Strategy and Innovation

Creative problem solving is at the heart of our practice. McKinley’s consultants offer deep knowledge of the issues associations face and are skilled at collaborating with executives and volunteer leaders to craft effective and practical strategies to guide their organizations.

Strategic Planning

McKinley’s consultants believe in the work of mission-driven organizations. Our dedication to helping associations thrive guides our strategic planning process, thereby ensuring our clients are equipped with the most innovative approaches to pursuing their missions.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers can be a powerful tool for amplifying mission impact and reach while ensuring long-term sustainability. McKinley helps associations explore merger opportunities with clarity and confidence — facilitating structured conversations, assessing strategic fit and guiding organizations through complex decisions with objectivity and care.

Advisory Services

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. McKinley helps clients bridge the gap between strategy and execution to drive organizational health and deliver on mission impact.

Grounded in Research

Our strategic planning practice is bolstered by in-depth research capabilities that ensure our recommendations meet the needs of each organization and its varied stakeholders.

Expert Facilitation

Our team facilitates strategy sessions with the world’s leading associations. Our consultants collaborate with boards and executives to identify the strategies that will generate the greatest impact for their organization.

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How to Begin Your Association’s Strategic Planning Process

A Roadmap for the Future

McKinley is committed to the success of each of our association clients. That’s why we don’t just develop a strategic plan, we provide the guidance and support to bring that plan to life!

Board and Staff Alignment

The success of implementing a new strategy hinges on the alignment of its key stakeholders. We work directly with boards, executives and staff teams to develop a shared vision of success for the organization.

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Expert Advisors and Facilitators

Our team advances your high-stakes change initiatives by aligning resources and talent in ways that are efficient, outcome-oriented and measurable. While we design custom solutions for each client, we also provide benchmarking intelligence from both trade associations and professional societies

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategies

Our consultants equip staff teams and volunteer leaders with tools and resources specific to an organization’s needs. We ensure that DEI goals are aligned with each association’s strategic priorities.

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Is your Strategy Implementation on Track to Make an Impact?

Operations Plan and Dashboard Development

We oversee the process of translating the high-level elements of association strategy into concrete deliverables and outcomes using an execution framework to promote focus, transparency and accountability across the organization.

Investing in the Future

The breadth of McKinley’s client base allows us the opportunity to provide real-time insights into association trends. McKinley helps associations leverage their intellectual, human and financial assets to stay ahead of the curve.

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Trusted Facilitation for High-Stakes Conversations

McKinley brings structure, clarity and strategic insight to complex merger discussions. We help associations manage sensitive decisions with focus and confidence.

From Strategic Fit to Shared Vision

Every successful merger begins with clarity of purpose. We guide organizations in assessing alignment across mission, strategy, governance, talent, finance and operations to determine whether a partnership is the right path forward.

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The Strategic Merger Behind the National Alliance for Care at Home

Designing the Future Organization

Our consultants support clients in envisioning a merged entity purpose-built for impact. We help shape future-ready organizations with the leadership structures, business models and strategic priorities needed to thrive.

A Clear Path to Integration and Approval

McKinley provides expert facilitation and project management from early exploration through formal approval. We help leaders document key decisions, build consensus and prepare for the new organization's next chapter.

Meet our Strategy and Innovation Team

Chief Practice Officer

“Having worked with the McKinley team for many years, I appreciate the breadth and depth of their experience and expertise, their passion for innovation and excellence, and their commitment to helping their clients succeed.”

Thomas Smith

Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers

“At a 300-foot view, the merger created a new organization that carries forward the history of the legacy associations but also gave us a moment to pause and look to the future. It allowed us to ask what the industry needs over the next decade and build something entirely new to meet that challenge.”

Ken Albert

Board Chair, National Alliance for Care at Home

“With the pace of disruption in business and society, leaders and guiding documents must be flexible and fluid. McKinley and the AIA Strategic Planning Committee did a great job in keeping our strategic plan simple and flexible. This has ensured more aligned and collaborative work, fostered staff and leader engagement, and provided the framework for transformation within the organization, the profession and even society.”

Terri Stewart, Hon. AIA, CAE

Executive Director, College of Fellows; Senior Vice President, Knowledge & Practice, The American Institute of Architects (AIA)