Allen Abbott specializes in helping organizations become healthy through mission identification, leadership, fundraising and board development. He joined Cypress Cove in 2016 as the Philanthropy Specialist, creating a sustainable culture of philanthropy. Working with staff, board, residents, corporations, foundations and philanthropic individuals in the  community, Allen helps generate the resources needed to enhance the quality of life and care at Cypress Cove. One particular accomplishment is the establishment of a scholarship program for employees and their dependents, sending 36 people to college in the last 5 semesters.
Allen Abbott is a native of Chattanooga and the son of missionaries to Japan. Most of his career is in the nonprofit sector, primarily faith-based organizations such as congregations, camps, conference centers, retirement communities, colleges, seminaries, denominations and ecumenical agencies. He also worked with the American Red Cross and several radio and television stations.
Dr. Abbott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Kentucky University, a Master of Divinity and PhD from Southern Seminary, the Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University, the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from Indiana University, and the Certificate in Financial Planning from Emory University. He did post-doctoral study at Dartmouth College and Harvard Divinity School. He holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, verifying extraordinary proficiency and experience in philanthropy.
He is an ordained minister and holds credentials in five Protestant denominations. He served as a national denominational leader and a three-time chaplain at the Chautauqua Institution. His most recent publication is Christian education curriculum used in 6,000 churches nationwide.
Since moving to SWFL, Allen was elected vice president of the Planned Giving Council of Lee County and President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for Collier and Lee Counties. He was listed among the News Press' Top Twenty Generous Leaders in SWFL and number two among the Top Twenty Fundraising Professionals in SWFL. He is also a member of the Financial Planners Association and a board member of the Greater Naples Area Planned Giving Council.
He and his wife, Conda, moved to Fort Myers from Lexington, Kentucky. They enjoy travel, fine arts and ice hockey. They attend the Iona-Hope Episcopal Church and Temple Beth El Synagogue in Fort Myers. He volunteers with WGCU Public Media, the SWFL Community Foundation and the United Way. He remains active in ministry, including serving as guest pastor at Thomas A. Edison Congregational Church.
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