Meet Our Team
We are experienced professionals who bring leadership, expertise, and common sense solutions to mission-driven organizations during changing or challenging times.
Our team members have deep expertise, strong assessment and analytic skills and operational know-how. We have the ability to implement and execute successful initiatives that are sound, strategic and cost-effective.
Cheryl Jensen, Managing Partner | M.S. PCC, RLC
Strategic planning, interim executive director, executive search, team development, executive and board coach
Describe the philosophy you bring to your work:
I bring over 25 years of experience in nonprofit organizations as vice president, executive director, professional coach, and board member to my coaching clients and client organizations. I help nonprofits solve complex challenges while working to build connections and trust with the board and staff. Honesty and transparency is always at the forefront of my work, which is particularly important when guiding an organization through a difficult situation.
How do you use your skills to help our clients?
I have provided over 60 nonprofits with consulting, executive coaching, and team development and training. I facilitate organizational and business development and provide strategic leadership during reorganization periods. I am skilled at sorting through the chaos that can come during transitions and guiding an organization forward effectively and efficiently. I design strategy, provide visionary executive leadership and executive transition (including executive search), and provide coaching to develop staff and boards that includes skilled problem solving and adapting or shifting cultures to set an organization on a path to successful growth and impact.
Describe your educational background/achievements:
I earned a master’s in Sociology-Human Service Planning and Administration from Mankato State University. I am a registered leadership coach through the Institute of Life Coaching. I continue to pursue advanced training in executive, leadership, and business coaching.
Board service and professional affiliations:
I am Past Board President of Wayside Recovery Center and a current member of Augsburg University’s AWE-Inspired Philanthropy Council. I am also a member of Board Source, the International Coach Federation, the Minnesota Coach Federation, Minnesota Council for Quality, and Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my extended family and friends, whether it's at the lake, traveling, or sharing a meal together. I enjoy hiking and walking with my friends and my dog, Finn. Staying active is important to me, so I also work out year-round with a group of friends and a trainer. In the evenings, I like to unwind by relaxing with a good book or watching a show.
Contact Cheryl:
Renae Oswald-Anderson, Partner
Strategic planning, interim executive leadership, executive search, board development, organizational assessments, program delivery, mergers & realignments
Describe the philosophy you bring to your work:
I have spent my entire career working with nonprofit leaders. I want to honor their work, organizational history, and help them advance their mission and organizational capacity via sharing best practice, nonprofit industry norms or serving as a truth teller. It is thrilling to see our clients thrive as they achieve greater community impact that is effective and resourceful. I work alongside and in partnership with our clients. I also believe in building authentic and genuine relationships.
How do you use your skills to help our clients?
I bring many years of experience working with nonprofits of all sizes. I specialize in helping them recognize and assess their organizational life cycle to help ensure they are as effective as possible and well positioned for the future. I also value being able to connect clients with helpful resources locally. There are so many good people in the community: I want to tap into their energy, commitment, and talent to align mission, skills, and business savvy.
Describe your educational background/achievements:
I have a master’s degree in Nonprofit and Public Administration from Metropolitan State University and a B.S. in Community Health with a minor in business administration. In addition, I am a graduate of the Shannon Leadership Institute and have participated in ToPs facilitation training.
Board service:
I am currently the chair for Solid Ground in White Bear Lake and have served on the Outreach Missions Committee of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater.
Professional affiliations:
I am a certified Organizational Lifecycle coach.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to spend time with our growing family that now includes two grandchildren. I also enjoy our big yard and working in the flower gardens, power walking, singing in our church choir, and traveling. We are patrons of choral performances and theatre.
Contact Renae at:
roanderson@strategic-cc.com
Cecily Harris, MBA
Grant writing, strategic and fundraising planning, board and organizational development, marketing, and program design
Describe the philosophy you bring to your work:
As a consultant, my role is to leave a client in a better place than they were before we started working together. Beyond completing an assignment or a long-term engagement, I hope to offer additional insights and best management practices from my experience that elevates their professional skills or organizational capacity. For grant writing, I like to review organizational readiness first and then ensure there is a good fit between the funder and client project. I encourage relationship building with the funder as the second step. For other projects, there can also be opportunities for coaching or program planning and I’m glad to help.
How do you use your skills to help our clients?
After 40+ years working with nonprofit organizations and government agencies, I like to ask a few questions and then listen. The answers are often right there, and I can work with the client to identify the resources they need or develop a plan to help them get there. I like to work collaboratively so we arrive at a solution together.
Describe your educational background/achievements:
I have a B.S. in Renewable Natural Resources, Wildlife Sciences from the University of Arizona and a MBA, Marketing, from Golden Gate University. I also have a Fundraising Management Certificate from The Fundraising School at Indiana University.
Board service and professional affiliations:
I currently serve on ArtReach St. Croix, New Century Club of St. Paul, and Stillwater Area Community Foundation Boards of Directors.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy travel, arts and culture, gardening, fiber arts, hiking, skiing, and paddling.
Contact Cecily:
charris@strategic-cc.com
Imogen Davis
Grant proposals, assessment and evaluation, strategic planning
Describe the philosophy you bring to your work:
What’s important to me is being clear, transparent, and thorough. Whether I’m writing a proposal, doing strategic planning, assessment work, or developing logic models and evaluation plans, I’m interested in understanding the often complex problems my clients are attempting to solve or address and the impact they want to have. I work with them to communicate that in a clear and concise manner. It’s important to understand how things work at the most fundamental level. I also want to understand the human experience and as a writer, evaluator, or planner, communicate that in a vivid, empathetic, and engaging manner. I work hard to read, listen, and learn from history, research, and those who don’t have the same privileges, to better understand their experiences as fellow humans.
How do you use your skills to help our clients?
Many of the organizations I have worked with are focused on youth, youth mental health, youth homelessness, and opportunity youth as well as human services and education. I’ve also worked with several arts organizations. I consider myself a creative generalist, as I’m ready to tackle nearly any topic or goal.
Describe your educational background/achievements.
I have a master’s degree in Public and Non-Profit Administration, with Honors, from Metropolitan State University. I also completed a National Coalition Institute certificate in community problem-solving grounded in data, logic-modeling, and stakeholder analysis resulting in change. I am a seasoned public speaker and presenter.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I play and teach music (primarily piano, and do some jamming on the accordion), and I love hanging out with my dogs, my partner Steve, and my (now adult) kids. I love being outdoors and being active—I cycle, snowboard, kayak, shoot archery, and hike. I like big challenges—last year we rode RAGBRAI (500 miles of cycling in seven days across Iowa). I’m an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction.
Contact Imogen:
idavis@strategic-cc.com
Krista Harding
Administrative support services, program development and implementation, event management, volunteer management
Describe the philosophy you bring to your work:
I like to approach my work with creativity and humor. I love a good to-do list and am eager to get things done. I value clear communication and the flexibility to pivot when needed. When building something new or tackling a challenge, I am greatly interested in learning others’ perspectives to help inform decision-making. My goal is to work in collaboration with others to create meaningful change and positive impact.
How do you use your skills to help our clients?
I often work behind the scenes to support our clients and our team to achieve their project goals. I manage program/event logistics, coordination, and execution. I develop processes and procedures to streamline work, creating efficiencies, and ensuring consistent practices along with stakeholder engagement. My organizational skills, administrative management, and focus on continuous improvement contribute to the high-quality customer service you can expect from Strategic Consulting & Coaching.
Describe your educational background:
I have a B.A. in psychology and sociology from the University of Virginia and also maintain a master's level national certification in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with my family and friends, cooking and baking, gardening, listening to my favorite podcast (Armchair Expert!) or audiobooks, and exploring new areas of the Cities to find the best local shops, restaurants, and playgrounds.
Contact Krista:
kharding@strategic-cc.com
Megan Williams, MPH, RN, PHN
Strategic planning, clinical expertise HIV/AIDS, senior health, chronic disease management, mental health, substance use disorder, public health, palliative care
Describe the philosophy you bring to your work:
I listen deeply to ensure I understand all aspects of the project. I care about inclusive voices, especially those with lived experiences to be guides and decision makers. I lean heavily on my robust education and multifaceted work experience to make critical decisions and address all facets of a project. A sense of compassion and humor is a must in my work as well.
How do you use your skills to help our clients?
When working with clients I draw on my own experiences working in direct care services as a RN and public health professional. I listen to whatever issue they are trying to solve and ask direct probing questions.
Describe your educational background/achievements:
I received my B.A. in Anthropology from Lewis and Clark College, Master of Public Health from Boston University, and BS in Nursing from John Hopkins School of Nursing. I am currently working as a Senior Public Health Nurse Consultant. I advocate for Human Potential projects including co-lead for Community of Practice for the National Target HIV program for Women, Infants, Children, and Youth; other projects focused on behavioral health integration and the opioid epidemic.
Professional affiliations:
American Public Health Association, Association of Nurses in AIDS care
What do you like to do in your free time?
I'm an avid needle pointer and crafter. I love seeing live music. I enjoy traveling with my husband, two daughters, and sometimes our dog, Lulu.
Contact Megan:
mwilliams@strategic-cc.com
Susan Marschalk
Interim executive director, executive search, team development, executive and board coach, strategic planning
Describe the philosophy you bring to your work:
I am inspired by mission-driven organizations where opportunities exist to strengthen communication, trust, and relationships among staff and board members. I build trust by partnering with organizational staff, asking questions about their values and concerns, and gathering their input and ideas. Trusting relationships enable me to strengthen team cohesion around the mission and clearly communicate with the board of directors. I value continuous reflection on the work to ensure we are using best practices, adjusting based on feedback, and changing course when necessary. I value diversity as it leads to more creative and connected teams that can bring their identities and experiences into the work.
How do you use your skills to help our clients?
I lead organizations as an Executive Director in strategic planning, team development, and program development. I focus on aligning program content and strategy with the organizational mission. I also assist organizations with addressing conflict and creating a productive work environment. I design a realistic organizational budget and fundraising strategy and assist the board and staff in understanding the budgetary framework while working together to build a solid foundation for growth.
Describe your educational background/achievements:
I received certification from Benevon, studied with the University of the St. Thomas Fundraising Executive Program, and the Carlson Business School in Executive Management. I earned a BFA from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Board service:
I am currently serving on the Episcopal Homes Board of Trustees. I previously served on the Board of Directors of Minnesota Community Care for more than nine years.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy attending concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibits. I love to travel, spending some time each year in a small town in Mexico and when possible, travel with friends that includes hiking. I also volunteer with nonprofits in the community. I am very close with my two children and enjoy spending time with them.
Contact Susan:
Susan Rostkoski
Business development, fundraising, communications
Describe the philosophy you bring to your work:
I like to assume that my client and I will be working in partnership. Certainly, I bring particular skills and talents, but there are complementary skills and talents resident in the people closest to the work. Tapping into that resource is critical to achieving impact.
How do you use your skills to help our clients?
I first listen, ask many clarifying questions, then identify where we are congruent and where we need to negotiate differences. I provide coaching that enables clients to draw on their own strengths and skills to strengthen the organization and overcome challenges.
Describe your educational background:
I attended Ohio University and Metro State.
Board service and professional affiliations:
Park Square Theatre (Resource Development Committee chair); Greater Twin Cities United Way Planned Giving and Endowment (2023-2024 chair); Central Presbyterian Church, Elder (Mission and Justice Committee chair (2024-2026). I am a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and serve as Program Chair for the Downtown St. Paul Rotary Club.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Travel is my passion and when I’m at home I love to spend time with friends exploring restaurants.
Contact Susan:
srostkoski@strategic-cc.com
Daniel Bartholomay
Strategic planning, community collaborations, executive searches, leadership transitions
Philosophy of work:
I support strategic planning, large-scale community collaborations, executive searches, and leadership transitions. Adept at managing programs and organizations, I provide practical insights applicable to any project or program. I can see the big picture and dissect problems to understand underlying strengths and barriers. As a proven leader, I work to inspire others by focusing on desired impacts to shape strategy. I ensure that everyone around the table has the opportunity to contribute, which helps build consensus. In complex projects, I maintain a clear through-line so that meetings are efficient, goals are met, and clear paths forward are established.
How do you use your skills to help our clients?
My background and experience include the public sector, nonprofit, and foundation spaces. In all my roles, I have focused on community development grounded in community building and cross-sector collaboration. I have worked at the McKnight Foundation as a Program Director and was the Commissioner of the MN Housing and Finance Agency. I also have been an Executive Director at the former Rail~Volution (now Mpact), a well-respected national organization.
Describe your educational background/achievements:
I received an Interdisciplinary B.A. in Urban Studies, from Carleton College, focused on understanding the “urban decision-making process.” I also received a certification from the National Development Council for Economic Development Finance. I am proficient in Spanish.
Board Service and professional affiliations:
Funders Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities – Vice Chair/Executive Committee; North Country Cooperative Foundation – Vice Chair/Executive Committee Member; Up for Growth – Board Member, O.D. Advisor to CEO; Local Initiatives Support Corporation-Twin Cities Local Advisory and Program Committees; Itasca Project – Founding Steering Committee; Minnesota Non-Profits Assistance Fund (now Propel) – Capacity Building and Loan Committee; Living Cities – National Advisory Committee; and Town of La Pointe, Madeline Island – Vice-Chair, Long-range Planning Committee
What do you like to do in your free time?
An avid outdoor enthusiast and traveler, I enjoy camping in my VW pop-top and spending time on Madeline Island. I love music, spinning albums, and attending concerts regularly.
Contact Daniel:
dbartholomay@strategic-cc.com
Christopher Taykalo
Interim executive director, development, finance, marketing and communications
Philosophy of work:
I believe in working with others with grace, patience, and kindness – putting out in the world what you want in return. Ultimately, we are all working toward the same goal and vision of success. I’m an active listener which means I take the time to learn and process what needs need to be met. I believe in working hard, meeting deadlines before projects are due (when possible), and if I don’t know the answer to a question, I’ll do my best to find the answer. I like to find the joy in getting the work done in a satisfactory and successful manner.
Areas of expertise:
My focus has been on marketing, communications, and development during most of my career, but I also have experience as an Executive Director, Finance Director, and HR. From writing a grant proposal and securing sponsorships to gathering and reporting data, to creating and implementing a marketing plan to submitting payroll and working on cash flow projections, I can be helpful in just about every area. My background has primarily been in the arts, but my skills are transferable.
Describe your educational background/achievements:
I have a B.A. in Theater and English from St. Olaf College and a certificate in Digital Marketing from the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. I’m also a “graduate” of the National Arts Marketing Project’s Advanced Training Program which has been described as a “mini-MBA” in arts marketing. I’m a lifelong learner and have enjoyed taking classes in finance from Propel for Nonprofits and would call my time in the Shannon Leadership Institute life-changing. I also participated in the Leadership Twin Cities program through the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Board Service and professional affiliations:
I have been a Rotarian for more than 20 years. I am currently a member of Saint Paul Rotary Club #10 and serve on its Board of Directors and as the Fellowship Co-Chair. I am a past President and former member of the Minneapolis University Rotary Club in addition to serving on its Board of Directors and on the Foundation Board. I have also been involved at the District Level in 5950.
I have served on the Board of Directors of Pangea World Theater and Twin Cities Pride which produces the third largest free Pride celebration in the country and the largest parade in the Upper Midwest.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Read, travel, swim, watch movies and TV, experience live performing arts and visits to museums and historic sites, sing and act, enjoy time in nature, spend quality time with family and friends, watch the lake or ocean “channel” and enjoy time on the front porch.
Contact Christopher:
ctaykalo@strategic-cc.com
Andréa Kish-Bailey
Organizational leadership, board governance, fund development, community engagement, DEI, financial oversight
Describe the philosophy you bring to your work:
My philosophy is grounded in the belief that organizations thrive when people feel valued, empowered, and supported. I approach my work with a focus on collaboration, equity, and creativity, striving to build systems and solutions that address immediate challenges and pave the way for long-term success. I believe in the power of shared decision-making and fostering inclusive cultures where everyone can contribute their best.
How do you use your skills to help our clients?
I use my expertise in board development, fundraising, process management, and storytelling to help clients achieve their goals. I work closely with boards to align their vision with organizational strategies, ensuring effective governance and active engagement. My fundraising skills help secure the resources needed to drive impact, whether through donor cultivation, grant writing, or special events. I excel in process management, creating systems that streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Finally, storytelling is at the heart of my work—connecting clients’ missions to their audiences through compelling narratives that inspire action and build lasting relationships.
Describe your educational background/achievements:
I received my Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. In addition, I earned an Executive Leadership Certification, a mini MBA for Nonprofit Organizations Certification, and a B.A. in Communication Studies, all from the University of St. Thomas.
Board Service and professional affiliations:
My past board work includes the Foundation for Essential Needs (FFEN) and the White Bear Center for the Arts.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy relaxing with my family, including my two pit bulls and our sweet cat. I love curling up with a good book, going for hikes, and exploring new places through travel.
Contact Andréa:
akishbailey@strategic-cc.com