I have experience as a nonprofit volunteer, intern, worker, manager, and board member. I have experience in nonprofits ranging from small, local efforts to large, national and international organizations, and in a variety of mission sub-fields. I have designed systems, refined existing systems, and implemented systems to help nonprofits be efficient, accountable, and effective. I know how to navigate in a nonprofit setting, understanding the constraints and unpredictability, but also the dedication and determination of mission-driven causes. My experience and expertise includes board relations; executive leadership dynamics; fund development & grant-seeking; staff and volunteer management; program design, implementation and evaluation; and capacity building.

In collaboration with my husband, Chris (Masters of Information Technology and Dell Sr. Professional Services Manager), we can also leverage our mutual expertise to assess, prescribe, and implement technological solutions that equip nonprofits to serve their missions and interest of stakeholders.

If you could you benefit from some expertise and support for your mission or need short or long-term insights and advising, let’s engage.

My research started from the observations collected during my professional work - formulating a curiosity for me about how people came to work in the sector and rise in its leadership ranks. My research has touched upon topics such as nonprofit leadership continuity, career development, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nonprofit workers. I am curious about the gap between the ideals of what organizations and people should do and their practice or what they actually do. My research is often based on primary data collection, meaning I have engaged with thousands of nonprofit professionals in interviews and surveys. I view research as a project to manage and have pursued nearly 25 ideas from conception to publication in a peer-reviewed journal. I also am in the final stages of co-editing a peer-reviewed book on nonprofit human resources.

I serve on the editorial board of the journal, Nonprofit Management and Leadership in addition to being a reviewer for other scholarly journals. I have been intentional to translate my research and insights to practitioner audiences. Accordingly, my research and writing has been featured by media outlets, including the Stanford Social Innovation Review, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, and CNN.

If you need evidence for your practice or have data you want to analyze, let’s connect.

I am a tenured associate professor in the Department of Public Administration in the School of Public and International Affairs at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since 2015, I have taught in the Public Administration masters and doctoral programs, focusing on core classes about the nonprofit sector and management. I have experience teaching both online and in-person classes, and my course evaluations are evidence that students find my instruction informative and engaging. I also am adept at translating content to practitioner audiences, having conducted short and long-version training curriculums. Most recently, I completed an Inclusive Teaching Certificate from NC State University’s Office of Faculty Engagement.

If you need a speaker, trainer, teacher, curriculum designer, be in touch.

I have navigated my own nonprofit career ladder, studied what contributes to a nonprofit professional’s success in seeking promotions, and mentored students and workers as they navigate their own career paths. I am adept at assessing and navigating opportunities, as well as building networks that contribute to personal and professional objectives. I have planned and implemented career development and professional networking events.

I hear routinely from students and professionals who seek my advice time and again. I listen for and encourage others to seek the alignment between what Frederick Buechner called “your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger.” I can help with general career advice and leadership development, or provide confidential advice as you navigate opportunities, even helping draft and review communications or job materials.

If you would benefit from some informed advice to help you navigate a professional situation or future opportunity, let’s chat.