Cecily Harris, MBA

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.