CJ Ortuño joined the BlueLena Advisory services division in April 2026 as its first Principal Advisor, leading the development and delivery of the division’s offerings.

In this role, CJ advances BlueLena Advisory’s core initiatives, including building scalable revenue system frameworks, leading structured engagements with publishers, and developing group-based programs in partnership with field support organizations. His work centers on helping newsrooms move from ad hoc fundraising efforts to disciplined, performance-managed revenue systems.

CJ brings deep expertise in designing philanthropy-based learning experiences grounded in technology, adult learning theory, and behavior-based fundraising practices. A 20-year development professional, CJ specializes in nonprofit learning assessments, performance improvement, and building fundraising capacity across diverse missions.

He most recently served as Vice President of Philanthropy at Civic News Company, the nonprofit publisher of Chalkbeat, Votebeat, and Healthbeat. There, he led national fundraising efforts to support journalism that helps people understand how America works, so they can make it work better.

As a trusted advisor, CJ has partnered with a range of nonprofit news organizations, including Borderless Magazine, the American Journalism Project, the Medill School of Journalism, and Press Forward Chicago, helping them build sustainable fundraising strategies, training programs, and donor engagement systems.

Prior to Civic News, CJ was Vice President at Teach For America, where he led a nationwide training and coaching program for over 200 fundraisers. He has coached executive directors, CEOs, chancellors, academic leaders, business executives, and frontline gift officers, guiding them toward actionable mindsets and techniques that drive philanthropic results. He has also trained board members, organizers, volunteers, and athletic partners in best and next fundraising practices.

CJ lives in Oak Park, Illinois, with his wife and daughter. In his free time, he enjoys reading, sipping delicious tea (from his own small tea shop), working out, attending concerts, and traveling.