Non-Profit Leadership Coaches, Events, and Resources

Post-Bain, I led Strategy and Operations at a new Foundation based in NYC. In this role, I oversaw finance, operations, and our leadership development pipeline. During my time with the organization, we scaled our team from 2 to 10 and expanded fundraising by over 200%. I received offers from both Bain and BCG, and have helped dozens of students prepare for case interviews with great success over time.

As a coach with extensive experience in leadership and talent management, I am deeply committed to supporting non-profit leaders who are focused on driving social impact and sustainable growth. Having served on the board of a social mobility charity, Action West London, I understand the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with leading mission-driven organizations. My experience in this role has provided me with hands-on insight into how to balance operational efficiency, ethical decision-making, and the need to create meaningful change in the community. In addition to my board service, I’ve worked globally with organizations of all sizes, helping leaders align their teams and strategies with their core missions. This has given me a strong understanding of how to navigate the complexities of non-profit leadership while ensuring long-term success and accountability. My background in leadership advisory has equipped me with the tools to help non-profit leaders unlock their full potential, whether it’s through refining their strategic vision, enhancing team engagement, or overcoming resource constraints. I bring a solutions-oriented approach that’s tailored to the unique goals of non-profit organizations, ensuring they can achieve their mission while upholding their values.

I bring more than 13 years of leadership experience and have served as Chief Operating Officer for both an established statewide advocacy organization and a rapidly growing national nonprofit. In these roles, I partnered with CEOs and boards to translate strategic priorities into operational plans, strengthen organizational infrastructure, develop the workforce, and lead functions spanning finance, human resources, technology, communications, development, compliance, and administration. At the Colorado Children’s Campaign, I helped strengthen the systems and cross-functional alignment that supported a 37% increase in organizational revenue. My broader executive experience includes leading multi-state operations encompassing 16 programs, more than 350 employees, and approximately $20 million in operational responsibility. As a Colorado state legislator, I now build coalitions across government, business, healthcare, nonprofit, and community sectors to move complex priorities from concept to implementation. This combination gives me a practical understanding of the challenges nonprofit leaders face, including limited resources, competing stakeholder expectations, workforce recruitment and retention, board relationships, and organizational change. I help nonprofit leaders clarify their strategy, strengthen their leadership, align and motivate their teams, and create actionable plans that move their organizations forward.

Welcome to my profile! With a rich background in non-profit leadership and social innovation, I am passionate about empowering organizations to achieve their strategic goals. As the Chief of Staff at the Community Economic Defense Project, I collaborate with executive teams to drive impactful initiatives and foster cross-departmental collaboration. My experience as an AI and product consultant for various nonprofits and founder of Project Lytework has honed my skills in business strategy and social entrepreneurship, particularly in underserved communities. I have successfully led projects that address systemic inequities, mental health challenges, and economic mobility, leveraging my MBA from Stanford GSB to create sustainable solutions. If you're looking to enhance your organization's impact with AI and tech and navigate the complexities of non-profit management, let's connect and explore how I can support your journey!

Welcome to my profile! With over 30 years of experience in leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, including as a Senior Vice President of HR, as well as nonprofit board leadership for over 15 years, I bring a wealth of expertise in strategic human resources and organizational development. My journey has equipped me with the skills to empower leaders and drive transformational change across diverse industries, including non-profit arts and culture. As the President & CEO of Keith Smith Consulting, I specialize in helping non-profit leaders develop effective strategies to overcome challenges related to people, systems, and culture. My approach is rooted in creative collaboration and aligning teams to achieve accelerated success. Let's work together to craft a roadmap that propels your organization towards its goals. Reach out to explore how I can support your leadership journey!

I am the founder of Watchmaker Foundation, a 501c3 Nonprofit focused on alleviating the roadblocks facing creators. We don't stop at lifting their obstacles, we also tell their story in short-film style, here's an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZH_OZBxHao I raise funds for Watchmaker Foundation through sales of my adventure novel, Watchmaker Foundation. If you're looking to start your own 501c3 nonprofit, look no further for a coach who can help you from ideation, to entity formation and regulations, to fundraising, compliance, and more.

No matter how difficult leading can be, there's always a better way forward, and you don't have to do it alone. I work with nonprofit leaders who feel stuck or overwhelmed about their next steps. Many are navigating major obstacles, such as aligning executive teams, motivating reserved board leaders, preparing for leadership transitions, negotiating staff reductions, inspiring teams despite budget constraints, and managing tough workplace or industry dynamics. Others are ready for a promotion, preparing to hire new staff, developing staff, and finding new financial resources. While these leaders care deeply about their missions, the weight of responsibility can feel isolating and draining. Examples of my most rewarding work: • Guiding program directors to thrive despite difficult supervisors. • Supporting senior leaders preparing for a big promotion or success in a new role. • Preparing newly appointed CEOs/Executive Directors to shine. • Guiding managers to evolve into next-level leaders. • Supporting CEOs/Executive Directors to adapt effectively to annually changing board leadership. • Preparing executive teams to be trusting, collaborating, and leading together. • Guiding executives and boards of directors through leadership transitions. From personal experience, I understand how challenging leadership can be. I combine 12 years as a nonprofit leader, 25 years as a consultant, and 16 years as a certified coach to help leaders shift from an "I have to do this myself" mindset to building trust, expanding conversations, and asking their teams to do more than they ever imagined. My work is grounded in the belief that effective nonprofit leaders are calm and confident when they have the tools to break through barriers. By integrating neuroscience and belonging principles into my process, I guide leaders to build mental fitness habits that turn negative emotions into learning, creativity, and growth. The frameworks I draw on include Energy Leadership, Conversational Intelligence, and Positive Intelligence. Whether working with executive teams, supporting career pivots, or navigating leadership transitions, I focus on unlocking leaders' full capabilities. I've watched leaders transform from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to confident and inspired. I've helped teams move from conflict to collaboration and grow the impact of their mission. Let's talk today about how we can support your leadership journey.

I have coached CEOs, Executive Directors, business owners, senior leaders, team leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals in transition since 2002. I hold multiple professional certifications and adult continuing education certificates, including a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Certified Executive Leadership Coach (CELC) from Ignite Business Partners' Coaching Excellence (ICF Level 2), Certified Professional Coach in Executive Coaching from Rowan College of South Jersey, and Certified Positive Intelligence Coach® (CPQC®). I also have certifications in trauma-informed approaches and inclusive leadership through implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Additionally, I have an M.S. in Executive Leadership from Champlain College, a B.A. in Political Science/Honors with concentrations in Pre-Law and Women's Studies from Rowan University, and an A.A. in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Business Communications from Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ).

Gain invaluable insights into non-profit leadership from a Trustee of The Hip Hop Museum (501c3), a world-class $100M cultural venture backed by JP Morgan Chase set to open in NYC in 2026. This mentorship opportunity offers a deep dive into leading a project with a board including Microsoft, Warner Records, Mass Appeal, Reservoir Media, city officials, and hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow. Key Learning Outcomes: 1. Strategic Non-Profit Leadership and Fundraising: Develop the skills to lead large-scale cultural ventures, balancing artistic vision with financial sustainability. Master strategies for securing substantial funding, including backing from major financial institutions, federal, corporate and private donors. Learn to create compelling narratives that attract high-profile donors and partners, navigating relationships with tech giants, music industry leaders, and city officials. 2. Cultural Impact and Educational Integration: Discover how to create meaningful societal impact through cultural initiatives. Learn from the experience of developing educational programs endorsed by the NYS Department of Education, bridging academia and popular culture. Gain insights into blending commercial strategies with educational missions for sustainable cultural change. 3. Global Engagement and Cultural Diplomacy: Gain expertise in fostering international relationships and collaborations. Learn strategies for sparking synergies with countries and global institutions, positioning cultural projects as vehicles for soft power and cross-border understanding. Develop skills in board management and stakeholder engagement on a global scale. Whether you're an aspiring non-profit leader or a seasoned professional, this mentorship provides comprehensive lessons in strategic planning, resource management, and global cultural leadership. Gain insights from a venture that harmonizes commercial acumen, educational impact, and international diplomacy, endorsed at the highest levels of state education and supported by industry leaders.

Welcome! With a Ph.D. in Philosophy and decades of executive experience working in Higher Ed and professional associations in Real Estate, together we will unlock your insight, potential, and highest agency. I have advised world class leaders and founders alike motivated by purpose driven achievement and long-term value creation. Let's work together to elevate your approaches and drive impactful change in your work and organization. Reach out to start your journey today!