GBMC welcomes John Jeppi back after 18 months serving his country

John Jeppi, Senior Director of Principal Gifts for GBMC’s Philanthropy Department, was already deployed when his team’s newest colleague, Claudia Keenan, Senior Director of Leadership Giving, joined the organization as a consultant in June 2022. She had the good fortune to sit down with him for a chat a few weeks after he returned from Active Duty in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Here’s a snapshot of their conversation.

Claudia Keenan: John, welcome back. I did not work with you before you left, so I wonder if you could tell me a little bit about yourself and what originally brought you to GBMC.

John Jeppi: I was born and raised in Baltimore County. I started my career in broadcasting, then moved onto planned giving work at Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company, the precursor to PNC Bank. While there, I worked with many not-for-profit organizations who were my clients, including GBMC. It was rewarding to help clients with their gift planning needs.

Around this same time, my wife and I were expecting our first child. As a local guy, I knew GBMC, not just as my client, but as my community hospital. My nieces and nephews were all born here, and we knew our child would be, too. When our son was born, he spent five weeks in the GBMC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I remember how amazing, kind and compassionate everyone was to our family. It left a lasting impression on me. A few years later, my client contact at GBMC had decided to move on. He called to let me know, and I peppered him with questions. He finally said, ‘Sounds like you are interested in my job.’ I guess he was right. The experiences I had with GBMC – personally and professionally – were meaningful enough that I thought I should throw my hat in the ring. The rest, as they say, is history. I have been at GBMC for 15 years. It’s an amazing place – a calling, if you will.

CEK: You also had another calling along the way – serving your country as a Commander in the Navy Reserve. Tell me about that.

JJ: My dad served in the military and always set a good example for us kids. His priorities were God, family/friends, and country. Mom and Dad always took our family to the Towson 4th of July parade. One year, a Company of Marines stopped and stood at attention directly in front of us. In a sweltering heat, my dad pointed to the Marine in my line of sight and said, "Look at how straight and tall he stands. He doesn't even blink an eye!" I knew at that moment there was something special about United States military service.

But, when the time came to decide on a direction for my career, broadcasting won out. My dad established and owned the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland. I always wanted a chance to work with him. Later, however, while at Mercantile, I got the chance to join the Navy Reserve. That decision has had a profound impact on my life.

CEK: Eighteen months ago, you were called up to Active Duty. Tell me about that experience.

JJ: The war in Ukraine had just begun. I had not been called up before, and I was getting closer to retirement. I had the experience and the security clearance they needed at that time – international experience working as the Executive Officer for the Navy Reserve unit at the American headquarters of NATO. I went to my supervisor and let her know the Navy needed me for a six-month mobilization. She was completely supportive., and GBMC made it possible for me to serve. After six months of Active Duty, the Navy extended my orders for another year. I am so glad I got the chance to serve my country in this way; I cannot thank GBMC enough for its support.

CEK: What did you miss most about GBMC and what do you want folks to know now that you are back?

JJ: Simple – the people. The people at GBMC and our incredible benefactors. They are like family. At GBMC, you really get to know the people who support our GBMC mission. It has been a privilege to work with them and get to know them over the years.

Now that I am back, what is most important to me is reconnecting with our donor family. Letting them know I am here and ready to help in any way. Many people think gift planning means you have a large estate you can leave to GBMC in your will. For some, that is the case, and we are grateful. But there are also many other ways to support GBMC – some that even pay our donors an attractive income stream during their lifetime. I enjoy helping folks find ways to make impactful gifts.

CEK: Anything else you want folks to know?

JJ: In a book called Band of Brothers, there is an interview with the real-life Army Major, Dick Winters, who led the Company of Soldiers on which the book was based, quoting one of his wartime brothers: "I cherish the memories of a question my grandson asked me the other day. He said, 'Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?' Grandpa said, 'No, but I served in the company of heroes.'"

I feel that way every day. I am not a hero, but many of the people with whom I am privileged to work are.

To reach John Jeppi and get help with a planned gift, connect with him at jjeppi@gbmc.org or 443-849-3303.