Faces of Philanthropy: Johnny Svajko, CPA

Johnny Svajko, CPA

Epiphany Catholic Church, Port Orange

Prince of Peace, Ormond

Our Lady of Lourdes, Daytona Beach

PGAC Member

Johnny joined Olivari & Associates in 2005, bringing with him several years of experience in tax and small business accounting. He specializes in many areas of tax management including individual, small business and nonprofit organizations, as well as IRS audit representation.

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In addition to my professional background as a CPA, my family and I are deeply rooted in the local community. I’m a proud graduate of both Daytona State College and UCF, and I try to give back by serving on the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee for the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Our family also has deep ties to the Diocese of Orlando through Father Lopez Catholic High School, where my wife, Leigh, serves as president. All three of our kids are a big part of the Lopez community—one is an alumnus now attending UCF, and our younger two are currently students there.

Outside of work and school events, my favorite thing is just spending time with family. When I get a little free time to myself, I’m usually out in the water surfing or catching live music at regional rock festivals.

Faces of Philanthropy Q & A with Johnny Svajko:

Q: Why did you choose to join the Planned Giving Advisory Council?

A: I’ve come to realize just how deeply so many of us are blessed by both our faith and our financial success. My goal on the Council is to help people see that these blessings are deeply intertwined, and that with that success comes a meaningful obligation to step up and be a blessing to others.

Q: What’s one misconception people often have about planned giving?

A: People often think planned giving only means setting up a gift today to come from your estate after you die. But you don’t have to wait until you’re gone to make an impact—there is so much joy in giving while you’re still alive to see it. Most folks have more than enough to share and can get immediate tax benefits right now. There’s no joy in giving, or saving on taxes, after you’re dead, and we never know how much time we have left.

Q: How do your faith and professional experience together inform your views on generosity and service?

A: In my line of work, I’ve seen firsthand that money only buys so much comfort, and some of the wealthiest people I know are actually the least happy. True joy doesn’t come from accumulating things; it comes from serving others. For me, the whole meaning of life is to serve Jesus by serving people, whether that’s through your daily job, volunteering your time, or charitable giving.

Q: What excites you most about the Foundation’s work?

A: What excites me most is how the Foundation keeps me grounded in a truly Christian focus. Honestly, I wish I could just check in at church on Sunday, call it a week, and walk away—but we are called to do so much more. It’s a constant reminder that others don’t have as much and need our help. Our faith obligates us to step up, and the Foundation actually puts that into action.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?

A: I’m just incredibly thankful to be a part of this fantastic network of financial professionals, and I really hope I can contribute to the great work the Foundation is doing.

Click here to learn more about our Planned Giving Advisory Council.

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