public/Private Ventures, honing his skills in continuous program improvement and evidence-based program implementation.
Beyond his non-profit sector accomplishments, Gabriel co-founded the Emmy-nominated BBQ Films, blending storytelling with immersive experiences. He holds an MBA from Columbia University and a BA from the University of Chicago, with honors. Gabriel enjoys biking, hiking, and crafting shared narratives that inspire community and action.
Gabriel Rhoads, Acting Director of the Impact Unit