Louise has over three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector – serving both in small nonprofits as well as comprehensive public and private universities. Between 2008 and 2023 she served as Vice President for University Advancement first at Azusa Pacific University, and then Seattle Pacific University. Highlights include negotiating three significant gift commitments of $8 – $10 million, and doubling the amount of gifts and donors participating in an annual giving program over a five year period.
During that time, she met Jim Langley who became a trusted mentor and friend. Jim’s approach – donor centric, deeply rooted in fundraising research and informed by a wealth of practical experience – deeply resonated with her. The first time she heard Jim speak, she thought, “finally somebody who thinks like I do!” Years later, as she works with clients, she’s aware that she often is quoting Jim.
Louise’s consulting practice is focused primarily on helping small nonprofits launch their first fundraising initiatives. She is a transformational leader who is experienced in leading through change. Her specialty is developing systems and teams where none exists. She focuses on three fundamentals: developing the case for support, donor engagement strategy, and building operational strength to support the work of donor strategy, engagement, and fundraising. She offers her decades of experience to clients with experience, empathy, and pragmatism – committed to bring comprehensive strategies to smaller NPOs with important missions who are ready to take impact to the next level and need philanthropic investment to get there. A nascent fundraising program can’t do what professional fundraising staffs of 20-50-10 or more people can do – so where do you start? Louise helps her clients think carefully about the better future they are working toward, align expectations realistically, and apply best practices.
Louise’s areas of expertise include:
- Teaching and coaching clients new to fundraising
- Organizational Development and Effectiveness
- Develop compelling Case for Support
- Major donor strategy and engagement
- Prioritization of fundraising efforts for greatest return
- Job descriptions and hiring
- Board of Directors education and engagement
- Higher education, Medical Field