Trusted Consulting for Nonprofits
We help nonprofits thrive so our communities can flourish.
At the intersection of strategy, people, and culture, we walk alongside nonprofit leaders to build aligned, healthy organizations that can focus on what matters most.
Avenir is French for “that which is to come” — the future.
Founded on the principles of Collaboration for the Common Good™, Avenir is a collective of experienced nonprofit leaders brought together to support our sector. Our clients trust us as diligent partners during moments of transition, growth, and change.
What We Do
Creating a better future, together.
Every nonprofit is unique, which is why our solutions are never one-size-fits-all. We listen deeply, draw out what’s really needed, and customize our approach with solutions that make a lasting impact.
Our services include:
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Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
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Leadership Succession Planning and Transitions
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Human Resources - project based or ongoing services
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Professional Coaching for Leaders and Teams
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Board Governance Assessments, Education and Coaching
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Sustained Collaborations (which includes Mergers or Acquisitions)
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Evaluation and Implementation of Sustained Collaborations and Partnerships
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Team and Leadership Development
What We Do
Creating a better future, together.
Every nonprofit is unique, which is why our solutions are never one-size-fits-all. We listen deeply, draw out what’s really needed, and customize our approach with solutions that make a lasting impact.
Our services include:
-
Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
-
Leadership Succession Planning and Transitions
-
Human Resources - project based or ongoing services
-
Professional Coaching for Leaders and Teams
-
Board Governance Assessments, Education and Coaching
-
Sustained Collaborations (which includes Mergers or Acquisitions)
-
Evaluation and Implementation of Sustained Collaborations and Partnerships
-
Team and Leadership Development
We've served over 200 organizations across the nonprofit sector...
From community-based nonprofits to coalitions, funders, and national networks. Each relationship reflects our commitment to collaboration, trust, and helping nonprofits build capacity to better serve their communities.
creating a better future, together
Our Approach
At Avenir, we approach every engagement as a true partnership. Our clients don’t just work with one consultant—they gain access to our entire team’s collective expertise. We bring a diverse skill set to every project, combining strategy, research, and hands-on experience to create meaningful, lasting impact.
We understand that every organization’s needs and resources are different, which is why we adapt our approach to fit budgets of all sizes while maintaining the same level of quality, care, and collaboration.
We are:
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Relationship-first – people before projects
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Trustworthy – you can rely on us to deliver
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High-value – practical tools, no wasted effort
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Grounded in lived experience – we’ve been in your shoes
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Joyful – the work you do is hard and feels heavy sometimes, we are here to lighten that load
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Impact-driven – focused on lasting results for your mission
A few of our Professional Affiliations
Our team is proud to be connected with respected networks and organizations that strengthen the nonprofit sector. These affiliations reflect our commitment to high standards, ongoing learning, and collaboration within the communities we serve.
The Team That Walks With You
Our collective brings together decades of experience across strategy, human resources, governance, coaching, and organizational development. Each consultant contributes unique skills and perspectives, giving nonprofits access to a breadth of expertise that no single individual could provide. This collaborative approach means we can identify the root causes of organizational challenges, design practical solutions, and guide leaders through critical transitions with confidence. When you partner with Avenir, you gain more than a consultant — you gain the collective knowledge and support of an entire team committed to helping your nonprofit overcome obstacles, strengthen capacity, and focus on what matters most: serving your community.
Tiffanie Dillard - PhD, SHRM-SCP, PCC, CLCC
Founder & CEO, She/Her
Dr. Tiffanie Dillard founded Avenir Consulting Partners in 2013 as a collective of seasoned nonprofit leaders who Collaborate for the Common Good™, bringing diverse expertise to support organizations through every stage of growth and transformation. Her PhD is in Human and Organization Systems. She holds national certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources and is an ICF Credentialed Professional Coach. She has held multiple nonprofit roles including Chief People Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Interim CEO, Founding Board Member, Board Member and Board Chair, following two decades in leadership roles in the corporate sector.
Liz Kinsfather - MA, LCC, PIC
Senior Consultant & COO, She/Her
Liz Kinsfather brings more than 20 years of nonprofit experience in operations, board governance, recruitment, and project management, serving organizations of all sizes with a focus on creating strong systems and clear procedures. At Avenir, she consults with client partners, leads the Board Governance practice, and manages operations, drawing on her background as a Chief of Staff, Interim Director, and Board Liaison. Passionate about service beyond her professional role, Liz is a foster care advocate, board chair of The Welcome to America Project, and a dedicated mom to four daughters.
Sarah Gonzalez - MSW
Senior Consultant & Practice Lead, Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, She/Her/Ella
Sarah Gonzalez has been part of Avenir since 2016, bringing her lived experience as a Latina and community leader along with extensive background in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and government sectors. She specializes in strategy, leadership development, community engagement, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work, often leveraging her certification as an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator. A bilingual and bicultural leader, Sarah holds degrees from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University and actively serves on multiple boards and community initiatives.
Mary Bergeson - LCC, PIC
Senior Consultant & AvenirHR Practice Lead, She/Her
Mary Bergeson has over 30 years of nonprofit experience as both an executive leader and volunteer board member, with expertise in change management, program integration, and employee engagement. She has led Human Resources teams that balanced compliance with innovative practices to strengthen culture, improve retention, and empower management. As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Adventure Learning facilitator, and trained Nonprofit Lifecycle Consultant, Mary helps individuals and organizations build capacity, collaboration, and long-term impact.
Audrey Bohanan - BA, MHR
Senior Consultant, She/Her
Audrey Bohanan is a seasoned Human Resources professional and executive leader with more than 30 years of experience in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. She specializes in employee and talent management, with expertise in retention strategies, succession planning, and organizational redesign that improves performance and reduces costs. Known for bringing energy and enthusiasm to her work, Audrey values creating supportive environments that strengthen culture, enhance service, and drive long-term success.
Helping Nonprofits Build Capacity • Lifting Up Communities • Partnering with Leaders •
"They are true partners in our work."
"The consultants at Avenir have the best interests of their clients and the community at heart. They demonstrate a true commitment to our mission, bring expertise and insight to the difficult work we are undertaking. I have grown to trust the staff at Avenir completely."
— Connie Phillips, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
What Our Clients Say About Us
“The consultants were unbiased, positive, and excited to help us succeed.”
"During our acquisition process, Avenir guided conversations that helped us discover what would truly benefit our organization as a whole and supported us in reaching our end goal."
— Jerry Ketelhut, Executive Director, Daring Adventures
What Our Clients Say About Us
“They helped us take action on what mattered most.”
"They created a process for us to build an inclusive strategic plan that allowed us to move forward in alignment and to achieve our vision."
— Darlene Newsom, Former ED UMOM
What Our Clients Say About Us
frequently asked questions:
We’re proud to partner with nonprofits, coalitions, and community-based organizations of every size and stage across the country, supporting their missions and helping them make a lasting impact where it matters most.
Let's connect to talk through your challenges. With our experience, we can help identify what's going on and offer potential solutions to explore.
Our strategic planning process is customized for each organization. We facilitate input from key stakeholders, assess external factors, and help leadership teams identify the right “next step” for their mission. The result is a clear, actionable plan that reflects both organizational values and community needs.
We are former nonprofit leaders and understand budgets can be challenging. We have created our model of support to be able to offer solutions to meet budgets of all sizes.
There are many ways you could partner with us for HR support. Maybe it's a simple HR review of policies, handbooks, job descriptions you need. Or maybe it's a project like performance evaluations, staff development or recognition practices. Or, maybe you are looking for ongoing HR partnership and can consider us your "outsourced" HR team.
Avenir serves nonprofits nationwide. Our collective of consultants can work virtually or in person, depending on your organization’s location and needs.
Avenir helps organizations navigate leadership transitions with clarity, confidence, and care. Whether you’re preparing for a planned succession or responding to an unexpected change, our team provides the structure and guidance to ensure a smooth and sustainable shift.
Your trusted partner for what's to come.
At Avenir, we believe every nonprofit’s journey is stronger with the right partner by its side.
Whether you’re navigating a leadership transition, strengthening board governance, designing a strategic plan, or seeking HR support tailored to your mission, Avenir is here to walk beside you. Our collective brings both experience and empathy, offering the clarity and partnership you need to focus on what matters most—serving your community.
Strategic Planning • Leadership Sucession and Transitions • Human Resources • Professional Coaching • Board Governance Assessments • Mergers and Acquisitions • Team and Leadership Development •