Orlando, FL — Timothy J. Boynton, a nationally recognized fundraiser and producer, has released his first published book, Joni Mitchell Called Me Ugly: Persuasion and the Power ofthe Ask.
Part memoir and part masterclass in persuasion, Boynton’s debut work blends personal storytelling, professional insight, and humor to explore the art of building authentic relationships and inspiring others to say yes. Drawing on his extensive career and life experiences, the book offers a fresh perspective on how human connection drives meaningful outcomes.
“I was inspired by my mother, Susan. After she passed from cancer, I looked for her in every part of my life and found her in Joni Mitchell’s music,” Boynton shares. “I decided to be bold and ask Joni Mitchell to sign records for my wedding party. She said yes and lovingly called me ‘kind of cute too’. This was just one large example of a philosophy I use every day in my career and in my life: be bold, be human, and ask.”
Born in New Hampshire, Boynton has spent more than a decade in fundraising leadership, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Development at Lakeland Regional Health, one of Florida’s largest healthcare systems. His work has helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars, launch major healthcare initiatives, and shape campaigns that redefine access to care in communities.
Boynton has been honored by Modern Healthcare as one of the “Top 40 Up-and-Coming Healthcare Executives” and recognized among the Top 40 Leading Fundraisers Worldwide by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International.
His work and voice have been endorsed by notable figures, including Joni Mitchell, Molly Shannon, Jay Leno, Trisha Yearwood, Brooke Shields, and Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actress Julianna Margulies, well known for her roles in both NBC’s ER and CBS’s The Good Wife, who wrote the foreword to the book.
“I am living, breathing proof that Tim’s methods of persuasion work. When Tim asked me to write the foreword for his book, I smiled immediately,” Margulies writes. “Not because I had the perfect words at hand, but because that’s the effect Tim has on people. He persuades not with force, but with heart.”
Through stories of donors, mentors, and influential relationships, Joni Mitchell Called Me Ugly highlights how trust is built, connections are strengthened, and confidence becomes a force for positive impact. The book offers practical insights for professionals, leaders, and anyone seeking to communicate more effectively and authentically.
About Timothy Boynton
Timothy Boynton is a nationally recognized fundraising executive, storyteller, and author of the forthcoming Joni Mitchell Called Me Ugly: Persuasion and the Power of an Ask. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has helped drive transformative initiatives and inspire meaningful action through authentic communication. Learn more at: timothyboynton.com.