Testimonials
Mara is an exceptional non-profit executive and has a proven track record of effectively leading organizations through a variety of workplace challenges, including business closure, leadership transition and strategic growth. She is a skillful communicator, understands the challenges of mission-driven organizations, and consistently demonstrates her commitment to justice in the way she leads and does her work. She is a true professional and team player and I would highly recommend her for any role.
Jill Fuglister
Philanthropic Strategist
Christoffer McCollom
Business Banker and Former Board Chair, Youth Progress Association
Mara is one of the most talented nonprofit and political professionals I have worked with in my decades in the field. She develops effective approaches to complex issues by thoughtfully integrating stakeholder perspectives with her own keen understanding of how systems work. She has a deep commitment to addressing inequality and to achieving sustainable outcomes. She is strategic and thoughtful, and a pleasure to collaborate with.
Mara is a trusted, strategic thinker who excels in both long-term visioning and high-impact short-term leadership roles. Her ability to stabilize organizations during transitions, manage multi-stakeholder initiatives, and execute mission-driven strategies is unparalleled. I have consistently been impressed by her clarity of purpose, ability to drive results, and unwavering commitment to equity and social justice.
Whether stepping into an interim executive role or managing urgent, high-stakes projects, Mara brings steady, values-based leadership that inspires trust and delivers transformative outcomes. I wholeheartedly recommend her for organizations seeking effective, mission-aligned leadership and policy expertise.
Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons
Principal Partner, Tipolo Consulting
Sam Chase
Political and Nonprofit Leader
Mara was a stellar Interim ED. She assimilated new and complex information quickly and accurately. She built great relationships with staff, foster parents, partners, and the board. She developed a communications plan that kept everyone informed on a regular basis. She was strategic and analytical in her approach to policy, objectives, funding, oversight, and governance.
We are a small and yet complex nonprofit. It takes a special individual to function in this role successfully. Mara was that individual. She did an amazing job. If you are looking for an effective leader to run your organization I would strongly recommend Mara.
Samantha Shepherd
Executive Director, CCO Oregon
Mara has been an invaluable asset to my work. She stepped in and excelled, taking the lead on various initiatives, including overseeing a job search process, editing technical documents, and crafting effective communications. Mara’s flexibility and ability to quickly grasp new and complex information have consistently impressed me. Working with Mara has been an absolute pleasure. Her support has felt like having an additional part-time director. I wholeheartedly recommend her for any project or interim leadership support you may need.