Ian Cherutich
Ian Cherutich only joined RespectAbility’s Staff in October 2020. But in just a few months, he has already helped expand RespectAbility’s capacity to build partnerships with foundations and other nonprofits, enabling our national footprint to grow in size and scope.
“Although I have been with the organization for less than a year, it has already been a very educational experience,” said Cherutich. “RespectAbility’s development department tackles each opportunity for funding in a thoughtful way and includes different staff members’ perspectives to inform our approaches. Having met with advocates of our work in the nonprofit and philanthropic spaces, I can see that the reputation we’ve built will continue to pay dividends as we push for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all spheres of life.”
Cherutich has experience in both the disability and nonprofit fundraising space. As a Housing Intern in Legacy Counseling Center’s Homebase for Housing program, he wrote educational material meant to inform nonprofit professionals on how to best serve people experiencing homelessness who have HIV/AIDS. In his previous role as a Development Associate at Readers 2 Leaders, a children’s literacy nonprofit, Cherutich wrote applications for grant funding, managed the organization’s 2019 North Texas Giving Day fundraising drive, and performed other fundraising tasks as the organization surpassed one million dollars in annual revenue.
Cherutich earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs and a Master of Public Policy from The University of Texas at Dallas. During his coursework, he performed research on contemporary issues in American education, and is excited to use this experience to advocate for the educational opportunities of people with disabilities, along with the other great work RespectAbility conducts.
Cherutich is based in Dallas, Texas. In his spare time, he likes to read, play guitar and spend time with his friends and family.
“Ian is a crucial member of team and is a textbook definition of a ‘team player,’” said Franklin Anderson, RespectAbility’s Director of Inclusive Philanthropy and Development. “He is always willing to help on any important project that pops up and works hard to demonstrate his commitment to RespectAbility. I have never had to question if he could get the job done.”
“Ian shared our values of equity, access and inclusion and is exceptionally thoughtful,” added Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, President of RespectAbility. “We are so lucky to have him on our team.”
