Case Studies
PHILANTHROPY
Regional Community Foundation – Program Strategy
Multi-year effort to research and launch a small business development and entrepreneurship program strategy. Conducted a landscape assessment that culminated in public presentation of the findings and convenings with local practitioners. Subsequent work has deepened research and planning and led to operational and grant commitments in several areas.
National Private Foundation – Program Strategy
Carried out a national scan of public and private sector efforts to address home-based lead hazards and developed a “toolkit” for a network of philanthropic funders, with a goal of accelerating and scaling impact.
Regional Private Foundation – Enterprise Strategy
Year-long engagement to redefine the identity, focus, and structure of a major regional foundation. Led extensive internal and stakeholder interviews and both in-person and virtual focus groups. Conducted a broad review of the evolution of and innovation among community foundations and impact investors. Shaped a multi-faceted strategic repositioning and supported launch planning and change management.
CORPORATE
Public Professional Services Company – Growth Strategy
Comprehensive strategic planning effort with a goal of doubling the company’s size in three years. Investigated wide range of adjacent and new sectors and evaluated potential for M&A. Evaluated and planned for several new business opportunities. Supported operational and organizational redesign and acquisition planning and integration.
Private Food Services Company – Product/Market Strategy
Analyzed business evolution using primary market research and quantitative analysis to segment customers and understand value proposition, competitive landscape, and positioning. Identified key drivers of business loss and defined short- and long-term offerings and channel strategies to defend and grow business. Led exploration of new business lines and supported facilities and organizational planning.
NONPROFIT
Workforce Nonprofit– Strategic and Organizational Plan
Advised a leading workforce agency to develop a 3-year strategic plan with a focus on new program innovation, geographic expansion, and infrastructure investments. Also advised on organizational changes that reshaped key positions and elevated emerging leaders, and later re-engaged to create a business plan for a revenue-generating service line.
Food Nonprofit– Business and Launch Plan
Collaborated with seasoned executive to create a business plan for a nonprofit with a novel business model. Led initial round of fundraising with local and national funders and built out financial and operational launch plan. Supported recruiting and hiring and post-launch business analysis.
Housing and Homelessness Nonprofit – Strategic Plan
Conducted initial fact-finding through external interviews and research and created new service line P&Ls to evaluate sustainability. Led sessions to assess options and align on strategic direction. Created 18-month implementation roadmap and scenario-based contingencies.
COLLABORATIVES AND ASSOCIATIONS
Community Development Collaborative – Operating Model and Shared Plan
Facilitated organizational leaders participating in a “collective impact” collaborative to assess progress, surface issues, and build a new working model for the next ~3 years of effort. Articulated participant needs and perspectives and proposed organizational and operational strategies to prioritize and streamline the group’s work.
Transportation Policy Association – Strategic Review
Led a funder-sponsored review of the positioning, prospects, and future opportunities for a well-respected regional association. Provided the board and funder with a candid assessment of the organization’s achievements and stakeholder perceptions; highlighted strategic priorities and potential areas for investment.