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Paul A. Netzel, CFRE
Founder and Chairman

pnetzel@netzelgrigsby.com

Los Angeles

Paul is Founder and Chairman of NETZEL GRIGSBY ASSOCIATES, INC., a leading management-consulting firm specializing in work with not-for-profit organizations and institutions throughout the Western United States. Founded in Los Angeles in 1985, the firm has grown to include regional offices in Orange County, Phoenix, San Diego, San Jose, and Santa Barbara. NETZEL GRIGSBY ASSOCIATES, INC. has been honored by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce as being “an outstanding example of the entrepreneurial spirit of our region.”



Prior to his founding the firm, Paul had a successful 22-year career with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. He served as a vice chair of the national board of directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), formerly NSFRE. He was president of AFP’s Greater L.A. Chapter and was honored as its Professional-of-the-Year. He is a co-founder of the UCLA Extension’s “Certificate of Fund Raising” program.

Paul has a long record of community service and leadership. He served as Mayor of Culver City, California for two terms while a city council member, (1980-88). Previously, he served as a member and president of the Culver City Board of Education. More recently, he has held leadership positions on the boards of Boy Scouts, Goodwill Industries of Southern California, United Way, YMCA, the California Youth and Government program, and served on the advisory boards of the Auto Club of Southern California, APEX (Asian Professional Exchange) and Habitat for Humanity.



During 2007-09, Paul served as one of 17 members of the Board of Directors of Rotary International, an international service organization with over 1.2 members in 200 countries and territories. He also served as Chair of the Executive Committee of the R.I. Board and as the Board’s Liaison to The Rotary Foundation. Previously he served as governor of R.I. District 5280 (1997/98), and as president of the Rotary Club of Los Angeles. Paul also chaired the Bid Committee to secure the 2008 Rotary International Convention for Los Angeles, subsequently becoming chair of the LA2008 Host Organization Committee and later as special advisor following his election to the R.I. Board of Directors. 


A graduate of George Williams College in Chicago, Paul and his wife, Diane, reside in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles and have two grown children and two grandchildren.

His awards and honors include The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service, Rotary District 5280 Hall of Fame, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Golden Book of Distinguished Service, Co-Grand Marshall Los Angeles Korean Festival Parade, Culver City Citizen of the Year, Jaycees Distinguished Service Award and PTA Council Honorary Life Service Award.