Howard Epstein

Howard is a partner of Oakdale Strategies and also serves as a consultant on the Embolden team.

Howard specializes in guiding nonprofit organizations towards financial stability and long-term growth through legacy gifting and endowment campaigns.

Before joining Oakdale Strategies, Howard led the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation for ten years. Under his leadership as executive director of the Foundation, the Foundation doubled its charitable distributions and assets under management, grew vibrant donor-advised fund and endowment programs, and built one of the most successful legacy giving and endowment programs among Jewish Federations nationwide. 

Howard has an in-depth understanding of the unique role which community foundations play in our nation's philanthropic efforts, the importance of collaboration among donors, their professional advisors and the community foundation, and the best practices for community foundations to follow. He offers comprehensive expertise to support nonprofits and their stakeholders in achieving their financial goals. 

Howard practiced law for over 16 years before leading the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. He holds a JD degree from Creighton University School of Law and has taught a class in nonprofit law as an adjunct professor there. He earned his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation from the American College of Financial Services, and has been a guest speaker at seminars hosted by the Nebraska State Bar Association, the Nebraska Society of CPA's and the Omaha Estate Planning Council on various topics related to planned giving, endowments and donor-advised funds. 

With over 45 years of engagement in business and community activities, Howard is well-versed in philanthropy and maintains active membership in various organizations, including the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha and Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska.