LINCOLN, Neb. — Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska (CGPN) is proud to announce Jill Pershing Davis, Vice President of U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, as the recipient of the 2025 Community Sower Award. This annual award recognizes a Nebraska professional whose leadership, vision, and dedication have meaningfully advanced philanthropy across the state. Few exemplify that standard more fully or authentically than Jill.
A Lifelong Commitment to Growing Generosity in Nebraska
For more than 35 years, Jill Pershing Davis has helped shape the charitable landscape of Nebraska through a rare combination of technical expertise, personal generosity, and deeply relational advising. Her work has significantly increased both the quantity and the quality of charitable gifts statewide.
Rooted in values instilled by her mother, the late Eldene Pershing, Jill has guided countless individuals and families to turn financial success into intentional, meaningful generosity — impact measured not solely by dollars raised, but by lives touched and communities strengthened. Her leadership inspires others to give more boldly and more strategically, creating ripple effects that elevate nonprofits across Nebraska.
More Than an Advisor: A Philanthropic Leader
Jill’s influence is felt both in her profession and in her volunteer service. She has served on numerous boards where her time, talent, and resources have directly strengthened nonprofit missions:
- Lied Center for Performing Arts – Six years on the Friends of Lied Board, twice chairing the Lied Gala; now serving on the Statewide Advisory Board
- Bryan Medical Foundation – Trustee
- Junior Achievement of Lincoln & Greater Nebraska – Trustee
Her work has expanded organizational reach, increased fundraising capacity, and amplified the impact of arts, education, and health institutions across the region.
Championing Women in Philanthropy
One of Jill’s most defining contributions is her leadership in empowering women to give with clarity, confidence, and purpose. She has served as a guiding force in the Nebraska Women Leadership Network, U.S. Bank Women Leadership Group, and Women Investing in Nebraska (WIN), where she tripled membership during her tenure as membership chair. Through curated educational programs, values-based conversations, and speaker series highlighting personal stories, Jill has cultivated spaces where women discover their philanthropic voices and lead with intention.
A Distinguished Advisor with 35+ Years of Impact
Jill’s professional career traces an evolution from technical mastery to purpose-driven advising. She began as a Certified Public Accountant before expanding into financial planning and ultimately private wealth management, where her passion for charitable giving found its fullest expression.
As a philanthropic advisor, Jill’s approach is unique. She integrates charitable planning holistically, helping clients articulate their values and connect early with nonprofit partners. She often makes personal introductions between donors and charities, turning giving from a transactional process into a joyful, relationship-driven experience. While many advisors hesitate to build those connections, Jill embraces them, knowing they lead to more meaningful and lasting community impact.
Her reputation among peers has been exceptional for decades. Early in her career, she was actively recruited by several “Big 8” accounting firms — a testament to her technical skill and integrity. Throughout her career, respected financial institutions, including Ameritas and various wealth management firms, sought her expertise. Jill remains in high demand — proof that she is not only admired for her financial acumen, but deeply respected for her values and the trust she inspires.
A Signature Example of Transformative Advising
Jill’s advising often includes sharing meaningful experiences with clients, particularly in the performing arts. During one memorable evening at the Lied Center, Jill hosted a new client for a dance performance and a private meet-and-greet with the troupe. The experience rekindled the client’s long-forgotten love of the arts, rooted in a formative college memory at the Lied.
That conversation and Jill’s thoughtful, values-based approach ultimately inspired a major charitable gift that enabled the Lied Center to book performances otherwise out of reach. The result was expanded statewide access to world-class arts programming: a legacy sparked by a single shared experience.
Endorsement from a Lifelong Philanthropic Leader
Upon learning of Jill’s nomination, Lucy Buntain Comine, a respected philanthropic leader, immediately offered her endorsement. Lucy has known Jill since childhood and recalls Jill’s early commitment to service while volunteering for the Pinewood Bowl summer musical productions, where Lucy served as director. According to Lucy, Jill’s talent, generosity, and maturity stood out even then.
Award Presentation
Jill Pershing Davis will accept the 2025 Community Sower Award during the Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska Annual Meeting on Friday, December 5, 2025.
About Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska
Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska (CGP Nebraska) connects and supports the professional community engaged in charitable gift planning. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, CGP Nebraska strengthens philanthropic partnerships that build a more generous and resilient future for our state.
