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About Our Team

Jim Orr
James (Jim) M. Orr, J.D. Executive Director, Office of Gift Planning [email protected] | (214) 305-9451 16633 Dallas Parkway, Ste 800 Addison, Texas 75001

Jim Orr ('86) serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Gift Planning. As a licensed attorney in Texas with over 30 years of experience, Jim is a resource for donors as they plan and consider the best options available to make a gift, save on taxes and pass along wealth to their heirs. He is also able to assist donors in maximizing the impact of charitable gifts.

Prior to this role, Jim served as the Vice President for Advancement for ACU for over seven (7) years, and as a practicing attorney for twenty-five (25) years. Jim received his BBA in Accounting from ACU in 1986, and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law in 1989. He also served as a member of ACU's Board of Trustees from 2002 – 2014, and currently teaches a course in Strategic Philanthropy through the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy at ACU.

Jim is married to Elaine (Rainwater '87) Orr, and they have two children and a grandchild. Jim enjoys traveling, sports, reading, and keeping up with their children and granddaughter.

Lance Rieder
Lance Rieder, CSPG Associate Director, Office of Gift Planning [email protected] | (325) 674-6080 ACU Box 29200 Abilene, TX 79699

Lance Rieder ('98) serves as Associate Director of the Office of Gift Planning. Lance completed his Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) certification in November 2021. He has worked in Advancement at ACU since 2000, and during his tenure he has assisted many individuals and families wanting to help fund the mission and vision of ACU. Lance is a resource for donors as they consider their charitable gift planning.

Lance graduated from ACU in 1998 with a degree in marketing. After working a few years in the Metroplex and Lubbock, Lance returned to his alma mater and joined the ACU Advancement team. He has developed long-term relationships with donors and friends who share his vision of ensuring students will continue to have the opportunity to receive a Christian higher education at ACU.

Lance is married to Amy (Wright '97) Rieder, and they have two children. Lance enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and supporting ACU Athletics.

Dan T. Garrett
Dan T. Garrett, CFP™ AEP™ HDP™ Consultant, Office of Gift Planning [email protected] | (325) 674-2508 ACU Box 29200 Abilene, TX 79699

For the past forty-nine plus years, Dan has worked in the arena of fund development in non-profit arena. Beginning in 1973, he spent eleven years on the Development staff of Abilene Christian University, where he personally directed major campaign efforts in both Annual Giving and Estate Planning. In 1984, he joined the Baylor University Medical Center Foundation where he served as Vice President until October 1, 1994 when he formed the Garrett Group, a Development and Planned Giving Consulting firm. In 1985, he was asked to serve on the ACU Alumni Advisory Board where he later served as President before joining the Board of Trustees in 1991. In 1995, Dan and his family returned to Abilene and ACU as Vice Chancellor. In 1998, he was named the first President of The ACU Foundation (now Office of Gift Planning) until his retirement when he became President Emeritus. Dan holds a BS degree in Business Administration from ACU ('73) and currently holds certification as a Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Estate Planner and Heritage Design Professional.

Dan and his bride of 51 plus years (Donna) are the proud parents of 3 Eagle Scout sons and graduates of ACU. They and the beautiful daughters-in-law have given Dan and Donna 9 outstanding grands (7 boys and 2 girls). Dan enjoys family time, traveling with Donna, fishing anywhere, especially in Alaska. One of his greatest joys is helping individuals and families discover and articulate their family story, their desired family Legacy and what they want their wealth to accomplish now and in the future. Dan is also co-author of "Leaving a Legacy, Sustaining Family Unity, Faith and Wealth."

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