Cogan Blackmon

Cogan Blackmon has a diverse work experience in various roles in different organizations. They started their career as the Director of Fundraising for the Social Action Leadership Team, where they successfully raised significant funds for direct relief efforts. They then joined Valparaiso University as the Lead Facilitator, creating and managing the Civic Reflection Initiative. They later served as the Ministry and Stewardship Resident at Unity Lutheran Church, where they co-chaired a successful stewardship campaign and secured new funding for the food pantry. Cogan then became the Pastoral Resident at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, leading theological studies and adult forums. They continued their work in ministry as the Director of Youth and Family Ministry at Meridian Street United Methodist Church, adapting their programming due to the impacts of Covid-19. Currently, Cogan is the Director of Faith Formation and Outreach at St. John's Lutheran Church, where they have increased annual giving through effective storytelling and improved marketing strategies while building relationships within the congregation and the wider community.

Cogan Blackmon completed a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree in Lutheran Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary between 2017 and 2019. Prior to that, Cogan earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Theology and Philanthropic Studies from Valparaiso University, where they studied from 2012 to 2016. In addition, they obtained an Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in August 2022.