Paul Shoemaker

Paul Shoemaker is the Founding President of Social Venture Partners International and serves on their Board of Directors. He is SVP Seattle's Executive Connector. Anyone who's met him knows why: if you're out to change the world, he's there to connect you to the people and organizations on that same journey.

Paul’s book "Can’t Not Do" hit the shelves in 2015 and was an instant success. Following its publication, Paul launched a national book tour motivating listeners to be the change and encourage social drive. Leading by example and examining stories of other successful individuals inspires Paul’s readers to find a cause that is important to them and go after it.

Paul is committed to work in the community, serving on the boards of several organizations like Partners for Our Children and, previously, the Microsoft Alumni Foundation. In 2011 and 2012, Paul was named among the Top 50 of Power and Influence, acknowledging the nonprofit sector's top executives and thinkers by the Nonprofit Times. In 2013, he received the Red Winged Leadership Award from Seattle University's Albers School of Business and Economics and the Philanthropist of the Year Award from Future in Review.

Before coming to SVP Seattle in 1998, Paul was group manager for worldwide operations at Microsoft where he developed a group of 22 direct marketing professionals and implemented a direct marketing infrastructure. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Texas and a BBA in Accounting from Iowa State University. Paul enjoys life with his wife and three sons. He's an avid sports fan, especially of his own kids' teams, and "enjoys" his hobby as a high school basketball referee.

Learn more about Paul’s work and the work of SVP here:

• Paul’s website
• SVP website