Services
Strategic Planning & Organization Design
Clarity doesn't happen by accident — it's built. We work with executive leaders to diagnose what's holding the organization back, define where it needs to go, and facilitate the strategic process that gets it there. The result is a plan your team helped shape, understands fully, and will actually execute — built with the analytical rigor and strategic depth your mission deserves.
Brand Strategy, Marketing, & Communications
From the first touchpoint to every message that follows, your voice either builds trust or erodes it. We help nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations develop, clarify, and align their brand voice — so communications to donors, clients, customers, and internal teams all speak with the same clarity and conviction.
Program Development & Organizational Effectiveness
A great mission can only go as far as the organization behind it. We work with executive leaders — and the program directors, managers, and teams carrying the work forward — to shape programs, build management structures, and create the alignment that turns good intentions into consistent, measurable results.
Engagement
Hourly consulting
Flexible engagements for specific challenges, coaching sessions, or advisory work.
Project-based
Fixed scope for defined projects — strategic plans, program launches, change initiatives.
Retainer
Ongoing partnership for organizations that want consistent strategic support.
Successful Collaborations
Every organization I work with is different. Here are three examples of the kind of challenges I help leaders navigate — and what becomes possible on the other side.
Rebrand, Modernize & Expand
Focus Area
Access & equity
Program redesign
International reach
CHALLENGE
An international nonprofit recognizing outstanding work in psychoanalysis had a strong reputation within a small community and an application process that created barriers for non-English-speaking applicants and limited the diversity of voices being recognized.
APPROACH
Engaged trustees, an advisory council, past recipients, and task force members to audit and redesign the application and evaluation process from the ground up. Rewrote materials in inclusive, universal language and implemented technology enabling applications in over 100 languages. Rebuilt the judging framework and trained reviewers to evaluate work equitably across cultural contexts.
RESULT
Significant increase in international applicant volume and diversity. The organization’s credibility and community standing grew meaningfully, as did the quality and variety of recognized work — fulfilling the founder’s original vision more fully than ever before.
Transform Engagement
Focus Area
Organizational development
Change management
Operations
CHALLENGE
A large organization managing programs across the Americas, Europe, India, China, and Japan had grown without consistent standards. Regional teams operated in isolation, creating duplicated effort, inconsistent outcomes, and limited organizational learning.
APPROACH
Partnered with senior leadership to develop a comprehensive transformation strategy — including deep needs analysis, a phased implementation framework, communications plan, training curricula, templates, and technology tools. Engaged teams across all regions to ensure the new model reflected the realities of each context, not just headquarters’ assumptions.
RESULT
Approximately sixty programs transitioned to a globally consistent operating model. Teams moved from isolated regional management to shared standards and cross-regional collaboration — a foundation for sustainable growth and organizational resilience.
CHALLENGE
A nonprofit business association needed to establish a powerful, enduring brand identity for a major commercial district — one that would drive member revenue, attract visitors and tourists, and create lasting civic pride.
APPROACH
Led a four-person team to develop integrated consumer and tourism marketing programs, cultivate sponsor partnerships with major civic and corporate partners, and produce high-impact community events. Built the strategic plan alongside the Executive Director and Board of Directors, balancing short-term revenue goals with long-term brand building.
RESULT
Launched and established an iconic district brand, now recognized internationally. Grew membership revenue consistently year over year. Produced an annual signature event drawing over one million attendees.
Magnify Business on the Mile
Focus Area
Brand development
Community engagement
Strategic communications
What People Say
Let’s talk
If you’re facing a challenge, planning for growth, or simply want a sounding board for an important decision, let’s connect. Call me at 206.271.9198 or email at Colleen@formisadvising.com.