Allison established Aspen Wave Strategies in 2020 to bring her decades of experience in nonprofit and philanthropic sectors to strengthen purpose-driven organizations. Throughout her career, Allison has experienced many moments where she recognized the power and possibilities that came from collaboration, from listening, exploring ideas and working closely with others to shape opportunity and impact. 

Allison has been fortunate to have worked in a variety of leadership roles within philanthropy, nonprofits and government. Her work has primarily focused on systemic and program efforts to positively impact populations experiencing disparities. She has been on both sides of the table as a leader in nonprofits and philanthropy. She’s been an executive director who has had to balance the needs and ideas of a board, staff and funders, while recognizing capacity and resource limitations. This knowledge and shared experience give her a deep understanding and compassion for mentoring and guiding organizations and leaders. 

A few highlights from Allison’s experience includes:

• Consulting services that help clients develop and implement strategic plans, strengthen board governance practices, develop strategic grantmaking and funding opportunities, increase efficiencies and research and assess opportunities to support development goals.

• Ten years in the field of corporate philanthropy, working in close collaboration with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, staff and community partners to improve the health of communities. 

• Ten years in the nonprofit community, primarily in early childhood with a focus on Early Head Start & Head Start. 

In her spare time, Allison is often found exploring outdoors on a trail, shuttling her children to activities, reading or spending time with family and friends. Allison and her family recently relocated back to the Pacific Northwest, where she was born and raised.

Leo the Lab has been a part of the Aspen Wave team from the beginning. He likes to make surprise appearances throughout the work day. While he is often caught sleeping on the job, he also shares his opinion by barking or demanding that his head is rubbed in the middle of Zoom calls. He offers unconditional love and is the best therapist, listening on demand and keeping everything confidential.