Naomi Asher
Founder & CEO of The Maven Consulting
Consultant since 2012
Naomi Asher is the founder of The Maven Consulting, where she helps nonprofits and community organizations strengthen leadership, develop fundraising strategies, and foster sustainable growth. With over 15 years of experience as an Executive Director for organizations like United Way of Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, and Scott Counties and CASA of the Tennessee Heartland, Naomi transitioned to consulting to support other organizations in reaching their full potential. She combines her leadership experience with her academic work as a Doctoral Candidate researching Nonprofit Executive Burnout, offering tailored, results-driven strategies to create lasting impact.
My Credentials:
Doctoral Candidate in Community Leadership / Organizational Management; Carolina University MBA in Marketing, King University, 2012; and BS in Music and Theology, Johnson University, 2005
Certified Saboteurs Coach, Certified Transition Interim and Coach, Parenting with Love and Logic Certified Trainer, Trauma-Informed Parenting Certified Trainer, and Enneagram Coaching Certification
My Contact Info:
How We Can Work Together:
1:1 Consulting Executive Roundtables Group Consulting In-Person Workshops
Virtual Trainings Long-Term Consulting Short-Term Consulting Local Events
Destination Events In English
My Consulting Specialties:
Board Governance Career Coaching Digital Fundraising Donor Engagement
Leadership Management Planned Giving Public Relations
Strategic Planning Sustainability Team Building Volunteer Recruitment
Wellness Wellness/Burnout
My United Way Journey:
My journey with United Way of Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, and Scott Counties began in May 2015, where I had the privilege of serving as Executive Director. During my tenure, I focused on strengthening the organization’s capacity and broadening its impact across the region. Under my leadership, United Way saw a 42% increase in funding, which allowed us to expand our service area and deliver more impactful programs to local communities.
One of my key accomplishments was redesigning the grant-making process, which made it more transparent and accessible for local nonprofits, ensuring that funds were allocated effectively to those in need. I also developed and implemented annual Community Needs Assessments, which became a vital tool in identifying and addressing the most pressing issues facing our communities.
I worked closely with board members, staff, and donors to foster strong relationships and elevate the organization’s visibility. This included overseeing a variety of fundraising initiatives and establishing new partnerships with local businesses and government organizations. My experience at United Way further deepened my passion for community development, and I am proud of the lasting legacy we created, which continues to benefit the region today.
My United Way Department Experience:
Administration Communications Community Advocate Community Impact
Events Executive Leadership Fundraising Grants
Major Gifts & Philanthropy Marketing Operations Planned Giving
Public Relations Resource Development Volunteer Engagement
PS. If you’d like UW NEXT to provide a warm introduction to Naomi, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Trent Caldwell
Founder & CEO of Okavane Project Management Consulting
Consultant since 2016
Trent Caldwell is a nonprofit project management consultant and founder of Okavane, a social enterprise dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations improve project delivery and impact. He launched and led the Project Management Office at United Way of Greater Atlanta, where he built systems that supported internal operations and community initiatives.
With 13 years of cross-industry experience, Trent specializes in hands-on project management, PMOs, and change management for nonprofits. He is currently pursuing his Master of Public Administration at Villanova University to deepen his expertise in public and nonprofit management. His mission is to equip nonprofits with the tools and strategies they need to create lasting change.
My Credentials:
Project Management Professional (PMP)
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
My Contact Info:
How We Can Work Together:
1:1 Consulting Executive Roundtables Group Consulting In-Person Workshops
Virtual Trainings Long-Term Consulting Short-Term Consulting Local Events
Destination Events In English
My Consulting Specialties:
Change Management Management Operations Project Management
My United Way Journey:
Trent began his United Way career as a Digital Solutions Manager, responsible for managing the organization’s portfolio of digital giving tools and guiding their full implementation life cycle. He ensured the optimal performance of applications that powered the online donation experience, while working with external stakeholders and internal teams to align requirements, reporting, and outcomes. Leading a small team, he strengthened UWGA's position as the corporate social responsibility partner of choice in digital engagement, ensuring partners could fully meet their charitable giving goals.
Trent later advanced to Enterprise Project Manager, where he led cross-functional projects ensuring a connection with organizational strategy. Recognizing the need for consistent practices and stronger impact measurement, he launched and led United Way of Greater Atlanta's first Project Management Office. Under his leadership, the PMO delivered operational transitions to multi-year campaigns, impact reporting dashboards, and the implementation of standardized processes that improved alignment and accountability across the organization.
My United Way Department Experience:
Operations
PS. If you’d like UW NEXT to provide a warm introduction to Trent, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Amy F. Dinofrio
Founder & Managing Director of Horizon Resource Solutions
Consultant since 2022
Amy's journey is defined by her dedication to creating impactful connections and meaningful change. She is committed to working with organizations that champion diverse populations, support individuals with disabilities, provide care for children, and extend kindness to animals. This commitment gives profound meaning to her work.
Throughout her distinguished career in human resources and organizational management, Amy has spent over a decade driven by a deep commitment to making a tangible difference. As Vice President of HR and CHRO at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Amy led the most significant compensation and job evaluation initiative in over 20 years.
Her efforts enhanced Human Resources, not just in terms of operational efficiency but also in fortifying the Foundation’s heartfelt mission to support its dedicated staff. Amy's work was grounded in meticulous reviews and genuine care, ensuring robust support mechanisms empowered every staff member to thrive.
Amy's tenure as Vice President at United Way Worldwide was equally transformative. She revitalized the People Strategies, Talent & Board Engagement department, focusing on employee engagement and organizational development. Implementing new onboarding programs and crafting a thoughtful parental leave policy were more than just tasks; they were commitments to fostering an environment where every individual felt valued and supported.
Amy holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a BA from King's College, along with certifications including SPHR, SCP, and SPHR-CA. These credentials have equipped her to navigate the complexities of HR. However, it is Amy’s passion for people and the environments we create together that truly drives her success. Currently she is the Director of People & Culture at Borealis Philanthropy, in addition to consulting.
Transitioning to consulting was a heartfelt decision for Amy, enabling her to broaden her impact and create meaningful solutions for a diverse range of organizations. This path allows her to leverage her experience and align strategic HR initiatives with the unique goals of each organization she works with. Amy is passionate about building inclusive workplace cultures where every employee can grow and thrive.
Amy thrives in the dynamic nature of consulting, continually seeking opportunities that align with her values, experience, and skills. Her goal is always to make a direct and positive impact on organizational culture and employee engagement.
Originally from northeastern Pennsylvania, Amy now calls the tri-state area home, where she remains dedicated to the causes and communities that matter most to her.
My Credentials:
Masters in Business Administration with a dual minors in Human Resources and Psychology
SPHR, SHRM & HRCI
SPHR, SCP, and SPHR-CA
My Contact Info:
How We Can Work Together:
1:1 Consulting Group Consulting In-Person Workshops
Virtual Trainings Long-Term Consulting Short-Term Consulting
My Consulting Specialties:
Change Management Executive Search Human Resources Team Building
My United Way Journey:
Throughout her distinguished career in human resources and organizational management, Amy has spent over a decade driven by a deep commitment to making a tangible difference. As Vice President of HR and CHRO at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Amy led the most significant compensation and job evaluation initiative in over 20 years. Her efforts enhanced Human Resources, not just in terms of operational efficiency but also in fortifying the Foundation’s heartfelt mission to support its dedicated staff. Amy's work was grounded in meticulous reviews and genuine care, ensuring robust support mechanisms empowered every staff member to thrive.
Amy's tenure as Vice President at United Way Worldwide was equally transformative. She revitalized the People Strategies, Talent & Board Engagement department, focusing on employee engagement and organizational development. Implementing new onboarding programs and crafting a thoughtful parental leave policy were more than just tasks; they were commitments to fostering an environment where every individual felt valued and supported.
My United Way Department Experience:
Human Resources
PS. If you’d like UW NEXT to provide a warm introduction to Amy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Lindsay S. Fox
CEO of The Sojourner Group, LLC
Consultant since 2023
Lindsay Fox is an award-winning leader, strategist, and problem-solver with more than 25 years of experience turning bold ideas into real impact. As President & CEO of United Way Fresno and Madera Counties from 2016-2024, she transformed a struggling, century-old nonprofit into a high-impact leader tackling the racial wealth gap and driving inclusive prosperity.
Her career has always centered on supporting children, youth, and families, addressing inequities, closing opportunity gaps, and building systems that work for everyone. From her early days in the California State Legislature to leadership roles in education and youth development, Lindsay has been a trusted partner in finding practical, lasting solutions to complex challenges.
Today, she leads The Sojourner Group, a boutique consulting firm that helps nonprofits, foundations, and local governments elevate their strategy, leadership, and impact. She is also Chair of the California Volunteers Commission and serves on several state and local boards.
Raised in Clovis and now based in Fresno, Lindsay brings a deep understanding of community, a track record of organizational transformation, and a collaborative style that inspires results.
My Credentials:
Master of Public Policy and Administration
My Contact Info:
How We Can Work Together:
1:1 Consulting Executive Roundtables Group Consulting In-Person Workshops
Virtual Trainings Long-Term Consulting Short-Term Consulting Local Events
Destination Events In English
My Consulting Specialties:
Board Governance Career Coaching DEIAB Design Leadership
Management Messaging Operations Product Development
Public Relations Strategic Planning Team Building
My United Way Journey:
Lindsay's United Way journey began in 2016. She served as President and CEO of United Way Fresno and Madera Counties. Her tenure was defined by bold vision and practical execution—modernizing operations, strengthening financial health, and expanding community impact. She championed initiatives to support working families, close racial equity gaps, and position United Way as a trusted convener and problem-solver.
My United Way Department Experience:
Executive Leadership
PS. If you’d like UW NEXT to provide a warm introduction to Lindsay, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Patrick Jinks
President of The Leader's Perspective
Consultant since 2016
Dr. Patrick Jinks is a Board Certified Coach (BCC), professional speaker, facilitator, planner, and trainer with a proven 25-year track record in organizational leadership. Additionally, Patrick is a Certified Influencer Trainer through Vital Smarts - the people who brought us Crucial Conversations. He is also a Certified Academy of Choice Coach, an LSI Certified Adjunct Coach, and a Certified Practitioner of Systemic Team Coaching.
Patrick is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and frequent contributor to Forbes.com. He is also a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), and serves on Harvard Business Review (HBR) Advisory Council.
Patrick is the best-selling author of Strategic Fail: Why Nonprofit Strategic Planning Fails, and How to Fix It. He also co-authored another best seller, Success Starts Today with Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul author), and Taking the Leap: How to Build a World-Class Coaching Business, with Canfield, and World #1 executive coach and best-selling author, Marshall Goldsmith. His globally acclaimed podcast, The Leadership Window is a Feedspot® Top-10 podcast for nonprofit leadership.
Patrick is a two-time training award winner through the Association for Talent Development, and he is a teaching supporter of The Right Question Institute, as well as a member of the National Association of Experts, Writers, and Speakers. His speaking stages range from The Citadel to Universal Studios, and from TEDx to the United Nations.
Patrick was recently recognized by CIO Views as one of the Top 10 Most Influential People in Leadership Coaching due to the impact he has in the social sector. He is recognized by Enterprise World Magazine as one of the most transformational coaches driving change.
My Credentials:
PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University and MBA from Averett University
Board Certified Coach (BCC) from Center for Credentialing and Education, Certified Practitioner in Systemic Team Coaching (CPSTC), Certified Academy of Choice Coach, Certified Leadership Systems Coach, and Certified Influencer Train
Member of the Forbes Coaches Council and Member of the European Mentoring & Coaching Council
My Contact Info:
How We Can Work Together:
1:1 Consulting Executive Roundtables Group Consulting In-Person Workshops
Virtual Trainings Long-Term Consulting Short-Term Consulting Local Events
Destination Events In English
My Consulting Specialties:
Board Governance Leadership Management Strategic Planning
Team Building
My United Way Journey:
United Way Worldwide – US Network Engagement and Citizenship (21 Years)
- Served on National Professional Council (NPC) (6 years).
- Chaired task force on US metrics, establishing the Business Performance Overview.
- Served on 3 network engagement task forces, including work that introduced the Business Performance System.
- Served in the work of the National Task Force on Economic Model and Growth.
- Adjunct faculty at The Center for Community Leadership at Mary Gates Learning Center.
- Presented at numerous national and regional conferences on content from leadership coaching to business performance.
- Served as official mentor/coach for 2 Fellows initiatives and 2 Mentor Scout initiatives.
United Way Association of South Carolina – CSO (1 Year)
- Facilitated and designed an organizational strategic plan.
- Converted heavily weighted temp staff to 100% permanent staff of over 260 employees.
- Instituted an internal leader coaching program.
- Saved potential $300K by correcting previous compliance issues.
- Established HR standard operating procedures.
- Expanded strategic planning services to Local United Ways.
United Way of Lancaster County – President/CEO (3 Years)
- Increased Resources Under Management (RUM) (Undesignated revenue).
- Led organization from 3B to 3C (highest level) on the national Business Performance Matrix.
- Established first-ever cause campaign (school readiness).
- Established and grew internal and public trust metrics.
- Strengthened financial position of the organization (net assets, cash, budget process, etc.).
- Led funders’ collaborative toward a commitment to collective impact on school readiness.
- Co-created Lancaster County’s first-ever Prosperity Indicators Scorecard Initiative.
United Way of Danville Pittsylvania County – President/CEO (10 Years)
- Led the development of major collaborative initiatives in education and financial stability, leveraging hundreds of thousands of grant dollars for high ROI in numerous initiatives.
- Catalyzed Smart Beginnings of Danville-Pittsylvania County (Early Childhood Initiative) by securing the largest per capita early childhood investment in VA ($5.4 million) in partnership with the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and the Danville Regional Foundation.
- Collaborated with two major foundations to create our region’s first community report card.
- Created and convened a nonprofit capacity coalition resulting in high-impact, world-class training for our nonprofit leaders (including the Duke Non-Profit Management Certificate Satellite Program).
- Led the creation and implementation of the first-ever Community Impact Agenda.
- Increased total resources under management through grant development and campaign.
- Established a physical and virtual volunteer center.
- Designed and developed Neighborhood Leadership Institute in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension and The Chamber of Commerce.
- Improved financial position and increased total assets (e.g., reserve fund, capital assets).
United Way of Northwest Louisiana – Campaign and Marketing Director (7 Years)
- 14% growth over four campaigns.
- Developed the organization’s first website, with an online giving component.
- Developed and implemented technology plan and installed network.
- Established the inaugural Alexis de Tocqueville Society ($10,000 giving Circle), with 12 initial members.
My United Way Department Experience:
Administration Communications Community Impact Data & Technology
Executive Leadership Operations Resource Development
PS. If you’d like UW NEXT to provide a warm introduction to Patrick, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Diane Lebson, CFRE
CEO & Co-Founder of Evergreen Philanthropic Solutions
Consultant since 2017
Evergreen Philanthropic Solutions is a woman owned business based in Camden, Maine, with a national footprint. We are a consulting firm dedicated to helping a diverse range of clients achieve their philanthropic goals and offer fundraising, strategic planning, and governance services to clients across the country.
As people who enjoy intellectual challenges, we thrive on identifying solutions that will work for our clients’ unique circumstances. We do not rely on standard tools simply because they have worked in the past – we seek to understand, then innovate to meet the needs of each client.
Evergreen is anchored by the CEO’s more than three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector.
Diane Lebson, CFRE, started her nonprofit career at United Way Worldwide, where she helped local communities build major giving programs to advance their grassroots initiatives. She also directed United Way’s national women’s philanthropy program that has raised over $2 billion since 2002 and mobilized over 70,000 women. After 17 years at United Way, Diane went on to lead US development efforts for SOS Children’s Villages and then ran the national women’s giving program for the American Red Cross.
In 2017, Diane pivoted her career to focus on empowering nonprofit organizations as a consultant. She refined her analytical and business skills by working for a Washington, DC, based consulting firm where she led clients through strategic planning processes, board development initiatives, capital campaigns, and revenue diversification efforts. In 2018, Diane established Evergreen in Maine so that she could live where she loves. She is the author of For A Good Cause: A Practical Guide to Giving Joyfully and is a frequent national speaker on the topics included in her book, including women’s philanthropy, fundraising, board development, and strategic planning. Diane is also a Commissioner on the Maine Commission for Community Service, an adjunct professor at the University of Maine’s School of Policy and International Affairs, and a member of the West Bay Rotary Club.
My Credentials:
Certified Fund Raising Executive (2018 - Present)
My Contact Info:
How We Can Work Together:
1:1 Consulting Executive Roundtables Group Consulting In-Person Workshops
Virtual Trainings Long-Term Consulting Short-Term Consulting Local Events
Destination Events In English
My Consulting Specialties:
Board Governance Building Fundraising Programs From Scratch
Campaign Development Capital Campaigns Campaign Feasibility
Career Coaching Donor Engagement Executive Search Leadership
Major Gifts Management Marketing Messaging Planned Giving
Prospect Development Publishing Resource Development Strategic Planning
Team Building Volunteer Recruitment
My United Way Journey:
I started my 17-year career in United Way at United Way of America (UWA), where I was a research associate focused on Database I and the Income and Expense study. From there, I worked on a national literacy program that was funded by the Knight Foundation. My "big break" came when Betty Beene selected me to join her in the President's Office, where I staffed the national Board of Trustees and had a front-row seat to our work in responding to the September 11 tragedy and reorientation to the Common Good under Brian Gallagher's leadership. An introvert at heart, I challenged myself when Dr. Johnnetta Cole (the Chair of our National Board of Trustees at the time) invited me to join her in building the Women's Leadership Council, which grew to an annual, $100M program by the time I left UWA. I was then recruited to lead the major gifts team at United Way of the National Capital Area, where I worked in partnership with the Chief Diversity Officer of PricewaterhouseCoopers to build a program that reflected the true diversity of the Greater Washington Region.
My United Way Department Experience:
Administration Communications Community Impact Events
Executive Leadership Fundraising Grants Major Gifts & Philanthropy
Marketing Planned Giving Resource Development Volunteer Engagement
PS. If you’d like UW NEXT to provide a warm introduction to Diane, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Terry Tolan
Consultant of Center for Nonprofit Excellence
Consultant since 2016
In Louisville, Kentucky, Terry works as a contract consultant with the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, assisting a diverse group of nonprofits in maximizing their performance in order to better achieve their missions. Terry brings a wealth of experience, a lifelong commitment to supporting children and families, and a passion for organizational excellence in the nonprofit sector.
Terry’s career in the United Way system spanned almost 24 years, including service in 3 local United Ways, and 15 years as the CEO of United Way of Kentucky. At United Way of Kentucky, Terry created and delivered staff and volunteer training, facilitated strategic planning, raised public awareness, and conducted organizational assessments for United Ways and other human service organizations regionally and nationally.
She led the systems’ public policy efforts in Kentucky and Washington, DC. Her service included many leadership roles regionally and nationally. She also served as the administrator for the Kentucky Employee Charitable Campaign. During her United Way career, Terry and her teams raised more than $60 million.
As a consultant since 2016, Terry has worked with many nonprofits to enhance their effectiveness. Her consultations have included extensive strategic planning facilitation, including multiyear workplans and benchmarking, annual workplan development, development of logic models for measuring program outcomes, customer research, meeting facilitation, product development, and financial analysis and planning.
Recently, Terry facilitated Strategic Planning for the National Collaboration for Women’s History Sites, KMAC - A Contemporary Art Museum, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Louisville. She also facilitated the strategic planning process for United Way NEXT (formerly United Way Retirees Association). In addition, Terry donates her services as a member of the Board of Directors of Louisville Public Media, as Board Member and co-chair of the Engage and Exchange Work Group of United Way NEXT, as a founding member of the Kentucky Strong Start Coalition for Kindergarten Readiness, and as a member of the Guiding Team for the Louisville Ready for K Alliance.
Across her varied roles, Terry has been involved in mobilizing communities to improve lives for children and families.
My Credentials:
Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Memphis
My Contact Info:
How We Can Work Together:
1:1 Consulting In-Person Workshops Virtual Trainings Long-Term Consulting
Short-Term Consulting Local Events Destination Events In English
My Consulting Specialties:
Board Governance Campaign Development Donor Engagement
Executive Search Finance Leadership Management Operations
Strategic Planning Team Building
My United Way Journey:
23 years at three local United Ways and 15 years as CEO of United Way of Kentucky.
My United Way Department Experience:
Executive Leadership Major Gifts & Philanthropy Marketing
Public Relations Resource Development
PS. If you’d like UW NEXT to provide a warm introduction to Terry, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Jeffrey R. Wilcox, CFRE
Partner of WilcoxChavez LCC
Consultant since 2002
Professional Consultation to nonprofit organizations was a natural evolution from the experiences gained at United Ways in Seattle, Los Angeles and Phoenix, as well as having served as Executive Director of a Children's Hospital Foundation and Interim CEO of a health and social justice agency in Los Angeles. In 2002, I gathered 40 nonprofit executives in Southern California and we formed Third Sector Company, which would become the largest teaching organization for interim executives and interim chief development officers in the United States with over 800 graduates in 37 states.
Third Sector Company provided service to over 900 nonprofits in the areas of interim placement and support, board governance training and support, executive performance planning and review, coaching, succession planning and organizational planning and capacity-building, WilcoxChavez LLC offers private consultation, training and coaching in all of these specialty areas.
My Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Seattle Pacific University, Community Problem Solving Certificate from National Academy for Voluntarism, Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) Credential
Senior Faculty Member, Interim Executives Academy, Interim Development Directors BootCamp, Board Chairs Academy, Succession Planning BootCamp for Nonprofit Consultants, Association Leadership Academy at the California Society of Association Executives.
My Contact Info:
How We Can Work Together:
1:1 Consulting Executive Roundtables Group Consulting In-Person Workshops
Virtual Trainings Long-Term Consulting Short-Term Consulting Local Events
Destination Events In English
My Consulting Specialties:
Allocations & Fund Distribution Board Governance Community Impact
Executive Performance Review Leadership Management Product Development
Resource Development Strategic Planning Succession Planning Team Building
My United Way Journey:
Shortly after graduating from Seattle Pacific University, I joined the staff at United Way of King County (Seattle) as Director of Press Relations with an emphasis on business journals. and employee, union, and association publications. I joined Valley of the Sun United Way (Phoenix) as Vice President of Marketing and eventually became Senior Vice President of Community Development. In 1995, I would become Senior Vice President of Community Development for United Way of Greater Los Angeles leading a team over 40 program officers in seven regional officers including planning, allocations, Kellogg Training Center, FEMA, and research. Throughout my career I was an instructor for the National Academy for Voluntarism in Alexandria, Virginia for the Introduction to United Way course, Introduction to Community Problem Solving, and Marketing the Impact of United Way. I have also served as a coach and trainer to local United Ways and executives for United Way of Canada. Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to train over 50 United Way colleagues to serve as interim chief executives or interim development directors for local United Ways throughout the nation in support of United Way NEXT and currently serve on the Board of United Way NEXT.
My United Way Department Experience:
Administration Communications Community Impact Education
Executive Leadership Fundraising Marketing Operations
Programs & Partnerships Public Relations Resource Development
PS. If you’d like UW NEXT to provide a warm introduction to Jeffrey, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!