I am a strategist, coach, connector, and community leader. My life’s work is all about maximizing social impact toward a common mission and vision. I am passionate about helping philanthropists explore what speaks to their heart and build the strategy and relationships to get there. Additionally, I am a lifelong member of the nonprofit sector and love helping nonprofit leaders and boards work more happily and effectively.
I have been called a super-connector, “utility player,” translator, quarterback, and inspiration to my clients and I am honored and humbled to do this work alongside a diverse and passionate group of social change-makers.
I have sat on both sides of the aisle as fundraiser and philanthropist and been both a nonprofit CEO and board member. I have been the single employee at a small nonprofit as well as the chief executive for a multi-million dollar foundation. You can learn more about some of my consulting projects on the “Expertise” page of this website. Please contact me for more information.
Work Experience & Responsibilities (10 Minute Version)
I have 20 years of experience in the philanthropy and nonprofit sector, specifically in grant-making, fundraising, marketing, and strategic planning. As a consultant, I work with family foundations, corporate foundations, and other philanthropists on developing and implementing deeply impactful giving strategies. I have extensive experience with NextGen engagement, implementing a trust-based approach to giving, and refining and evaluating grant-making. For nonprofits, I provide fundraising strategy, executive coaching and hiring, and board development.
Prior to launching my own consulting firm, I spent four years as the chief executive for two private family foundations launched by Doris Buffett: The Learning by Giving Foundation and Letters Foundation. In 2018, I was honored as one of Boston’s “40 under 40” for expanding and diversifying Doris’ philanthropy.
While at Learning by Giving, I oversaw a national program that taught philanthropy to 1,000 young adults annually. Under my leadership, Learning by Giving collaborated with the Boston Red Sox Foundation and Northeastern University’s Social Impact Lab for an inaugural take-over of Fenway Park, turning this iconic Boston landmark into a classroom on effective giving and volunteerism.
Simultaneously, I led the Letters Foundation, a direct philanthropy program started by Warren and Doris Buffett to help families who have experienced a financial crisis get back on their feet. At the Letters Foundation, I oversaw over $10M in grants given directly to individuals and families. Under my leadership, the Letters Foundation published Letters to Doris, a book exploring the impact of cash assistance.
Prior to my work in philanthropy, I held a number of leadership roles in small nonprofits including Breakthrough Greater Boston, Strong Women, Strong Girls, and Mass Mentoring Partnership.
I hold a Masters in Social Policy and Practice from the University of Pennsylvania, where I graduated summa cum laude and a Bachelors from Skidmore College. I currently serve on the board of trustees at the local Essex County Community Foundation and national nonprofit End Rape on Campus (EROC).
I was raised on a family farm in rural Maine and now live in a seaside town North of Boston with my husband Andy, young daughter Grace, and the two real bosses of the house: our spunky golden retrievers Scout and Dr. Alister MacKenzie (Mac). When not working, I can be found in the water, hiking in the woods, on the ski slopes, reading about (and tasting) natural wine, and inconsistently but enthusiastically on my paddle board or yoga mat.
