Janet’s range of expertise includes structuring philanthropic programs to create maximum impact; creating and managing strategic grant making programs for family foundations; designing foundation governance systems and conducting trustee training; as well as guiding nonprofit organizations and their volunteer boards through campaign planning and strategy and special initiatives on behalf of her foundation and family clients.  Janet’s leadership has guided the commitment of over $2 billion in philanthropic dollars for nonprofits in the US and abroad.

Her fundraising career includes major institutional advancement appointments at Harvard University teaching hospitals, Duke University, Georgetown University, Emory University, the University of Virginia, and the YWCA of Atlanta where she led complex campaigns and managed teams of development professionals.  A sought after speaker, Janet has spoken to the Council on Foundations, New York Women’s Foundation, The Global Philanthropy Group, JPMorgan Chase Private Client Group, the Public Broadcasting Service Board and Affiliates, the Association of Collegiate Business Schools, ARCS Foundation, World YWCA and many private and public universities as well as numerous private client groups nation-wide.  Her topics include, Women and Wealth, Board Governance and Responsibility, Strategic Philanthropy, Changing Philanthropic Demographics and the Impact on Non Profits, Global Philanthropy, Wealth Transfer and its Societal Relevance.

She serves on the World Council of the World YWCA in Geneva, the Board of Directors of the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center of the Boston Public Library, the Board of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, and Invest in Girls, and has completed her term on Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts Board of Visitors and as Chair of Strategic Planning on the Board of Managers of The Vincent Club of Boston.  Professional activities include membership in CASE, NSFRE; Women in Development, Boston; Board of Directors of the Atlanta Women’s Network; Past President of the Greater Atlanta Council; Development Committee for the Atlanta High Museum of Art; Atlanta; Charter Member of the Atlanta Women’s Commerce Club; Georgia Alliance for Children; Literacy Action; The Junior League and The Vincent Club.  Ms. Atkins holds Masters and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Emory University.  She and her husband and son reside in Boston, Massachusetts and Newport, Rhode Island.