Business team analyzing financial charts

Get In Touch

If you would like an experienced professional to join you in your spiritual journey and guide you through your next capital stewardship campaign, someone who is there for you, not just part of the time, but all the time, and someone who can help you exceed your expectations, please contact us.

Contact Us

If you would like to discuss the capital stewardship needs and the potential of your church, we invite you to contact us. A preliminary analysis can be arranged. If appropriate, an initial visit will be made.

After reviewing various elements, including constituencies, leadership, and needs, a practical plan of action can be outlined. This procedure is without cost or obligation.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Contact Us Anytime At:

Senior couple in a counseling session

Our Leadership Team

ChatGPT Image May 12, 2026, 01_59_52 AM

James D. Klote

President & CEO

jimklote@jdklote.com

“Our firm is comprised of dedicated Directors with a deep personal commitment to helping you accomplish your mission in ministry.”

James D. Klote is the founder and president of James D. Klote & Associates,  an international firm that helps churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations achieve their capital stewardship goals. The firm specializes in capital campaigns for building projects and ministry initiatives across the United States and Canada.

Early Career and Background

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Jim earned a dual degree in Political Science and Sociology from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. He began his career in fundraising with the United Way, serving communities in:

  • Detroit, Michigan
  • Columbus, Ohio

His early work in community fundraising helped establish the strategic and leadership skills that would define his career in capital stewardship consulting.

Early Career and Background

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Jim earned a dual degree in Political Science and Sociology from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. He began his career in fundraising with the United Way, serving communities in:

  • Detroit, Michigan
  • Columbus, Ohio

His early work in community fundraising helped establish the strategic and leadership skills that would define his career in capital stewardship consulting.

Leadership in Stewardship Consulting

Jim was later recruited by Ward, Dreshman & Reinhardt, the most established capital stewardship consulting firm in the country. He quickly distinguished himself within the organization.

Key milestones in his career include:

  • Becoming the youngest director ever hired in the firm’s 100-year history
  • Later, being elected the youngest president in the history of the firm

After serving as president, Jim and the Board of Directors established James D. Klote & Associates, focusing exclusively on churches and church-related stewardship initiatives.

Today:

  • James D. Klote & Associates specializes in church stewardship campaigns
  • Ward, Dreshman & Reinhardt, a wholly owned subsidiary of our organization, focuses primarily on community fundraising campaigns

Together, the organizations continue a long tradition of stewardship excellence.

Professional Contributions and Service

Beyond campaign consulting, Jim has been actively involved in nonprofit leadership and education.

His contributions include:

  • Author of the book Stewardship: The Proven Path
  • Frequent speaker at nonprofit and foundation conferences across the United States
  • Long-time member of the Wesley Seminary Foundation Board in Washington, DC
  • Elected to the Board of Trustees of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University

Personal Life

Jim lives in Great Falls, Virginia, with his wife Molly, a physician. They have three children.

Read More
Erin West 1

Erin A. West

Vice President of Operations

erinwest@jdklote.com

Erin West serves as the Vice President of Operations at James D. Klote & Associates and plays a critical role in the firm’s organizational leadership and growth.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, and began her career with the firm in 2002 as a Campaign Director, guiding capital campaigns for churches throughout the United States.

Leadership and Operational Role

As the firm expanded, Erin transitioned into a leadership role focused on the strategic development and operational management of the organization.

Her responsibilities include:

  • Recruiting and training campaign consultants
  • Supporting marketing and sales initiatives
  • Coordinating project placement for campaign directors
  • Representing the firm at conferences and industry events nationwide
  • Managing the firm’s day-to-day operations and long-term organizational growth

Personal Life

Erin was born in Suffern, New York, and currently resides in Vienna, Virginia, with her husband Pete and their two daughters.

Read More
Professional portrait of man in suit

Glendon Smith, Jr.

Vice President

glendonsmith@jdklote.com

Glendon Smith, Jr. brings extensive experience in capital campaign leadership and nonprofit fundraising strategy.

He joined James D. Klote & Associates in 2008 and has since played a key role in helping churches and nonprofit organizations achieve their stewardship goals.

Education and Professional Background

Originally from Indiana, Glendon studied mathematics and business at:

  • University of Louisville
  • Indiana University Southeast

His analytical background and leadership experience have proven valuable in managing complex capital campaigns from initial planning through completion.

Campaign Experience and Expertise

Glendon has guided campaigns through every phase of the stewardship process, including:

  • Pre-campaign planning and feasibility preparation
  • Volunteer leadership development
  • Campaign implementation and fundraising strategy
  • Post-campaign follow-up and stewardship

He is particularly known for his ability to:

  • Motivate volunteers
  • Build strong community relationships
  • Maximize campaign results for client organizations

Nonprofit and Community Involvement

In addition to church campaigns, Glendon has assisted several national and regional organizations in fundraising efforts, including:

  • American Heart Association
  • Salvation Army
  • Boys & Girls Clubs
  • Dare to Care
  • Girl Scouts

Personal Life

Glendon has been married to his wife since 1981, and they live in Louisville, Kentucky. They have two daughters.

He is also an active member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church.

Read More