Gavan joined Changing Our World in 2002 and over the years provided comprehensive counsel to a myriad ultra-high-net-worth individuals, foundations, nonprofits and corporations, and was key in expanding and overseeing the firm’s business relationships.

During his tenure, Gavan led some of the largest and most complex engagements in the firm’s history. Guiding teams that work in cultures across the globe, taking an integrated approach to each and every engagement, helping UHNWIs, organizations and foundations to access new strategic directions that engage and resonate across generations.

His expertise spans the entire philanthropic spectrum – family foundations (including operations, grant programs and grant management), healthcare, higher education, regional and international nonprofit entities, and beyond. Gavan led the design of foundations that have become major drivers of philanthropy and has raised more than $1 billion over the course of his career. Most recently, Gavan provided counsel to The Lynch Foundation, Massachusetts General Hospital, The Winsor School, Covenant House International, and; the Hartford Bishops Foundation. He has also worked closely with Changing Our World’s corporate social engagement team, which helps the private sector to act as a force for public good through wise engagement with employees, consumers, and communities.

Across these engagements, Gavan is driven by a core mission to change the world through the power of philanthropy and personal service. He has a passion for problem-solving and deep experience assisting UHNWIs, families, family offices and foundations with focusing and scaling their philanthropic endeavors to affect societal change and progress.

Originally from Bray, County Wicklow in Ireland, Gavan received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from University College Dublin and is a graduate of the Senior Management Executive Program of Omnicom University, managed by Harvard Business School. He resides in Milton, Massachusetts with his wife Sally, daughter Milly, and son Finn.