Barry Horwitz
Horwitz & Co. LLC
bhorwitz@horwitzandco.com
(617) 928-0572
http://horwitzandco.com

Specialty
Strategy Consulting

Mission Statement
Guiding mission-driven organizations in developing strategy to maximize their impact.

Bio/Mission
Barry Horwitz specializes in helping organizations grow in a strategic and sustainable way. In recent years, his practice has increasingly focused on nonprofit and early-stage organizations. Prior to starting his firm, he’s been a consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, a co-founder and COO of a venture-backed Internet startup and a VP of marketing and strategy two different billion-dollar retail chains.


Leveraging this diverse set of experiences with both consulting and operating leadership, he works closely with his clients to develop a strategic and practical roadmap for growth that they can successfully execute. Barry also teaches MBA and undergraduate courses in strategy and entrepreneurship at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business and School of Hospitality Administration. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and his bachelor’s degree in economics from Colby College.

Stacey Smith
SKS Consulting
stacey@sksconsulting.net
(510) 530-6994
http://www.sksconsulting.net

Specialty
Board Governance/Strategy/Capacity Building

Mission Statement
SKS Consulting helps nonprofits and other social impact agencies successfully navigate growth and change while staying true to the heart of their missions.

Bio/Mission
At SKS Consulting, our goal is to give leaders the tools and knowledge they need to expand their capacity and to achieve greater impact. We meet our clients where they are, take the time to understand their needs, and partner with them to fulfill their visions. We move missions forward.

SKS Consulting specializes in governance/board development, strategic planning, fundraising, volunteer development, and the facilitation of convenings and retreats. 

Our projects are tailored to the specific needs of each client because a cookie cutter approach doesn’t lead to transformational change. Projects might range from a year-long community engagement project to inform decision-making, to a six-month strategic planning process to set future priorities, to a two-hour training on board roles and responsibilities to strengthen governance. 

We serve organizations of all sizes and stages of development, from emerging nonprofits to large government agencies. All projects are led by Founder/Principal Consultant Stacey Smith, MBA, who brings 20+ years of experience helping clients achieve results.

Michael Stein
Laguna Creek Consulting
mstein@lagunacreekconsulting.com
(510) 717-6050
http://lagunacreekconsulting.com

Specialty
Consulting

Mission Statement
Digital fundraising consultant to nonprofits.

Bio/Mission
Michael Stein is a 30-year veteran of nonprofit direct response marketing and fundraising. He works as a freelance consultant and coach to nonprofits, foundations and other civic organizations with a focus on digital engagement, online fundraising, social media presence, and email and website usability.
He is formerly a Senior Account Executive at the Mal Warwick Donordigital direct response fundraising agency. At MWD he managed national, regional and local campaigns to help nonprofits raise money online and engage supporters, including for Consumer Reports, Habitat for Humanity International, The SETI Institute, Ploughshares Fund, Catholic Relief Services, and Berkeley Humane.
Michael is an advocate in helping nonprofits use technology to manage their fundraising and marketing campaigns, and often advises his clients on platform selection and migration. During his work career, Michael has worked for several tech companies that develop software for nonprofits, including IGC.org, Groundspring.org, GetActive Software, EveryAction, and Engaging Networks.
Michael is a former Board Member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Golden Gate Chapter where he indulged his lifelong passion for fundraising for progressive causes.
He is the author of three books and numerous articles chronicling the rise of digital marketing, mobile, and online fundraising. In 1997, he co-authored the groundbreaking book Fundraising on the Internet: Recruiting and Renewing Donors Online, with Nick Allen and Mal Warwick.
Michael’s opinion, analysis and writing have been featured in numerous media, including The New York Times, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, National Public Radio, The Nonprofit Times, TechSoup.org, Philanthropy News Digest, Idealware.org, The Philanthropy Journal, The Nonprofit Quarterly, Grassroots Fundraising Journal and Wired Magazine.
Michael holds a BA in Political Science, cum laude, from Brandeis University. He grew up in France and England, and now resides in Orinda, California. When not designing fundraising strategies, he enjoys kayaking the Bay Area waterways, hiking the East Bay open spaces, soccer, and reading.

Sherene Strausberg
87th Street Creative
sherene@87thstreetcreative.com
917-923-0559
https://www.87thstreetcreative.com/

Specialty
Marketing

Mission Statement
To provide businesses and nonprofits with animated videos that explain complex topics and products through visual storytelling.

Bio/Mission
Award-winning filmmaker and Emmy-nominated animator Sherene Strausberg combines her experience in film, music and sound engineering with graphic design and illustration to create animated videos for her clients at the company she founded, 87th Street Creative. Having won a national composition competition in high school, she was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Indiana University School of Music, where she completed two bachelor’s degrees in four years. Film scores she wrote in her first career, as a film composer, have been heard on AMC, Spike TV and Netflix. As a graphic designer for Jewish National Fund, she won two awards from Graphic Design USA. Her latest passion project, the short, animated film “Cool For You”, which she animated and scored, has been accepted to over 45 film festivals around the world and recently won a Silver Anthem Award. Recent clients of 87th Street Creative have included Walmart, American Express and Healthline.

Photo of Shane Jacksteit

Shane Jacksteit
Edward Jones
shane.jacksteit@edwardjones.com
408-732-9532
http://www.edwardjones.com/shane-jacksteit

Specialty
Investment Management

Mission Statement
We partner with philanthropic families and non-profit organizations to create a lasting impact and make the world a better place.

Bio/Mission
As a philanthropic wealth advisor team based in Silicon Valley, we empower families and non-profit organizations to support innovative solutions to the most enduring social and sustainability challenges in their communities. By providing personalized strategies and guidance, we partner with our clients to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the world.

I'm passionate about serving our local community. Co-chairing a successful $20,000,000 capital campaign for Sunnyvale Community Services inspired me to pursue a philanthropy-driven practice. This opportunity expanded my appreciation for the hard work of charitable organizations; effective non-profits are the solution to the problems no one else is willing to take on. This was also reinforced while serving as the past president of the board for the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, in my role as a Rotarian and an active philanthropist in our community.

I'm dedicated to continual learning and development. I completed my undergraduate education at Vanguard University of Southern California. I have earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designations. I continue to enrich myself through ongoing learning by attending industry and charitable-specific conferences and training programs.

Julia Arant
Nava Benefits
julia.arant@navabenefits.com
415-519-1837
https://www.navabenefits.com/

Specialty
Employee Benefits

Mission Statement
We’re a cross-functional team of benefits and technology experts on a mission to bring high-quality, affordable healthcare to all Americans.

Bio/Mission
I assist my clients in designing bespoke benefit strategies, with a keen eye on aligning these strategies with their organizational goals. My approach is holistic, focusing on financial optimization, and leveraging benefits to boost recruitment and retention. As part of Nava's commitment to revolutionizing health care, I provide support to Nava’s clientele through innovative program design, effective cost containment methods, HCM system assessments, engaging communications, and regulatory compliance. 

I am driven by a profound passion for supporting organizations that champion innovation and purpose, contributing to the greater good.

Ezra Herzog
Health & Integrative Insurance Solutions, Inc.
jezra@integrativeinsurancesolutions.com
415-297-6260
http://integrativeinsurance.com

Specialty
Insurance

Mission Statement
I am a humble and grateful leader in Employee Benefit design and implementation. I offer customized Insurance, Compliance, Technology, and HR solutions to attract and retain talent.
Bio/Mission
Started my career as a Line Cook in top San Francisco Fine Dining Restaurants.

Decided my skills would be better utilized in the business community and became Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service trained by John Hancock Annuities and Franklin Templeton Privately Managed Accounts.

Following the Financial Crisis, I launched a Boutique Health Insurance and Employee Benefits Practice out of a Studio apartment on University Ave in Berkeley.

Fast forward 12 years, I'm now committed to excellence in customer service, education, communication, and solving problems for leaders facing challenges in taking of their teams.


David Harris
Interim Executive Solutions
dharris@interim-exec.org
617-512-1961
http://interim-exec.org

Specialty
HR/Insurance/Operations

Mission Statement
I deploy and support an experienced team of nonprofit professionals as interim leaders to assess, identify ways to strengthen, and then effect change to nonprofits so clients can attract talent and resources and better fulfill their missions.

Bio/Mission
David Harris is Managing Director of Interim Executive Solutions, a partnership with over 90 Associates that places and supports interim executive leaders in nonprofits throughout the northeast and beyond. The organization focuses on stabilizing and strengthening nonprofits so that they are ready for new, permanent leadership.

After spending six years in the classroom as an 8th grade math teacher, David amassed extensive consulting and operating leadership experience in nonprofits serving as Co-Chair of Community Action Partners, Deputy Director of Teachers21 and Managing Director of the UPCS Institute.

Before earning an MAT and entering the education field, David spent 20 years as a management consultant, marketing director and business executive in various computer software and retail organizations. David holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Sc. B in Biochemistry from Brown University.

Maya Tussing
Fairlight Advisors, LLC
maya@fairlightadvisors.com
415-999-4344
www.fairlightadvisors.com

Specialty
Investment and Financial Management

Mission Statement
I help nonprofits maintain financial resiliency through cash management & investing.

Bio/Mission
I had every intention of attending medical school after Pomona College, but when I took a job working on a trading desk for Transamerica, I knew I’d never become a doctor. Instead I went on to business school at the University of Washington to embark on a career in financial services. In 25 years, I honed my experience in enterprise risk and investment management at corporations such as BlackRock, Barclays Global Investors, Visa, and GE. I take great satisfaction in creating solutions for nonprofits and individuals based on programs deployed at some of the most respected financial services companies in the world.

Specialty
Outsourced Accounting

Mission Statement
We provide the talent, advice and support you need, when and how you need it.

Bio/Mission
Douglas is a consulting CFO partner, focused on nonprofits, providing technical expertise in finance, accounting, and operations. As co-founder and manager of four separate nonprofits, he provides solutions to improve operations and enable nonprofits to focus on their mission. His experience as co-founder and manager of nonprofits, and years founding or managing for-profit companies, helped him develop a deep toolset, available to clients of CFOs 2GO.

Cecilia Angat
Baker Tilly
cecilia.angat@bakertilly.com
415-518-0912
htts://www.bakertilly.com/

Specialty
Audit

Mission Statement
Expert in audits for Nonprofit Organizations

Bio/Mission
I have over 20 years of combined experience working in both public accounting and private industry. I work with a diverse group of not-for-profit organizations, including private schools, foundations, religious organizations, membership organizations, and community service organizations. In addition, I work with asset management companies, hedge funds and private equity funds.

Viewing the audit process as an opportunity to help clients improve their overall operations, I provide recommendations for improving and strengthening internal controls and developing effective financial reporting systems with a goal of bringing clarity to complex matters and offering viable solutions. I am well-versed in budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, cash-flow projections, endowment accounting, and alternative investments.

I am a member of our firm's non-profit and FSI niche teams.

Keley Petersen
Willow Grove Advisors, LLC
keley@willowgroveadvisors.com
510-705-1771
http://www.willowgroveadvisors.com

Specialty
Wealth Management

Mission Statement
Willow Grove Advisors is an independent wealth management firm with an international client base. We work primarily with global families and entrepreneurs to provide the specialized services and investment strategies that are appropriate for each client, based on where they are in their personal and professional life-cycles. At Willow Grove we are a completely customer needs-driven advisor.

Bio/Mission
Willow Grove Advisors, LLC - 2009 to Present - Founder

Contango Capital Advisors - 2005 -2009 - Ultra-High Net Worth Advisor

Hewins Financial Advisors - 2004 - 2005 - COO

Deloitte & Touche - 1999 - 2003 - Senior Manager & Practice Leader Investment Advisory Services

Progress Investment Management - 1997 - 1999 - Director of Manager Development

Progressive Asset Management - 1995 - 1997 - Director of Progressive Portfolio Services

Greenpeace - 1992 - 1995- Fundraiser and Interim Manager

Cresap Telesis (London) - 1990 - 1992 - Senior Management Consultant

Kidder Peabody (New York & London) - 1987 - 1990 - Fixed Income Sales & Trading - Central Bank Team

Sean Hale
Nonprofit CFOs
sean@nonprofitcfos.com
(512) 300-4857
http://nonprofitcfos.com

Specialty
Consulting

Mission Statement
Behind every successful nonprofit you'll find a strong back office.

Bio/Mission
Sean has served a variety of nonprofits professionally since 1999. During his 20 years as a nonprofit employee, he made improvements that reduced waste, generated new revenue, boosted staff productivity and morale, grew financial transparency, and shrank risk. He has also helped boards and management to navigate complex situations. Sean has consistently left the organizations stronger and ready for their next stage of growth.
In 2020, he founded Nonprofit CFOS (formerly Sean Hale Consulting) now a 12-person team that helps small and medium-sized nonprofits ensure they have strong, effective financial management. Services include interim staffing, fractional CFO, and indirect cost rate calculations.

Tasha Van Vlack
Yeeboo Digital
tasha@yeeboo.org
1-800-840-1817
http://yeeboodigital.com

Specialty
Digital Marketing

Mission Statement
We design, build & support digital fundraising initiatives that empower charities to grow their online revenue.

Bio/Mission
Yeeboo Digital is a collection of technical, strategic and creative digital experts with a focus on Fundraising, Technology and Marketing for the nonprofit and charitable sector.

Our team works together with our clients to create unique solutions to strengthen brand, boost engagement and drive more revenue on the web.

As experts in Luminate Online, TeamRaiser, Engaging Networks, NetCommunity and Wordpress, as well as many other tools, our team of Online Fundraising Experts can help with campaign Strategy, Design, Copywriting, Web Development, Marketing and Technical Implementation.

We strive to create strong and lasting personal client relationships built on mutual trust and respect. Not every agency is for every client, and not every client is for every agency - and we're ok with that. You want to work with people you like, trust and respect, and so do we.

Douglas Spencer
Spencer Brenneman, LLC
douglas@spencerbrenneman.com
774-260-5560
http://spencerbrenneman.com

Specialty
Marketing

Mission Statement
We help mission-driven organizations thrive by bringing clarity, differentiation, and reinvigoration to their message.

Bio/Mission
Douglas Spencer is president of Spencer Brenneman, LLC, which helps mission-driven organizations reframe their focus and remaster their messages to thrive in any environment. 

A lifelong volunteer, including two years as chairman of a $100 million community health center and research institute, Douglas is intimately aware of the challenges facing mission-driven organizations. That first-hand experience helps Spencer Brenneman adapt the latest private-sector strategies to help nonprofits and social enterprises sharpen their focus and create messaging that secures all the support they need to flourish in any environment.

Before starting Spencer Brenneman, he was Vice President, Global Head of Brand for Thomson Reuters, a global $13 billion information company. In that role, he guided the migration of the multiple Thomson and Reuters businesses to form the then-new Thomson Reuters brand, which consistently ranked within the top 50 of the BusinessWeek Best Global Brands survey. 

Douglas graduated from Marietta College with a bachelor of arts in journalism and now serves on the college’s alumni association board of directors.

Caroline McDonald
BPM LLP
cmcdonald@bpm.com
408-961-6337
https://www.bpm.com/

Specialty
Accounting

Mission Statement
To give nonprofits meaningful financial information on a timely basis and keep them in compliance.

Bio/Mission
I have worked with nonprofit organizations for over 12 years with experience in tax compliance, treasury & risk, and outsourced accounting. I love being a trusted advisor to my clients.

Specialty
Consulting

Mission Statement
Civica is a government relations and public affairs firm. We accelerate client success by supporting engagement with government officials, community leaders, and the media.

Bio/Mission
Ilir Zherka has real-world experience leading advocacy campaigns. He has worked in the U.S. Congress, on presidential campaigns, and as a political appointee. Ilir has also served as the executive director of four organizations and is the author of Winning the Inside Game: The Handbook of Advocacy Strategies. Under his leadership, organizations Ilir has run have advocated successfully to get exceptions to recent travel bans; help Washington, D.C. achieve budget autonomy; and urge U.S. intervention to stop ethnic cleansing in Kosovo.

John Beasley
2GO Advisory Group
jbeasley@cfos2go.com
415-722-6749
http://www.2goadvisorygroup.com

Specialty
Consulting

Mission Statement
2Go Advisory Group provides C-level executives and board directors the talent, advice, and support they need on an “as needed” basis to design and execute flexible, expert, operational solutions for our customers.

Bio/Mission
John is a Consulting CFO with deep experience in startups, non-profits, technology, and the cannabis industry. With more than 30 years of experience in early-stage companies, John helps clients solve difficult issues and grow their businesses.

John earned his CPA after university, where he earned his B.A. in Finance from Georgia State University. He served as the controller of a medical group after which he became a managing consultant at Ernst & Young. He next developed skills for working with early-stage startups as he directed the M&A team at a private equity-funded physician practice roll-up where he helped grow the company from $0 to $100M in three years. John’s strong interest in startups led him to co-found the first Internet-based industrial chemical exchange. He led this company through four rounds of venture financing until it was sold to the Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the NYSE.

He developed skills working with technology, healthcare analytics, hedge fund management and capital raising from seed to D rounds and secured his series 65 license.

The cannabis industry became John’s focus in 2016 when he became the CFO of a cannabis manufacturer in Oakland, California. He has served as CFO of more than 10 cannabis companies from cultivators to dispensaries.

John has added nonprofits to the list of clients he serves. He wants to take the skills he’s gained over his career to help nonprofits operate more efficiently, attain financial stability, and growth. He has served nonprofits focused on youth, housing, immigrants, and education. He’s looking forward to serving more nonprofit clients and to making a difference to causes that make a real difference to the world.

Mira Weinstein
Organizing to Win
organizing2win@gmail.com
703-731-3786
http://organizingtowin.net

Specialty
Consulting

Mission Statement
Organizing is bringing people together to build power. To make the changes we want to see in our world, we must do more than win. We must build a new culture of equity and inclusion.

Bio/Mission
The first time I knocked on a door was 1988, when I might have been the only person in America who thought Michael Dukakis could win. (Spoiler alert: he couldn't.)

At the time, I also thought that if we could just elect all the right people, we could solve all of our problems. Well, none of those things have happened. I've learned that we solve our problems when we build power and disrupt white supremacy culture.

Since then, I've run successful campaigns with feminist leaders, union members, teachers, gun violence prevention activists and political party volunteers. A highlight was a campaign with gun violence prevention activists that engaged more members than ever before and won in 89% of the targeted US House districts. When the new House of Representatives convened in January, a new, robust universal background checks bill was the third bill passed.

My training experience is also extensive, from fifteen-minute drills to move undecided voters to multi-session programs about all aspects of a campaign. Each session is customized for the organization and focused on action.

I've also co-designed and co-facilitate a workshop called "Disrupting White Supremacy Culture." It is an introduction to work that we must do in order to establish an equitable and inclusive culture in our organizations.

Before starting Organizing to Win, I directed regional field operations for two statewide ballot measures, rebuilt a struggling state affiliate of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), created the member political program for SEIU'S largest public employee local union, and coached emerging teacher-organizers on launching local campaigns for education justice. Earlier in my career, I filled many different roles at the National Organization for Women (NOW) and several political campaigns.

David Ogburn
BNY Mellon Wealth Management
david.ogburn@bnymellon.com
415-951-4124
https://www.bnymellonwealth.com/

Specialty
Investment and Financial Management

Mission Statement
Advisor to entrepreneurs, executives, their families and family offices, endowments & foundations. Veteran - United States Navy.

Bio/Mission
As a Senior Client Strategist at BNY Mellon Wealth Management in San Francisco with over 20 years experience, my team and I deliver our firm’s wealth management capabilities and resources, including wealth planning, tailored lending, and investment management advice and services to entrepreneurs and their financial sponsors, private and public company owners/executives, family offices, and nonprofit endowments & foundations. Advising clients on their philanthropy and community engagement is a personal passion of mine.

I’m privileged to work with individuals and their families, helping them think through their philanthropic goals and determining the best ways to structure and implement their philanthropy in order to achieve maximum impact. I’m also privileged to work with nonprofit clients, advising them on how to be good stewards of the endowed assets entrusted to them in support of their missions and to ensure sustainability of the organization.

Specialty
Programs/Operations/Technology

Mission
Demonstrating organizational impact with customized solutions for Nonprofits

Bio/Mission
Passionate about technology and business with the pleasure of working in the information technology and services industry, skilled in Enterprise Software, SaaS, Business Strategy, Business Productivity, Data Solutions, and Program Management.
I love working with teams to innovate and build great solutions that help businesses and people achieve more.

Becky Barton
People 415
becky@people415.com
415-756-2881
https://www.people415.com/

Specialty
HR

Mission
HR should be an asset to your business, not an obstacle.

Bio/Mission
Dynamic Human Resource Professional with progressive generalist experience and specialization in Organizational Development and Talent Management. Proven ability to optimize performance for start-ups and companies on the move through agile programs and thought leadership to align talent and deliver on strategy.

Sandra Becker
Cycle Advisors
sandra@cycleadvisors.net
415-310-1880

Specialty
CFO Services – Financial/Analytic/Strategic/Organizational Development/Business Processes

Mission
I help nonprofit organizations maximize their impact by ensuring they have the resources – both technical and human - to enhance their strategic decision making. I build bridges between development, finance, and program teams to provide meaningful data for all stakeholders.

Bio/Mission
I am the Founder and Principal Consultant at Cycle Advisors. I have 25+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector as a CFO, consultant and board member, helping organizations manage change to maximize impact.

Solomon Belette
East Contra Costa Community Alliance (ECCCA)
sbeccca1@gmail.com
510-867-1216
https://www.ecccalliance.org/

Specialty
Fundraising Programs/Governance Consulting

Mission
A Force for Equity and Systems Change

Bio/Mission
As an Executive leader with strong planning and strategy skills, I am committed to building organizational capacity, promoting collaborative opportunities, and working towards greater equity and social justice. My leadership is focused on strengthening the nonprofit and philanthropic ecosystems both locally and globally. As a Social Sector leader, I want to use my knowledge and experiences in strategic planning, innovative program development, public policy and advocacy, as well as managing social sector initiatives designed to achieve greater social impact.

Steven Borg
Independent Consultant
stevenborg2019@gmail.com
415-987-6728

Specialty
Marketing/Communications Strategy Consulting

Mission
We make a life by what we give.

Bio/Mission
I provide consulting and leadership on projects and programs requiring innovation, change and transformation, especially in the face of disruption or headwinds.
Project Management: I build teams, partner with stakeholders, galvanize resources, secure executive sponsorship, ensure funding, and deliver quickly on business objectives, on time and within budget.
Access and Inclusion: I lift up diversity, equity and inclusion objectives, regardless of the project or organization, to enrich outcomes.
Communications: My communications skills and experiences are solid. This includes traditional and online marketing, brand stewardship, advertising, thought-leadership, corporate communications, legal/technical notifications, crisis communications, public relations, stakeholder development, etc. Communications is about telling a story, breaking through the din, and being heard.

Vicki Burkhart
More Than Giving
vicki.burkhart@morethangiving.co
415-987-6728
https://www.morethangiving.co/

Specialty
Strategy Consulting/Project Management

Mission
Nonprofit Strategic Planning | Organizational & Board Development | Fundraising | Executive Coach

Bio/Mission
Vicki Burkhart is founder and CEO of the More Than Giving Company. She has 30+ years of experience in the nonprofit arena as an Executive Director, nonprofit executive and consultant.
In 1999, Vicki founded More Than Giving (originally The Burkhart Group) with the goal of delivering innovative solutions to help more volunteer-driven nonprofits achieve sustainability and growth. Through consulting and executive coaching, as well as a unique Nonprofit Virtual Assistant service, the company delivers an affordable, on-demand staffing solution to help nonprofits supplement the bandwidth and skillsets of their volunteer force.

Gary Cohn
Painted Rock Advisors
mzt8877@gmail.com
510-402-8877
http://www.paintedrockadvisors.com/

Specialty
Fundraising/Strategy Consulting

Mission
The Road to Philanthropy is paved with Wisdom & Experience.

Bio/Mission
We offer philanthropic advisory services and non profit strategic consulting.
After 25 years in the non-profit sector as an Executive Director, Development Director and Board Member, I'm using my wisdom & experience to consult with nonprofits.

Mark Cole
Mark Cole Consulting
mark@markcoleconsulting.com
415-730-4143

Specialty
Strategy Consulting/Capacity Building

Mission
Social Sector Consultant | Fractional Leadership | Coaching and Capacity Building | Planning for Growth

Bio/Mission
Mark is a seasoned leader and certified coach. He draws on years of hands-on COO experience and coaching skill to support organizations and leaders in broadening and deepening their impact, sharing their goal of making the world a more thoughtful, just and beautiful place. He specializes in executive coaching for young leaders broadening their leadership and experienced leaders building wisdom. His consulting focuses on supporting growing organizations through executive transitions and building financial and operational infrastructure.

Mark has nearly 30 years of experience in non-profit leadership. Before becoming a consultant and coach, Mark served for 17 years as COO of New Door Ventures, a San Francisco Bay Area youth employment and social enterprise organization. His experience also includes healthcare and advocacy organizations. Mark earned his MBA and MHA from the University of Minnesota, and his MAMFT from Fuller Seminary. He also holds a coaching certification from the Co-Active Training Institute and is a member of the International Coach Federation.

Tony Cruz
Nonprofit HR
tcruz@nonprofithr.com
650.822.6007
nonprofithr.com

Specialty
Human Resources

Mission
HR Advisory & Outsourcing | DEI & Justice Practice | Social Enterprise Advisory Services

Bio/Mission
As the Director, Business Development for the West Cost, Tony assists Nonprofit HR in developing new client business while also supporting existing client accounts and engaging in activities that generate revenue for the region. Working closely with subject matter experts, Tony will collaborate with business leaders to establish and maintain the firm’s superior customer service and client-centered approach, with a focus on further developing client relationships in the San Francisco Bay and the Los Angeles Metro areas.

Katharine Earhart
Fairlight Advisors
katharine@fairlightadvisors.com
415-309-5497
https://www.fairlightadvisors.com

Specialty
Investment and Financial Management

Mission
I help nonprofits maintain financial resiliency through cash management & investing.

Bio/Mission
Katharine Earhart has served asset allocation clients ranging from $2 billion to $200 billion as Head of iShares Connect in BlackRock’s iShares Institutional Group. Her team worked with Institutional CIOs and Portfolio Managers of boutique US-based firms as well as global asset managers including managers in the UK, Switzerland and Germany who were early adopters of ETF managed portfolios. As the Head of iShares Connect, she grew the ETF Strategist segment to $350B in assets over a 6-year period.
Katharine has held a variety of leadership roles within the financial services sector including FinTech, Asset Management and Brokerage / Custodial: Barclays Global Investors, mPower Advisors (now Morningstar Advisors) and Charles Schwab. She is a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles.

Cory Elliott
Elliott & Associates Consulting Group
cory.e.elliott@gmail.com
510-260-4911

Specialty
Strategy Consulting/Programs

Mission
Consultant, Community Organizer, & Visionary.

Bio/Mission
Experienced English Teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the primary/secondary education industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Politics, Policy Analysis, Political Science, and Customer Service. Strong education professional pursuing a Master's Degree focused in Secondary Education and Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Lauren Erickson
G2 Insurance
lerickson@g2insurance.com
415-426-6656
https://g2insurance.com/

Specialty
Insurance

Mission
Nonprofit focused Risk & Insurance Advisor | Broker

Bio/Mission
I help nonprofits understand their risk, choose how they want to handle it, and educate them (in laymen's terms) so that they feel empowered to own it.

Georgia Farooq
Thrive Alliance
georgia@thrivealliance.org
650-654-7993
https://www.thrivealliance.org/

Specialty
Nonprofit Capacity Building

Mission
We empower nonprofits to thrive.

Bio/Mission
As the Executive Director of Thrive, I have helped to build a robust, trusted network of 200+ nonprofit organizations, government entities, foundations, businesses, and community leaders with a shared commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector, thereby improving the quality of life in San Mateo County. Thrive unites the voice and influence of nonprofits, helps build their capacity, and enables effective cross-sector collaboration.

Deborah Finestone
Finestone Marketing Solutions
deborah@dfinestone.com
347-463-4712
http://dfinestone.com

Specialty
Social Media Marketing

Mission
I help small businesses and nonprofits stop wasting time on social media and end the stress and confusion. Together, we come up with a plan and create content so they can reach more people they can help and have a bigger impact.

Bio/Mission
Deborah Finestone has a 20-year career in communications and marketing and has spent the last 6 years focusing on social media marketing. She’s a certified social media marketer who helps her clients build their brand and awareness on social media. Her strategies help businesses get in front of everyone who could use their service or product, develop strong relationships and convert them to clients or customers.

Claudia Ferguson
Heritage Bank of Commerce
claudia.ferguson@herbank.com
650-645-6484
http://www.HeritageBankofCommerce.bank

Specialty
Nonprofit Banking Services

Mission
Dedicated banker to small businesses, non-profit organizations and affluent clients. I provide top tier support in a boutique bank setting. I know my clients and am their financial advocate.

Bio/Mission
I am an experienced banker and provide hands-on support to my clients in a boutique bank environment. Heritage Bank offers business and personal banking services and client support to closely-held businesses, real estate partnerships, non-profit organizations and high net-worth individuals. I oversee my clients’ banking needs and am actively engaged in monitoring their daily account activities and balances.
In addition to providing exceptional banking support, I look to make meaningful connections for my clients and forming a trusted relationship with them. My clients are my top priority and I am passionate about advocating for them!

Rita Fuerst Adams
Charitable and Philanthropic Management Counsel
rita@rita1st.com
617-947-9668
www.rita1st.com

Specialty
Fundraising/Board Governance Consulting

Mission
My passion is building community for the common good and the creative teams driving swing-for-the-fences social change.

Bio/Mission
I work with social impact leaders to increase and diversify income streams as a charitable or philanthropic organization, on how to move from organic growth to planned growth as a leader, on the keys to building an effective board, and on the importance of diverse voices for the greater good.
• Increase and diversify income streams.
• Monetize what they do best.
• Restructure boards, diversifying recruitment and retention.
• Give voice to diverse perspectives for the greater good.
• Develop strategic plans, create mission and vision statements.
• Guide mergers and acquisitions.
• Grow state and regional entities into national organizations.

Specialty
Banking

Mission
Golden like your Money! Banking, Lending, Finance

Bio/Mission
Banker Extraordinaire and Community leader. Vice President of Bridge Bank specializing in Business and Nonprofit banking. Commercial real estate lender and offering lines of credit for businesses and nonprofits. CRA Liaison for Northern California, speaking on panels regarding credit and lending. Winner of the Trailblazer Award by the EBWIBR, winner of the one of the 8 most Powerful Women in the East Bay, and the The League of Women Voters - Making Democracy Work Award for my work with nonprofits and small businesses. Nominated 3 years in a row '17, '18 and '19 for Best Person in Oakland by Oakland magazine. Barbara Lee won '17, Steph Curry won '18 and Kamala Harris in '19. I am here to serve the community and advocate for your business in this complicated financial world.

Vivienne Hsu
LENDonate
vivienne.hsu@lendonate.com
650-530-0771
https://www.lendonate.com/

Specialty
Nonprofit Financing/Borrowing

Mission
At LENDonate, we connect investors and philanthropists with nonprofits that have big ideas. Together, you can make a real impact on the projects that shape communities for the better.

Bio/Mission
After 20+ years of hands-on experience in financial services, including investment product design, portfolio management, risk modeling, and private banking, I decided to form LENDonate, an online collaborative marketplace of loan+donation to nonprofit organizations. The idea of this new financial ecosystem for nonprofit is also a result of my 10+ years of fundraising and constantly thinking "there must be a better way."
With the vision of delivering transparent and quality investment products via crowdsourcing, we aim to design investment products that are compelling for investors both with and without philanthropic goals, to provide enhanced capital access to nonprofit borrowers.

Alan Koenigsberg
Sr. Strategy & Marketing Consultant
alankoen37@gmail.com
510-798-2547
http://mvpctoday.org

Specialty
Marketing/Communications

Mission
To provide top notch consulting services with nonprofit and for-profit leaders to help navigate marketing and communication opportunities and together remove obstacles to success.

Bio/Mission
Experienced Executive Director and former CEO of a digital marketing agency that provided marketing and communication solutions to nonprofits and for-profits. I also serve as the co-chair of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Network. You'll find my approach friendly and strategic and focused on positive and sustainable results.

Sharon Lincoln
Casner & Edwards, LLP
lincoln@casneredwards.com
510-798-2547
www.casneredwards.com

Specialty
Legal

Mission
Tax, Corporate and Governance Advisor to Tax-Exempt Organizations & Social Ventures

Bio/Mission
Sharon C. Lincoln advises nonprofit entities on the wide range of issues related to their tax-exempt status, including formation, funding, governance, executive compensation (including deferred compensation), regulatory compliance, restructuring, international grant making, lobbying, unrelated business income, tax opinions, and mergers & acquisitions.

Benjamin Osgood
Recreate
benjamin@recreatecre.com
415-298-3331
www.recreatecre.com

Specialty
Real Estate - Tenant Representation

Mission
We help Nonprofits negotiate the lowest lease rates and best rental terms.s

Bio/Mission
I have brokered over $500M in real estate transactions and I am the founder of Recreate Commercial, a real estate agency that exclusively represents tenants and buyers. Unlike most real estate firms, Recreate does not earn any revenue from representing landlords: no listing commissions and no portfolio or property management fees. By eliminating this conflict of interest, Recreate's clients are assured that their interests are never competing with a property owner’s.
I began my career in 2006 and went on to join the listing teams for prominent Bay Area landlords such as Ellis Partners, Legacy Partners, Graham Street Realty and Grey and Reynolds Properties. Today, I exclusively represents office tenants, however my background in landlord representation provides me with a unique 360º perspective which I leverage to maximize value while minimizing risk for my clients.

Mike Plesha
Expense Reduction Analysts
mplesha@expensereduction.com
408-839-4917
www.expensereduction.com

Specialty
Financial Consulting

Mission
A trusted advisor to curious Nonprofit CEOs and CFOs looking for increased cash flow, margins, and profit.

Bio/Mission
My background is in international supply chain operations and value chain solutions development in high complexity manufacturing and distribution environments. I have been very fortunate to have worked with incredibly talented and innovative teams to help drive successful programs from prototype to full product realization across diverse industries in all aspects of product/service delivery.

Specialty
Managed IT & CyberSecurity, Fractional IT and Cyber Security Leadership, Tech Staffing and Strategic Projects

Mission
IT Without the Drama

Bio/Mission
With over 20+ years of technical support experience, I became a Principal with Phoenix 2.0 to serve clients in a responsive, reliable and consistent manner. Phoenix 2.0 provides expert advice and support specializing in the analysis, design, implementation and maintenance of IT and Cyber Security Programs for Not-for-Profits and Commercial entities alike.

Barbara Rhomberg
Law Office of Barbara Rhomberg
barbara@rhomberglaw.com
650-539-4945
http://RhombergLaw.com

Specialty
Nonprofit Law/Start-up Registration

Mission
Attorney for nonprofit organizations and their donors

Bio/Mission
Experienced attorney representing nonprofit organizations and their charitable donors on governance, tax-exempt status, endowments, and charitable giving. Barbara's clients including public charities, private foundations, other nonprofits such as social welfare organizations and social clubs, nonprofit founders, and philanthropists.

Renee Rubin Ross
The Ross Collective
renee@therosscollective.com
510-560-4081
http://www.therosscollective.com/

Specialty
Strategy Consulting/Board Governance Consulting

Mission
Strategic planning and governance processes for nonprofit leaders that move organizations toward sustainability, growth and justice.

Bio/Mission
Move your organization towards sustainability, growth and justice. Our consulting firm leads strategic planning and board development processes that create clarity, energy and opportunity. We design and lead inclusive, participatory planning processes for nonprofit and philanthropic leaders. We believe inclusive conversations strengthen every part of every process:
- We embrace and lead courageous conversations.
- We've spent our careers learning about how people impact the growth of organizations.
- What we've learned first and foremost is that people are successful when they have the space to talk about the things that matter most to them - whether that's building a work culture that honors and sees them or processes and systems that need repair.
- We've found that talking about the hard stuff- with ground rules and structures that create safety - opens up paths to connection and forward movement.

We work with clients who hold big visions for a better world. We push our clients to break down those visions into small, manageable steps so that they can move all of us toward a more just world that everyone can rally around.

Lisa Salomon
Salomon Strategic Development
ssd.bayarea@gmail.com
510-206-7045

Specialty
Fundraising/Strategy Consulting/Board Governance

Mission
Nonprofit Consultant | Partnering to Provide Sustainable Solutions to Organizational Challenges

Bio/Mission
Salomon Strategic Development (SSD) offers specialized consulting services for nonprofits seeking to build capacity and sustainability. SSD’s mission is to serve these companies – many of which are small and mid-sized organizations operating with limited human and financial resources – by providing creative, innovative, and holistic solutions to organizational and funding challenges with practical recommendations and hands-on support. Through a collaborative and co-creative process, SSD partners with nonprofit clients to find new and inventive approaches to resource development, center values-based planning and decision making, and build shared ownership across board and staff.

Areas of specialization include:
- Strategic planning
- Development audit, evaluation & planning
- Retreat facilitation (virtual & in-person)
- Board development & training
- Leadership coaching
- Interim Development leadership
- Major gifts program development & training
- Corporate sponsorship design and development

Stephanie Shaterian
fLO: Content Marketing
stephanie@flocontent.com
925-385-8610
http://www.flocontent.com/

Specialty
Fundraising Marketing/Communications Event Planning

Mission
Creating Powerful Video Stories that Lead to Action for Businesses and Social Impact Organizations

Bio/Mission
fLO is a video content producer (and now virtual events!) specializing in original, authentic, documentary style pieces that serve specific goals or strategic purposes. We work with decision makers in the for profit and non profit sectors who have immediate video needs for marketing, promotional, or development goals. We produce custom, original videos tailored to capture and share our client’s authenticity as well as create relationships and emotional connection with their desired audiences
I present to organizations on Video Marketing Online and as a moderator and panelist on various subjects.

Petra Silton
Petra Silton Consulting
Petra@silton.com
(650) 576-8253
petrasilton.com

Specialty
Nonprofit Capacity Building

Mission
Petra Silton Consulting is about maximizing the potential of your organization. I collaborate with you to identify your particular challenges and needs, incorporate the ideas and diverse perspectives of your team and community, and achieve an outcome that’s tailored for you. I offer nonprofit strategic planning, meeting facilitation, board development, and coaching.

Bio/Mission
I am an energetic connector, coordinator, and leader passionate about bringing people together to turn ideas into action to create a better and more just world for everyone. I’ve spent 30+ years initiating and leading groundbreaking programs for community-based organizations to support a wide variety of issues, including the environment, homelessness, education, and civic participation. I have supported nonprofit capacity building through expert meeting facilitation and strategic planning.

I love motivating and empowering people to use their unique strengths to achieve meaningful community impact. My expertise is in managing complex projects, helping people work together more effectively, including diverse perspectives, and driving results, all while having fun. 

Chelsey Souza
Chief Development Officer, Pivotal
chelsey.souza@pivotalnow.org
408 484 6200
https://www.pivotalnow.org/

Specialty
Fundraising/Nonprofit Capacity Building

Mission
Helping young people in foster care create the life they want.

Bio/Mission
Passionate promoter of philanthropy and community engagement with over 20 years of experience serving organizations in the social sector. As Chief Development Officer at Pivotal, Chelsey is responsible for the strategic fundraising and marketing for the organization. Previously, Chelsey was Owner & President of Essex & Drake, a women-led consultancy offering a range of services specializing in philanthropic development.

Timothy Swords
Swords Bookkeeping
Swordsbookkeeping@icloud.com
415-606-6441
http://www.swordsbookkeeping.com

Specialty
Business Advisory, Accounting & Bookkeeping Services and Mindful Leadership Coaching

Mission
Helping organizations to sustainably grow.

Bio / Mission
You can't stop the waves, but you can turn them to your advantage by learning how to surf. Along with my bookkeeping and accounting business, I teach mindfulness so leaders can learn to surf the waves of their emotions -- to navigate rough waters. I credit years of meditation practice for laser focus, poise under pressure, and empathic leadership. 

I work with executive directors of nonprofits and owners of small businesses. My clients want the financial aspects of their organization managed well, so they can make informed decisions ranging from strategic investments to grow and launch new programs, to confidently managing cash-flows, to tactical moves such as whether they can afford to hire the next employee.

Executive directors and business owners are focused on what they do well and add the most value – fundraising, developing programs, selling, and managing operations. The day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting are often the last things on their minds. While this makes sense, my clients usually can’t afford a full-time bookkeeper or accountant and want to outsource to a high-quality services provider.

Working with me, you will receive timely and accurate financial statements, that you literally can take to the bank – for loan applications, for example. You will confidently be able to make informed and timely decisions on investments in inventory, IT equipment, hiring people, salary levels, and how much and when to pay yourself. Maybe you will even sleep better at night!

Previous clients include Enso Village, Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, Juma Ventures, Children's Hospital of Oakland, Vitale & Caturano CPAs, and Torchiana & Sapiro. 

When I'm not helping clients, I enjoy hiking in the SF Bay Area. My greatest satisfaction comes from being a great dad!

Leigh Tucker
CliftonLarsenAllen
leigh.tucker@claconnect.com
781-402-6340
http://www.claconnect.com/

Specialty
Accounting/Bookkeeping/Tax/Financial Consulting

Mission
Principal at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) -Nonprofit Influencer , Networker & Blogger

Bio
Leigh Tucker, Principal at CLA, has more than 25 years of experience in accounting and financial management. He has spent the majority of his career providing financial and consulting services to the nonprofit community. His experience includes 14 years with two of the Big 4 public accounting firms, primarily as a senior audit manager, before heading up two privately owned businesses serving the NFP community. He joined CLA as a Principal upon CLA's acquisition of Accounting Management Solutions (AMS) where he was the Managing Director of the Nonprofit Practice.

Leigh’s technical expertise includes all areas of the nonprofit arena, including higher education, health care and other 501(c)(3) organizations that receive federal and state funding in accordance with Uniform Guidance. His main responsibility is to represent CLA's vast array of services to the nonprofit community (including outsourced accounting, interim financial management, search and consulting) through his extensive Business Development activities.

Mark Van Slambrook
The Swenson Group
mvanslambrook@theswensongroup.com
925-493-7232
www.TheSwensonGroup.com

Specialty
Technology support including assessments, managed IT/cloud services, copiers/MFPs, document management

Mission
Building business relationships through the integration of technology to securely improve workflow and efficiencies

Bio/Mission
Our clients tell us it’s our PEOPLE, our PURPOSE and our PASSION that makes a difference. That is why I am passionate about helping local nonprofits leverage technology to control costs, secure their data and make their people more productive so they can achieve their mission.

Receiving Konica Minolta’s Pro-Tech Service Award for customer service excellence several years running makes me proud to be part of such an elite team of client centric, certified professionals that truly put our clients first.

Headquartered in Livermore and serving San Francisco and surrounding areas, nonprofit leaders tell me they select us because they want to deal with a local, privately owned company that offers the world’s best Office Technology Products, Cloud, VOIP and IT Services - all backed by award winning service with a personal touch.