Through the Nonprofit Startup School, I work with individuals and small groups engaged in starting nonprofits, offering graphically engaging educational materials, advice, support, and coaching. For example, I have invented a board game designed to introduce would-be founders to over forty different steps that should be considered when establishing a new organization. I also offer free meetups covering much of this important work.

Through Mahonia Consulting, I help mission driven organizations increase their impact and help guide fledgling nonprofit organizations in their struggle to become sustainable as they navigate through organizational change and challenges. I can help get your idea off the ground, facilitate strategic planning, work through difficult transitions, and increase collaboration within your organization. I use a data driven approach that does not leave your values behind.

Free Geek is a Portland-based nonprofit that works to bridge the digital divide through reusing technology, providing free computers, Internet access, and educational services to volunteers, community members, and other nonprofits. I joined the organization at its inception in 2000, helped found and manage several of its programs, and I am currently its senior staff member. I helped guide the organization from an all-volunteer workforce to one that employs over 30 people with a budget of $1.3… Show more Free Geek is a Portland-based nonprofit that works to bridge the digital divide through reusing technology, providing free computers, Internet access, and educational services to volunteers, community members, and other nonprofits. I joined the organization at its inception in 2000, helped found and manage several of its programs, and I am currently its senior staff member. I helped guide the organization from an all-volunteer workforce to one that employs over 30 people with a budget of $1.3 million. Brought accounting system in line with GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) and initiated the first external audit of Free Geek's accounting practicesDeveloped employee handbook and trained managers on disciplinary practices, labor law, and performance reviewsDesigned system for tracking reuse and recycle statistics for various electronic devicesLead organization-wide effort to achieve R2 certification, including ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certificationsRepresented management in contract negotiations with the union in 2011 resulting in the first collective bargaining agreement and then renegotiating in subsequent yearsPayroll, bookkeeping, financial reporting, budgetingCreated and maintained custom database application for tracking volunteer hours, donation and sales receipts, and trend reports. Managed staff and volunteer projects to upgrade and develop this softwareInitiated and developed computer build program which has trained thousands of volunteers is IT troubleshooting skills through computer refurbishment.Negotiated lease with landlordDeveloped inventory and ordering system for suppliesMentored managers at similar organizations to help further Free Geek’s mission Show less

Anarchy Software provided general computer support and IT development for organizations in the peace and justice movement, other nonprofits, and small businesses in the Twin Cities.Founded the business, installed computer components, developed backup systems, rescued lost data, created websites, created database applications including gathering user specifications, designing underlying database and user interface, as well as reportsCreated a complete billing system for a small… Show more Anarchy Software provided general computer support and IT development for organizations in the peace and justice movement, other nonprofits, and small businesses in the Twin Cities.Founded the business, installed computer components, developed backup systems, rescued lost data, created websites, created database applications including gathering user specifications, designing underlying database and user interface, as well as reportsCreated a complete billing system for a small businessSet up Linux based servers for back end of websitesProvided support for direct mailing services, analyzed results of mailings and surveys Show less

SelectCare was a nonprofit Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) providing managed health care services in Minnesota, employing about 100 people.Worked in IT department with a team of computer programmers, information specialists, and system administratorsDeveloped a database interface for locating doctors and trained staff in its useTechnical “go to” person when the department manager was off siteLead person for implementing electronic data interchange project… Show more SelectCare was a nonprofit Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) providing managed health care services in Minnesota, employing about 100 people.Worked in IT department with a team of computer programmers, information specialists, and system administratorsDeveloped a database interface for locating doctors and trained staff in its useTechnical “go to” person when the department manager was off siteLead person for implementing electronic data interchange project for claims processingCreated reports based on SQL using FoxPro's native report generator as well as other reporting software Show less

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is a statewide association of nonprofit organizations that provides resources for and advocates on behalf of nonprofits.Designed and created custom database application for maintaining member organization data, conducting surveys, and analyzing resultsAdvised member nonprofits regarding technical needsEducated staff on technical systemsResponsible for backup system and general in-house support

Coordinator of nonviolent civil disobedience campaign against a major weapons manufacturer in Minnesota.Trained members in nonviolent tacticsDeveloped database of activists, donors, members, including newsletter subscriptions, recurring contributors, and court dates