GABE GRASS, ED.S.
Gabe Grass
CEO & Co-Founder · Development · Entrepreneurship · Leadership
Gabe Grass builds things – organizations, partnerships and fundraising programs that outlast the engagement. With a career spanning higher education, small business and consulting, he brings a rare blend of institutional credibility and entrepreneurial instinct to every client relationship.
Ed.S. – Ed. Policy & Evaluation
Major Gifts & Grants
Entrepreneur
UNF · Flagler College · FSU
Jax, FL
3
Higher education institutions served
$15+
Years in major gifts & development
2014
Co-founded & operated GrassLands Brewing Company from scratch
EdS.
Advanced degree in Educational Leadership, Policy & Program Evaluation
01
GrassLands Brewing Company
Co-founded in 2014 in Tallahassee, FL, – built from concept to recognized community brand through relationship-driven growth.
02
Soaring Together - UNF
Launched a corporate partnership program connecting campus to local employers, creating internship pathways and long-term institutional relationships.
03
Verdant Synergies
Co-founded with wife, Dr. Saralyn Grass, bringing consultant, expert witness services and mission-driven strategy to organizations that need more than generic advice.
WHAT GABE BRINGS
Areas of Focus
Small Business & Entrepreneurial Advising
Having built a business from the ground up, Gabe brings practical, honest guidance to founders and small business owners navigating growth, operations and strategy.
Fundraising & Development Strategy
Major gifts, corporate relations, grant writing and donor stewardship – built on relationships and a track record of results across three higher education institutions.
Partnership & Relationship Brokering
Connecting organizations with the right partners, funders and community relationships – leveraging a deep network across Jacksonville and the broader Florida market.
Nonprofit Leadership & Capacity Building
Strategic planning, board development and organizational growth for mission-driven organizations that want to scale impact without losing their footing.
Executive & Leadership Coaching
Working one-on-one with leaders who want to think more clearly, lead more effectively and make decisions they can stand behind – in business and beyond.
Business Development & Client Strategy
Helping organizations grow their client base, refine their positioning and build the kind of trust that turns a first conversation into a long-term relationship.
CAREER TIMELINE
Selected Experience
2025-Present
CEO & Co-founder
Verdant Synergies Consulting
Leading business development, client strategy and operations for a cross-sector consulting firm serving legal teas, nonprofits and mission-driven organizations.
Recent
Director of Corporate Relations & Major Gifts
University of North Florida
Built transformative corporate partnerships advancing student success and institutional impact. Launched the Soaring Together Corporate Partnership Program with Career Services.
Prior
Development & Advancement Roles
Flagler College · Florida State University
Fundraising, donor relations and development work across two additional institutions – building a foundation in relationship-driven and grant-supported advancement strategy.
2014-2019
Co-Founder & President
GrassLands Brewing Company – Tallahassee, FL
Co-founded and scaled a craft brewery from concept to established community brand. Oversaw operations, finance, marketing, hospitality, events, production and community engagement.
“I enjoy supporting local small businesses and nonpforits – and the occasional round of golf, preferably when the weather, my swing and the company are all in stride.”
Beyond his professional work, Gabe is a proud father to Cheyanne and a new grandfather to Jocelyn. He is deeply invested in the Jacksonville Community and in the success of the small business and nonprofits that make it thrive.
Get in touch with Gabe directly:
gabe@verdantsynergies.com · 904.729.1399