Meet Our I3 Consultants: Betsy Steiner

Through Invest in Incredible, Gulf Coast has partnered with an exceptional group of professional consultants to make their services available to our nonprofit partners at a reduced cost. Our consultants have a range of expertise in nonprofit and for-profit settings, and they are committed to strengthening our region’s nonprofit community one organization at a time. Every month, we feature one of our I3 consultants on the Gulf Coast news blog, so you can get to know them better.

5 Questions for Betsy Steiner

How did you find your passion for your area of expertise?
The work I do in nonprofit governance and strategic planning is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy the challenge and excitement of exploring clients’ opportunities, devising strategies, and ultimately helping an organization grow to the next level. Seeing clients’ impact in the community inspires me every day.

What is your consulting style?
I describe my consulting style as collaborative.  I leverage the ideas and expertise of my client's stakeholders—executives, board directors, staff, donors, and volunteers—in addition to offering my 20 years of consulting and facilitating experience.

What is your favorite thing about being part of Invest in Incredible?
My favorite thing about being an I3 consultant is working with talented and dedicated members of our community who serve our area nonprofits and their beneficiaries. My second favorite thing about being an I3 consultant is being able to utilize the full spectrum of resources available through Gulf Coast to help nonprofits in our region achieve their full potential.

Will you share your favorite success story from a local nonprofit?
One of my favorite success stories involves one of our region’s human-services organizations. The board and CEO knew they had challenges to address as well as opportunities to advance the organization; they were ready for a strategic plan. The board and key staff completed an organizational self-assessment to ensure that they had the best information for decision-making and planning. Together, we designed a strategic plan that produced measurable results. They created messaging to clearly communicate their mission to donors and the community, which resulted in increased revenue. They increased staff capabilities and built infrastructure systems to expand programs and services, where they are needed. They significantly improved their physical plant to increase efficiency and support future growth. In a few short years, they have grown into a high-performing organization that impacts the health and daily life of children and families, and has become a model of best practices for other nonprofits. 

What do you do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I’m watching our daughter play volleyball, traveling, or out enjoying the natural beauty of our area—the beaches, the Gulf, and the biking trails.   

To learn more about the resources available through Invest in Incredible, including consulting engagements with expert professionals like Betsy Steiner, go here.