Building ventures that move people forward.
For three decades I have partnered with founders and boards to launch, turn around, and scale mission-driven organizations — balancing daily revenue execution with the long-term capital strategy that makes growth sustainable.
A career spent launching the next thing.
Through my own firm, AVENIR, I have held growth-focused roles across 27 startups, 11 early-stage ventures, 13 turnarounds, and 11 shorter engagements — often running fractional executive work for three organizations at once. That cadence has built an experience-honed instinct for moving fast on tactical execution without losing the long arc of strategy.
What I bring to the table.
Selected engagements.
AVENIR
The spine of my career: a consulting practice through which all fractional and launch work runs. Currently running a $5M endowment capital campaign, building a strategic plan for a large membership association, and leading an inbound marketing campaign for a major tech company.
Water.org
Launch ED of H2O Africa — Matt Damon's organization — built around the Running the Sahara expedition and film, then led the H2O Africa – Water Partners merger announced as Water.org at the 2009 Clinton Global Initiative.
- Raised $4.75M plus $3M in partner matches — $7.75M total in African water projects.
- Partnered on roughly 500 water projects across 7 countries.
- Managed partnerships with National Geographic, PepsiCo, Ethos Water/Starbucks, and others.
BDA Foundation & Pharm African
Launched a blended-value venture pairing a nonprofit foundation with a biopharmaceutical company, with donor partners including the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and WWF.
- Won first prize at the SME Innovation Competition for a "Triple Bottom Line" business model.
- Directed partnership creation across the US, Canada, Europe, and the DRC.
CAR Ventures Well Drilling
As CEO of Water for Good, incubated the Central African Republic's first well-drilling business while leading a full turnaround of the organization and 100+ international staff.
- Brokered and managed over $40M of water projects in CAR.
- Built the country's only enterprise-based water sustainability business, servicing 2,000 water points at 90%+ pump functionality.
- Negotiated with governments, the UN, USAID, World Bank, and global foundations.
Water4
Led the turnaround that reshaped the organization into a venture studio — increasing the profitability and investability of African water enterprises across five countries.
- Reorganized the fundraising operation and streamlined international programs.
- Redesigned senior leadership team management structures.
- Coached and mentored the CEO through change management.
Investable & The Able Fund
Launch Executive Director for the Able Fund, the social-impact initiative paired with Investable, a business accelerator in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Built and managed the startup team and raised the founding capital.
- Selected and awarded the first seven under-served entrepreneurs; expanded into a new market.
- Served as capital strategist across the Investable accelerator's portfolio businesses.
BRCK
Worked with TED Fellows Juliana Rotich and Erik Hersman to put transformative technology into the hands of those who need it most, including launching the social-impact initiative BRCK.org.
Roles of note.
ARNOVA
Interim Executive Director leading the global organization and the search for its next permanent leader — entrusted by a board representing the top intellectuals of the nonprofit sector.
IARC (WHO)
Advisor to the Resource Maximization Committee, invited by the Executive Director to help raise awareness and funding for a new cancer research center in Lyon.
The Fundraising School, IU Lilly
Adjunct faculty teaching fundraising to professionals pursuing the Certified Fund Raising Executive designation.
Andrews University
Faculty in the International Development Program, teaching NGO managers at sites across Africa, Europe, and North America.
Foundations.
PhD, Philanthropic Studies
MA (Honours), Philosophy / Humanitarian Ethics
Awarded the Prix du Séminaire de Québec for best MA of the year, on the philosophy of Charles Taylor and humanitarianism.
Have a venture worth building?
Whether you are launching something new, navigating a turnaround, or raising the capital to scale, I would be glad to compare notes. Reach out and I will be in touch promptly.