Presidential & Board Counsel
Trusted counsel for presidents, boards, and other leaders at the highest levels
Helping leaders navigate complexity with confidence
For decades, we have stood alongside presidents, chancellors, and CEOs, helping them meet the immense pressures of leadership. We understand the weight of high-stakes decisions, the challenge of balancing competing priorities, and the urgency of responding to crises with clarity and confidence.
We provide a trusted, outside perspective—helping leaders see beyond immediate pressures. Whether they are facing a pressing organizational challenge, confronting critical communications or fundraising matters, or trying to build momentum for a major initiative, we help leaders move forward with conviction.
Helping leaders navigate complexity with confidence
For decades, we have stood alongside presidents, chancellors, and CEOs, helping them meet the immense pressures of leadership. We understand the weight of high-stakes decisions, the challenge of balancing competing priorities, and the urgency of responding to crises with clarity and confidence.
We provide a trusted, outside perspective—helping leaders see beyond immediate pressures. Whether they are facing a pressing organizational challenge, confronting critical communications or fundraising matters, or trying to build momentum for a major initiative, we help leaders move forward with conviction.
Helping leaders navigate complexity with confidence
For decades, we have stood alongside presidents, chancellors, and CEOs, helping them meet the immense pressures of leadership. We understand the weight of high-stakes decisions, the challenge of balancing competing priorities, and the urgency of responding to crises with clarity and confidence.
We provide a trusted, outside perspective—helping leaders see beyond immediate pressures. Whether they are facing a pressing organizational challenge, confronting critical communications or fundraising matters, or trying to build momentum for a major initiative, we help leaders move forward with conviction.
Helping leaders navigate complexity with confidence
For decades, we have stood alongside presidents, chancellors, and CEOs, helping them meet the immense pressures of leadership. We understand the weight of high-stakes decisions, the challenge of balancing competing priorities, and the urgency of responding to crises with clarity and confidence.
We provide a trusted, outside perspective—helping leaders see beyond immediate pressures. Whether they are facing a pressing organizational challenge, confronting critical communications or fundraising matters, or trying to build momentum for a major initiative, we help leaders move forward with conviction.
The value of trusted counsel
Drawing upon decades of experience advising top executives, we support leaders in moving through complexity, driving change, and capitalizing on new opportunities to strengthen their institution.
Clarity in critical moments
Leaders facing crises or rapidly emerging challenges must make informed decisions quickly and thoughtfully. Whether they are responding to difficult public perceptions, managing a leadership transition, or navigating a sudden crisis, we support presidents and executives in cutting through the noise, assessing risks and opportunities, and taking strategically impactful action.
Balancing competing priorities
From launching a strategic planning process to overseeing major fundraising efforts alongside day-to-day institutional demands, leaders often find themselves stretched thin. We help you prioritize, sequence, and build internal alignment that moves your team and its plans forward.
Securing critical buy-in and support
Institutional change never happens in isolation. Faculty, staff, trustees, donors, and other key stakeholders must understand the vision to rally behind it. We guide you as a leader, craft compelling messages, structure engagement strategies, and manage complex internal dynamics to build support for transformative initiatives.
Long-term strategies and solutions
Beyond the immediate pressures of the job, great leaders think ahead. In our work, we prioritize your long-term institutional success. Whether you want to develop sustainable fundraising, integrate new technologies, or set a course for the next decade, we can help you and your team build strategies and decisions that endure.
The value of trusted counsel
Drawing upon decades of experience advising top executives, we support leaders in moving through complexity, driving change, and capitalizing on new opportunities to strengthen their institution.
Clarity in critical moments
Leaders facing crises or rapidly emerging challenges must make informed decisions quickly and thoughtfully. Whether they are responding to difficult public perceptions, managing a leadership transition, or navigating a sudden crisis, we support presidents and executives in cutting through the noise, assessing risks and opportunities, and taking strategically impactful action.
Balancing competing priorities
From launching a strategic planning process to overseeing major fundraising efforts alongside day-to-day institutional demands, leaders often find themselves stretched thin. We help you prioritize, sequence, and build internal alignment that moves your team and its plans forward.
Securing critical buy-in and support
Institutional change never happens in isolation. Faculty, staff, trustees, donors, and other key stakeholders must understand the vision to rally behind it. We guide you as a leader, craft compelling messages, structure engagement strategies, and manage complex internal dynamics to build support for transformative initiatives.
Long-term strategies and solutions
Beyond the immediate pressures of the job, great leaders think ahead. In our work, we prioritize your long-term institutional success. Whether you want to develop sustainable fundraising, integrate new technologies, or set a course for the next decade, we can help you and your team build strategies and decisions that endure.
The value of trusted counsel
Drawing upon decades of experience advising top executives, we support leaders in moving through complexity, driving change, and capitalizing on new opportunities to strengthen their institution.
Clarity in critical moments
Leaders facing crises or rapidly emerging challenges must make informed decisions quickly and thoughtfully. Whether they are responding to difficult public perceptions, managing a leadership transition, or navigating a sudden crisis, we support presidents and executives in cutting through the noise, assessing risks and opportunities, and taking strategically impactful action.
Balancing competing priorities
From launching a strategic planning process to overseeing major fundraising efforts alongside day-to-day institutional demands, leaders often find themselves stretched thin. We help you prioritize, sequence, and build internal alignment that moves your team and its plans forward.
Securing critical buy-in and support
Institutional change never happens in isolation. Faculty, staff, trustees, donors, and other key stakeholders must understand the vision to rally behind it. We guide you as a leader, craft compelling messages, structure engagement strategies, and manage complex internal dynamics to build support for transformative initiatives.
Long-term strategies and solutions
Beyond the immediate pressures of the job, great leaders think ahead. In our work, we prioritize your long-term institutional success. Whether you want to develop sustainable fundraising, integrate new technologies, or set a course for the next decade, we can help you and your team build strategies and decisions that endure.
The value of trusted counsel
Drawing upon decades of experience advising top executives, we support leaders in moving through complexity, driving change, and capitalizing on new opportunities to strengthen their institution.
Clarity in critical moments
Leaders facing crises or rapidly emerging challenges must make informed decisions quickly and thoughtfully. Whether they are responding to difficult public perceptions, managing a leadership transition, or navigating a sudden crisis, we support presidents and executives in cutting through the noise, assessing risks and opportunities, and taking strategically impactful action.
Balancing competing priorities
From launching a strategic planning process to overseeing major fundraising efforts alongside day-to-day institutional demands, leaders often find themselves stretched thin. We help you prioritize, sequence, and build internal alignment that moves your team and its plans forward.
Securing critical buy-in and support
Institutional change never happens in isolation. Faculty, staff, trustees, donors, and other key stakeholders must understand the vision to rally behind it. We guide you as a leader, craft compelling messages, structure engagement strategies, and manage complex internal dynamics to build support for transformative initiatives.
Long-term strategies and solutions
Beyond the immediate pressures of the job, great leaders think ahead. In our work, we prioritize your long-term institutional success. Whether you want to develop sustainable fundraising, integrate new technologies, or set a course for the next decade, we can help you and your team build strategies and decisions that endure.
Strategic Communications & Change Management for Institutional Leaders
In moments of transition, challenge, and opportunity, presidents and boards rely on Mackey Strategies for expert counsel on messaging and institutional change.
Pete Mackey, Ph.D.
As the founder of Mackey Strategies, Pete Mackey has spent decades advising presidents, governing boards, and senior leaders on high-level communications and institutional change management. He specializes in shaping narratives that build trust, aligning leadership teams around a shared vision, and guiding institutions through pivotal transitions. Whether navigating leadership changes, crisis situations, or major strategic shifts, Pete provides the insight and communication strategy leaders need to drive meaningful, lasting progress.
Pete Mackey, Ph.D.
As the founder of Mackey Strategies, Pete Mackey has spent decades advising presidents, governing boards, and senior leaders on high-level communications and institutional change management. He specializes in shaping narratives that build trust, aligning leadership teams around a shared vision, and guiding institutions through pivotal transitions. Whether navigating leadership changes, crisis situations, or major strategic shifts, Pete provides the insight and communication strategy leaders need to drive meaningful, lasting progress.
Pete Mackey, Ph.D.
As the founder of Mackey Strategies, Pete Mackey has spent decades advising presidents, governing boards, and senior leaders on high-level communications and institutional change management. He specializes in shaping narratives that build trust, aligning leadership teams around a shared vision, and guiding institutions through pivotal transitions. Whether navigating leadership changes, crisis situations, or major strategic shifts, Pete provides the insight and communication strategy leaders need to drive meaningful, lasting progress.
Pete Mackey, Ph.D.
As the founder of Mackey Strategies, Pete Mackey has spent decades advising presidents, governing boards, and senior leaders on high-level communications and institutional change management. He specializes in shaping narratives that build trust, aligning leadership teams around a shared vision, and guiding institutions through pivotal transitions. Whether navigating leadership changes, crisis situations, or major strategic shifts, Pete provides the insight and communication strategy leaders need to drive meaningful, lasting progress.
“Pete has served Skidmore College’s senior leadership team as a moderator for high-level discussions about key strategic priorities and as a facilitator for cabinet retreats around institutional change management. He is wicked smart, widely experienced, and brings a passion for collaboration and bringing out the best in individual leaders and in institutions.”
— Marc Connor, President, Skidmore College
“Pete has served Skidmore College’s senior leadership team as a moderator for high-level discussions about key strategic priorities and as a facilitator for cabinet retreats around institutional change management. He is wicked smart, widely experienced, and brings a passion for collaboration and bringing out the best in individual leaders and in institutions.”
— Marc Connor, President, Skidmore College
“Pete has served Skidmore College’s senior leadership team as a moderator for high-level discussions about key strategic priorities and as a facilitator for cabinet retreats around institutional change management. He is wicked smart, widely experienced, and brings a passion for collaboration and bringing out the best in individual leaders and in institutions.”
— Marc Connor, President, Skidmore College
“Pete has served Skidmore College’s senior leadership team as a moderator for high-level discussions about key strategic priorities and as a facilitator for cabinet retreats around institutional change management. He is wicked smart, widely experienced, and brings a passion for collaboration and bringing out the best in individual leaders and in institutions.”
— Marc Connor, President, Skidmore College
Expert Fundraising & Campaign Counsel
Campaigns, fundraising strategy, and donor engagement require seasoned guidance—Kim Verstandig helps presidents and boards achieve transformational results.
Kim Verstandig
With decades of experience in nonprofit and higher education advancement, Kim Verstandig is a trusted advisor to presidents, boards, and senior leaders navigating complex fundraising landscapes. She specializes in designing and executing ambitious campaigns, strengthening donor engagement, and positioning institutions for sustained philanthropic success. Whether advising on campaign strategy, board development, or major gift cultivation, Kim provides the strategic insight and hands-on guidance leaders need to inspire confidence and secure lasting support.
Kim Verstandig
With decades of experience in nonprofit and higher education advancement, Kim Verstandig is a trusted advisor to presidents, boards, and senior leaders navigating complex fundraising landscapes. She specializes in designing and executing ambitious campaigns, strengthening donor engagement, and positioning institutions for sustained philanthropic success. Whether advising on campaign strategy, board development, or major gift cultivation, Kim provides the strategic insight and hands-on guidance leaders need to inspire confidence and secure lasting support.
Kim Verstandig
With decades of experience in nonprofit and higher education advancement, Kim Verstandig is a trusted advisor to presidents, boards, and senior leaders navigating complex fundraising landscapes. She specializes in designing and executing ambitious campaigns, strengthening donor engagement, and positioning institutions for sustained philanthropic success. Whether advising on campaign strategy, board development, or major gift cultivation, Kim provides the strategic insight and hands-on guidance leaders need to inspire confidence and secure lasting support.
Kim Verstandig
With decades of experience in nonprofit and higher education advancement, Kim Verstandig is a trusted advisor to presidents, boards, and senior leaders navigating complex fundraising landscapes. She specializes in designing and executing ambitious campaigns, strengthening donor engagement, and positioning institutions for sustained philanthropic success. Whether advising on campaign strategy, board development, or major gift cultivation, Kim provides the strategic insight and hands-on guidance leaders need to inspire confidence and secure lasting support.
Leadership is a journey—let’s navigate it together.
If you’re facing a challenge and looking for support, we’re here to help.
Leadership is a journey—let’s navigate it together.
If you’re facing a challenge and looking for support, we’re here to help.
Leadership is a journey—let’s navigate it together.
If you’re facing a challenge and looking for support, we’re here to help.
Leadership is a journey—let’s navigate it together.
If you’re facing a challenge and looking for support, we’re here to help.