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A Bit About Me

Change can create growth. I help small companies and non-profits identify barriers to increased profits and services. Together, we develop a strategic solution to shatter those barriers and lay a foundation for success. Not only do you get a plan, but we work together to implement it.

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I received an MBA from the University of South Dakota and have over 20 years of experience in operations and business management.

Michelle Markgraf

Markgraf Consulting LLC

Phone:

605-376-0350

Email:

michelle@markgrafconsulting.us

Professional Photo of Michelle Markgraf

Serving nonprofit organizations

Markgraf Consulting arrows

Markgraf Consulting started with the belief that together we can make the world a little better.

 

I have worked in the nonprofit world for most of my career and care deeply about the opportunities and services nonprofits bring to a community. I want them to succeed. As a nonprofit leader, I have first-hand experience with nonprofits' challenges. As a consultant, I bring industry best practices to the organizations that work with me.

 

My education provides a firm foundation for consultant work. I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Martin Lutheran College and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota.

Recent Projects and Work

February 2023
February 2023
October 2022
May and September 2022
April - June 2022

August 1, 2022
United Way of the Brown County Area
New Ulm, Minnesota

October 1, 2021 
Ivy House
New Ulm, Minnesota

July 2019 - August 2021
Kingdom Workers
Waukesha, Wisconsin

Strategic Planning, Mankato Symphony Orchestra (Mankato, MN)

Strategic Planning, United Way of the Brown County Area (New Ulm, MN)

Strategic Planning, New Ulm Chamber of Commerce (New Ulm, MN)

Strategic Planning, New Ulm Suzuki School of Music (New Ulm, MN)

Board Operations & Systems, The Rising Phoenix (Wadena, MN)

Six-month placement as Interim Executive Director. 

  1. Oversee operations and fall campaign. 

  2. Assist with executive search and hire.

  3. Provide mentorship to new Executive Director.

One year placement as Interim Executive Director. Target projects for the year:

  1. Create and implement a plan for donor acquisition, stewardship, and retention.

  2.  Build a cohesive and stable team of co-workers.

  3. Provide education and assistance to the Board as it move into a governance role.

  4. Begin planning for plant expansion.

Build a new program for implementation across the United States. The program gives churches tools to empower its member-volunteers to work with survivors of abuse. Deliverables for the program include:

  1. Complete three online training courses for volunteers who want to become survivor advocates or support group leaders.

  2. Write training manuals and other materials for use by volunteers.

  3. Develop a volunteer kit that churches use to find volunteers for this ministry and a promo kit that churches use to advertise the program to members and the community.

January 2015 - May 2019
The Compass Center
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Executive Director position. During that time:

  1. Grew the budget from $650,000 to $950,000. 

  2. Developed strong relationships with the community, becoming a regular person interviewed by news media.

  3. Moved the agency from a silo mentality to strong partnerships with other similarly focused NGOs.

  4. Directed a move into a larger facility in order to accommodate a growing staff.

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