I have the honor of working with Madison Schools and Community Recreation on their next strategic plan this year. We reviewed thousands of survey and focus group responses to identify the areas we most need to develop, and are working collaboratively to create an actionable plan for the coming three years.
One of the things I love most about my work is getting to walk alongside organizations at pivotal moments — when they’re stepping back to reflect, clarifying their direction, or preparing for meaningful growth.
Here’s a snapshot of the partnerships I’m supporting right now and what we’re doing together.
Briarpatch Youth Services
Strategic Visioning & Organizational Alignment
I’ve started supporting Briarpatch as they define their next chapter of youth services and long-term sustainability. Here are some of our plans for this year:
- Facilitating a staff/board task force to clarify mission, values, and organizational identity
- Designing surveys and focus groups to gather input from stakeholders
- Planning retreats and planning sessions to create a practical 3-year strategic framework with clear priorities and accountability
Madison School & Community Recreation
Staff of MCSR discuss their plans for the future.
Community-Centered Strategic Planning
Partnering with MSCR to align programs, access, and infrastructure with the evolving needs of Madison families.
- Engaging staff, families, and underrepresented voices through surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions
- Clarifying organizational identity, scope, and priorities in alignment with MMSD
- Developing a 3–5 year implementation roadmap with measurable goals and quarterly reporting tools
WayForward Resources
Staff and board discuss next steps as they prepare for future space needs.
Facility Planning & Campaign Readiness to prepare for future space needs and long-term growth.
- Designing client and partner engagement to understand space, access, and service priorities
- Facilitating the Building Committee to evaluate renovation, expansion, and relocation scenarios
- Creating a phased plan and leadership coaching structure to position the organization for a future capital campaign
Goodman Nonprofit Center
I facilitated my Story+Data=Impact workshop with executive directors in the first leadership cohort of the Goodman Nonprofit Center in January.
Marketing & Communications Training – “Story + Data = Impact” with nonprofit leaders to strengthen their messaging and inspire deeper support.
- Teaching practical storytelling frameworks that connect human experience with meaningful data
- Helping participants craft clear case statements and tailored messages for donors and partners
- Providing tools and templates teams can use immediately to strengthen outreach and fundraising
Alliance for Community Media
I facilitated a retreat with board members of the Alliance for Community Media, which represents over 1,700 Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) access organizations and community media centers throughout the country.
Board Leadership & Governance Training to strengthen engagement and effectiveness.
- Leading interactive workshops on high-functioning boards and committee structures
- Providing templates for charters, agreements, and annual work plans
- Coaching leaders to harness board members as ambassadors and advocates for their missions
Goodman Community Center
Board, community partners and staff came together for a meal organized by our TeenWorks program at the Goodman Community Center last year.
Since June 2025, I’ve served as Interim Executive Director during a leadership transition to provide steadiness and momentum.
- Supporting the five-person leadership team through decision-making and alignment
- Partnering closely with the board on governance, communication, and strategic priorities
- Stabilizing operations and preparing the organization for a smooth transition to permanent leadership
Executive Coaching
I’ve been supporting executive leaders through a complex season of decision-making and organizational development.
- Budget and staffing decisions: Coaching through near-term budget timeline, restructuring fundraising capacity
- Development strategy reality-check: Reviewing the development plan, aligning tactics, strategy, and retention priorities
- Leadership dynamics and resilience: Navigating personnel challenges and helping the leader stay grounded, communicate clearly with the board leadership
Through this work, I’ve focused on listening deeply, aligning people with straightforward and tangible strategies to build sustainable structures that last.
If your organization is entering a season of change, growth, or transition, I’m always happy to talk and explore your options with you.
Wishing you well in this dynamic time.
Jeff Burkhart
Founder | Mission Forward