Traditional consulting is typically project-based with defined start and end dates. My retainer partnerships provide ongoing strategic support, like having a part-time Chief Membership Officer on your team. Instead of waiting for problems to arise, we work proactively to prevent issues and continuously optimize your operations across membership, governance, committees, and volunteer management.

Your retainer hours cover strategic planning, problem-solving, implementation support, coaching calls, email/phone consultation, and any work directly related to membership, board governance, committee management, or volunteer development. Hours don't include work outside these core areas or extensive research projects (though these can be added as separate services).

Unused hours don't roll over, but this rarely happens because retainer partnerships are designed around consistent, ongoing work rather than sporadic intensive projects. We'll establish a regular rhythm of activities that maximizes your monthly investment.

Yes. You can scale up with immediate effect, scale down with 60-day notice, or pause your retainer for up to 3 months (with 30-day notice) for special circumstances like leadership transitions or budget constraints.

Much more cost-effective. A full-time membership manager costs $60,000-$80,000+ annually plus benefits. My retainer partnerships provide equivalent expertise for $42,000-$96,000 annually, with no benefits, training costs, or hiring risks.

The retainer covers all routine strategic work. Additional costs might include travel expenses for in-person meetings (outside DC metro area), specialized research projects, or add-on services like board retreats or major system implementations.

Description text goes hereYes, retainer fees can be paid monthly or quarterly.

I offer standalone services including board retreat facilitation, membership systems implementation, strategic volunteer development, and annual governance reviews. These can be great ways to experience my approach before committing to a retainer partnership.

Absolutely. Many clients begin with a specific project like a board retreat or membership process review, then transition to a retainer partnership once they see the value of ongoing strategic support.

While my focus is on retainer partnerships for maximum impact, I do provide hourly consulting at $175/hour for specific questions or short-term projects.

I have 20+ years of experience with professional associations, medical societies, trade associations, and educational organizations. My sweet spot is established associations with 50-1,000 members, though I work with organizations of all sizes. I also work with associations that are volunteer led only.

Three things:

• First, my 20 years of hands-on association management experience means I understand your challenges from the inside.

• Second, my retainer model provides ongoing partnership rather than hit-and-run consulting.

• Third, I focus on the four core areas that drive association success rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

Yes, staff development and training is included in all retainer partnerships. I provide both formal training sessions and ongoing coaching to help your team implement new strategies and improve their skills.

Minimal. Most of my work is designed to make your staff more efficient, not add to their workload. I typically need 2-4 hours monthly from your executive director for strategic discussions and progress updates.

For Growth and Premier partnerships, yes - I can attend monthly board meetings virtually or quarterly in-person (within the DC metro area and up to 300 miles). For Foundation partnerships, I provide board meeting preparation and follow-up support.

Yes, developing volunteer and committee leaders is a core part of my services. I provide training, coaching, and support directly to volunteer leaders as part of your retainer.

Results vary by organization, but typical outcomes include 15-25% improvement in member retention rates, more effective board meetings with clear action items, increased volunteer engagement, and streamlined operational processes.

I establish baseline metrics during the first month and track progress quarterly. Key performance indicators include membership retention rates, board meeting effectiveness scores, committee productivity measures, and volunteer satisfaction surveys.

I conduct formal reviews at 3 and 6 months to assess progress and adjust strategies as needed. If you're not satisfied with the partnership after 6 months, I'll work with you to transition to a different service level or refer you to another consultant who might be a better fit.