Governance and Leadership
Association governance and leadership is unique, and we understand it backward and forward. From facilitating transformational change with board leadership to designing and implementing new modes of governance, our consultants are well-equipped to support the unique needs of mission-driven organizations.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
For associations to thrive, addressing diversity, equity and inclusion is an organizational imperative. McKinley has developed DEI research, planning and facilitation tools to guide leaders through needed change within their organizations and industries at large.
Organizational Effectiveness
Taking an association to the next level often requires taking a closer look at the people, systems and operating norms an organization has in place. With the unique structures of mission-driven organizations in mind, McKinley’s consultants assess and drive the structural change needed to bring an association’s strategic vision to life.
Facilitation
Our team excels in creating inclusive and participatory environments for organizations and their people to have better discussions, better decisions and better outcomes. We have led thousands of facilitated sessions for leading associations, enabling transformational change in their organizations. We build our work on proven processes and methods that foster the conversations that need to happen, are inclusive of all voices and optimize the way forward.
Governance Structures
McKinley’s consultants can assess a board’s effectiveness and provide recommendations to address needed change. Our team doesn’t just help build new governance structures, we make sure organizations reach the finish line.
Governance Effectiveness
A healthy, well-functioning board is key to an association’s success. Our team helps build highly effective boards that are ready to tackle an organization’s biggest challenges.
Leadership Development
High potential staff and member leaders sometimes need a boost to reach their next level of impact and success. McKinley has decades of experience supporting the leadership potential of individuals and teams in service of your mission.
DEI Research & Analysis
Our DEI practice is grounded in research. We help associations understand the unique needs of members and non-members, and explore organizational systems and industry-wide challenges and opportunities.
DEI Tools and Strategies
McKinley’s DEI consultants equip staff teams and volunteer leaders with tools and resources specific to an organization’s needs. We ensure that DEI goals are aligned and in sync with each association’s strategic priorities.
DEI Training and Facilitation
Ensuring staff and volunteers are aligned with an organization’s DEI goals starts with a shared understanding. Our team helps facilitate important, honest and often difficult conversations. This is done in order to ensure staff and volunteers are aligned with what DEI means to their organization and how best to show up for their members and community.
Translating Goals into Action
Our team helps organizations ”walk the walk” and bring their DEI commitments to life with detailed road maps and related accountability measures. We are truly invested in the success of our clients’ DEI efforts.
Organizational Capabilities Inventory
Is your association equipped to implement its strategic priorities and serve the needs of members? A McKinley inventory of existing and needed capabilities will identify areas of opportunity with tangible recommendations to optimize an association’s impact.
Staff Leadership and Capabilities
Organizational excellence requires investment in the people who bring strategy to life. McKinley’s deep knowledge in association operations allows us to optimize the roles and responsibilities of staff teams.
Components (affiliates, chapters, divisions, etc.)
Associations are complex. When they need to make sure all of the components of an organization work seamlessly, McKinley’s consultants can help align priorities and shared goals across a network of components.
Department-level Optimization
Whether membership, education, publications or events, our team can help assess and build strategies within key departments or divisions.
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Experienced Team
Our team includes recognized and credentialed experts in facilitation, equipped with the expertise needed to navigate essential discussions. We encourage open communication, constructive feedback and efficient decision-making throughout every facilitation.
Outcome-Oriented Sessions
We always begin by collaboratively identifying the intended outcomes of the facilitation. We then build our facilitation plan using effective techniques, tools and timing to ensure we deliver on your outcomes.
Expertise in Engaging All Voices
Successful facilitation must be inclusive of all voices. Our team is an expert in designing for inclusion and engagement from every participant. The result is stronger outcomes that are better poised to drive future success.
Highly Customized Offerings
We customize every facilitation session to meet your needs and intended outcomes. We have worked with groups ranging from two people to two thousand people and we are experienced with in-person, virtual or hybrid settings.
Meet our Organizational Excellence Team
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Chief Practice Officer
Jon Hockman, CPF, FASAE
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Practice Director
George A. Miller, M.S., CAE
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Practice Director
Tim Hopkins, CAE
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Senior Project Manager
Alexandra L. Isham, PMP
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Senior Consultant
Heidi Zimmerman, CAE
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Senior Consultant
Susan Davis, M.S., CAE
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Consultant
Mike Collins
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Associate Project Manager
Daniela Barrios
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Associate Project Manager
Kristi Langham
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Associate Project Manager
Normel Smith, MPA
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“McKinley provided expertise and guidance to the task force to ensure our DEI effort was a success. Our board unanimously approved the recommendations and requested that implementation begin immediately to transform our Society.”
Chris Busky, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, Infectious Diseases Society of America
“McKinley exceeded our expectations, bringing great depth and knowledge of the industry and strong engagement skills. So not only did they come up with good recommendations because of their approach, they left us in a place where those recommendations could be implemented and sustained.”
Chris Morrill
Executive Director / CEO, The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
“The team at McKinley was so skilled at listening. It was critical for the PATH Intl. Board and staff to feel heard and to have what they were saying and thinking reflected throughout the project. With concrete data, skilled facilitators, and a whole team of experts that could support us from the first project meeting to our game plan facilitation, we had what we needed to make this a true investment in PATH Intl.’s future.”
Kathy Alm
CEO, PATH Intl.