How did a technology consultant end up advising nonprofits, business owners, churches, boards, and community organizations?

The answer isn’t a straight line. Over nearly three decades I’ve worked across technology, operations, governance, fundraising, compliance, and leadership support. Looking back, the common thread isn’t the industry or the tools—it is helping leaders navigate complexity and move organizations forward.

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1997–2007

Urban Fan World – Founder / New Media & Online Marketing

Created and managed advertising campaigns across Hip Hop and R&B websites during the early growth of online media. Developed content, conducted artist interviews, managed relationships with record labels and artists, and created promotional partnerships designed to increase traffic, audience engagement, and advertising revenue.

Built and operated a digital media business during the early growth of online advertising, providing firsthand experience in entrepreneurship, audience development, marketing, business operations, and emerging technology.

2009–2013

The Doorpost Film Project – Studio Operations & Nonprofit Management

Managed operations, budgets, payroll, human resources, and compliance for a film studio and related nonprofit organization with combined oversight exceeding $1 million in production and operating budgets.

Supported board governance activities, maintained 501(c)(3) compliance, coordinated stakeholders across five states, and served as an advisor to executive leadership during discussions with producers, directors, investors, and industry professionals.

2011–Present

Private Client (Confidential) – Strategic Marketing & Competitive Intelligence

Provides ongoing strategic support within a competitive business-to-business environment. Responsibilities include competitive intelligence, search engine marketing, website strategy, content development, and market positioning. Client identity withheld due to confidentiality agreements.

2012–2023

Martinek Insurance – Marketing & Business Advisor

Provided long-term website, marketing, and search visibility support to an independent insurance agency. Assisted with online strategy, customer acquisition, search engine marketing, and digital presence development.

2014–2017

Nashville Universe – Digital Media Advisor

Maintained and supported a regional music industry platform while assisting public-facing talent engagement initiatives during CMA Fest Fan Fair X. Advised ownership on website strategy, online visibility, content management, and digital operations.

2014–Present

Sanctuary Functional Medicine – Technology & Operations Advisor

Provides ongoing advisory support related to technology, digital marketing, website operations, content management, business systems, and communications.

Supports management of approximately 40 electronic devices across multiple locations while assisting leadership with technology planning, online visibility, operational support, and evolving technology strategies.

2019

Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Science, Integrated Social Services

Completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Social Services, an interdisciplinary program combining social sciences, psychology, statistics, case management, organizational systems, program administration, and human services.

While much of my professional experience has been in technology, operations, business, and nonprofit leadership, this educational background strengthened my understanding of how people, organizations, and systems interact. That perspective continues to influence how I approach problem-solving, leadership support, organizational challenges, and strategic advising.

2021–Present

Plaza Mariachi & Hispanic Family Foundation – Operations, Governance & Executive Support

Provided operational support and advisory services to Plaza Mariachi in the areas of payroll, bookkeeping, onboarding, employment compliance, vendor screening, worker eligibility, and business administration.

For the Hispanic Family Foundation, provided support across human resources, payroll, budgeting, grant writing, grant reporting, nonprofit compliance, technology, fundraising systems, marketing, website management, program operations, and organizational development.

Served as Treasurer, President, and Board Chair while advising executive leadership on organizational growth, governance, compliance, financial management, risk reduction, and strategic decision-making.

Participated in community initiatives including disaster response efforts, emergency assistance programs, partnerships serving families throughout Middle Tennessee, and community response efforts during periods of crisis.

2022–2024

Heroes International – Humanitarian Fundraising & Operations Support

Assisted in raising approximately $350,000 within a one-year period to support humanitarian rescue operations in Ukraine.

Developed and maintained fundraising systems, supported payment processing and donor management, assisted with online fundraising initiatives, and provided technology, communications, and operational support for international rescue efforts.

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Advisory Themes Across Engagements

Throughout these engagements, my role has rarely been limited to a single department or specialty. The work has consistently required connecting multiple areas of an organization and helping leaders understand how decisions affect the broader operation.

Common advisory areas include:

Technology Perspective

My work has spanned multiple generations of technology—from early web development and online advertising in the late 1990s through content management systems, cloud platforms, digital operations, social media, live streaming, mobile technology, and modern artificial intelligence tools.

This long-term perspective helps organizations distinguish between lasting business principles and temporary technology trends.

Technology changes.

The need for sound judgment does not.

What These Experiences Have In Common

Looking back across these engagements, the common thread is not websites, bookkeeping, compliance, fundraising, marketing, or technology.

The common thread is helping leaders navigate complexity.

Sometimes that meant technology.

Sometimes it meant governance.

Sometimes it meant finances, staffing, fundraising, compliance, community response, or organizational growth.

The specific challenge changed.

The need for perspective did not.

My experience in business, technology, nonprofit leadership, community service, and social services has consistently pointed to the same conclusion:

Organizations do not usually struggle because they lack information.

They struggle because they need clarity, context, and someone who understands how the pieces fit together.

Most consultants specialize in one area.

My experience has required me to understand how people, systems, finances, technology, boards, compliance, and growth all connect.

That is where I do my best work.