My Experience

Philanthropy Advisor & Social Sector Leader

Over the past 25 years, I have worked across the philanthropic landscape as a trustee, social entrepreneur, fundraiser and trusted advisor to families seeking to create meaningful impact. That breadth of experience has given me both a practical toolkit and a deep understanding of the realities facing both donors and the social sector.

My career is a testament to the bridge between strategy and on-the-ground impact. I began by advising organizations on strategy at The Boston Consulting Group and later at Wellspring Consulting, a boutique firm formed by several BCG partners focused on the nonprofit sector. I then spent a decade as a founder and executive director of a nonprofit, which gave me a close view of what makes organizations effective—from leadership and finance to fundraising and governance.

My work today is deeply connected to a broader ecosystem of knowledge and expertise. I draw on a trusted network of peers and experts to ensure my research is rigorous and efficient. As a member of P150, a global collaborative of philanthropy advisors, I regularly partner with fellow advisors to cross-check research, surface recommendations, or bring in additional expertise when needed.

Bridging Academia and Practice

My work extends to the Yale School of Management, where I serve as a Lecturer and a Fellow with the Program on Social Enterprise, Innovation & Impact. It's a true joy to be on campus each week with Yale's emerging leaders. Their curiosity and optimism are nothing short of contagious.

In the classroom, my course, Modern Philanthropy, brings together philanthropists and foundation leaders for live case discussions, offering students the opportunity to interrogate real decisions from how priorities are set to how opportunities are sourced and vetted to how impact is understood in practice. More detail about the class can be found in the syllabus. Beyond the classroom, I guide student consulting teams that identify and work on projects with local nonprofits. and advise the Golub Capital Board Fellows Program, mentoring students who serve as non-voting members of nonprofit boards.

I also serve as the Faculty Director of the Yale Experienced Leaders Initiative, a program for accomplished professionals navigating questions of purpose, identity, and social impact as they consider how to apply their experience and resources in the next chapter of life. The program reflects many of the themes central to my broader work: helping people align their values, experience and resources with meaningful contribution.

A personal commitment to making a difference

For me, supporting the social sector isn't just a career—it's a fundamental part of my personal mission and values. I dedicate several hours each week to providing pro bono coaching to nonprofit executive directors based on my belief that everyone should have access to the kind of strategic expertise many organizations can't afford.

I am the past chair of All Our Kin, an organization that has scaled nationally to support high-quality, sustainable family childcare businesses. I had the honor of serving on the inaugural evaluation panel for Yield Giving’s (MacKenzie Scott) Open Call, which awarded $640 million to 361 nonprofit organizations. I am also a proud member of the Advisory Board of the Fund for Women and Girls at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and chair the Nominations Committee of the Yale School of Management Alumni Advisory Board.