Meet Our I3 Consultants: Laurie Huebner

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 Laurie Huebner

How did you find your passion for your area(s) of expertise?
Early in my career, I truly had not found my passion. I worked to live, I didn’t live to work. A mentor in my first employer noticed that I had a talent with people – a talent to solve the most complicated and perplexing people problems, unleash their potential, and to arrive at creative solutions that benefited the organization. He encouraged me to seek a career in human resources, and I found my home and I found my passion. I have never looked back. Helping organizations succeed through their most important resource—their people—is what I live for in my career.

What is your consulting style?
I am very goal-oriented, and I always want to know “what does ‘good’ look like” in the eyes of my client. My objective is to achieve and, if possible, surpass that goal for my client. I like to picture myself in my client’s shoes, and then frame my deliverables to meet their needs. My clients expect that I am equipped with the full breadth of human resources tools; that’s a given. What I can do differently is to use my toolkit to delight my customer.

What is your favorite thing about being part of Invest in Incredible?
Being somewhat new to Florida, I3 has provided me with a great network of qualified and capable colleagues in various areas of nonprofit expertise—finance, strategy, marketing, communications, fundraising, to name a few. Gulf Coast Community Foundation also provides formal training in board governance. I have been so impressed with the quality of talent that works for Gulf Coast, at every level. I really appreciate and enjoy being part of a group of talented individuals who inspire me to be the best I can be, and who share my values and ethics about treating people professionally and with respect. 

Tell us your favorite success story from a local nonprofit.
I recently worked with a nonprofit board who engaged me to help them through both leadership and management challenges. By working hand-in-hand with the board, we implemented a variety of human resources approaches and practices. Together, we were able to overcome the challenges. As a result, the nonprofit's leadership is well on its way to delivering higher levels of performance and providing better service to their constituents. 

What do you do when you are not working?
My husband Al and I enjoy the gym, working out, golf, biking, reading, and enjoying all that this beautiful area of Florida has to offer in the way of restaurants, theaters, culture, weather, and beaches. Most of all, we enjoy travel to see our sons in Colorado; family and friends in the Northeast; and to travel for enjoyment. There is still so much of the U.S. we want to see and enjoy!

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