Support for organizations and community groups ready to dramatically increase their impact
Catalyze Your Organization to Achieve Extraordinary Change
About Us
We believe in the power of a compelling mission woven with the passion of individuals and organizations to bring about lasting change in our most vulnerable communities. It's our experience that mission with passion can lead to remarkable innovations; all communities have the power to bring about change. But, communities often need support and an approach or strategy to ensure that the needed conditions and capacities are in place to birth and sustain a new way of relating, living, working, educating, and caring for others in community.
In collaboration with our national partners like the Network Weaver Consultants Network, Youth Development Strategies, Inc., Optimize Passion LLC, Breakwater Light LLC, and Indigo Innovation Group, we seek new ways to engage and support community, particularly the most vulnerable, to create a stronger, strategic and human-centered approach to community change.
We would be honored to support you on your journey to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and make our communities places we all can call home!
What We Do
Summary of Services and Supports
The Strategy Group offers a full suite of services focused on organizational learning, community engagement and capacity building, and equitable opportunities. Click the link below to download a summary of services for nonprofits and foundations and for community.
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Strategic Planning, Organizational Learning and Evaluation
The Strategy Group's consultants have decades of experience helping foundations and nonprofits expand their capacity and sharpen their strategic focus through strategic planning, program and grant evaluation, theory of change, organizational learning systems design, implementing learning communities or Communities of Practice, and designing and implementing organizational and community capacity building plans. Foundations, as learning organizations, considering participatory grantmaking, can be guided by experienced former foundation leaders who understand the challenges philanthropy faces when trying to adopt a new ethos and processes to empower communities and move decision making to the community-level.
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Social Impact Networks
The Strategy Group is a member of the Network Weavers Consultants Network and offers a variety of effective strategies to engage community members in important dialogue and planning efforts to improve capacities and conditions in communities to mobilize around pressing community problems. When your organization or community is ready to consider how community- or organization-based networks can benefit your stakeholders (or business) TSG can advise, consult, facilitate and support the work. Click Learn More for a short article and two videos about Networks and Network Weaving
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Equitable Opportunities
The Strategy Group is an organization committed to social justice and equity for all people. Toward that end The Strategy Group and our partners assist foundations to develop their equity lens, implement participatory grantmaking like shared gifting and gifting circles, and create inclusive community engagement processes.
Learn MoreOur Team
Dr. William Moore is a research psychologist and Principal of The Strategy Group, a consulting practice supporting communities, philanthropy, and nonprofits. The Strategy Group’s expertise is in applied research and evaluation, strategic planning, theory of change, community capacity building, social impact networks and network weaving. Bill also serves as a Senior Associate at the Texas Health Institute, Senior Fellow at the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Vice-President at Youth Development Strategies, Inc. Bill is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits. Bill has the distinction of serving as the first Project Director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Civic Engagement Technical Assistance Center in Washington DC. He formerly served as the Vice-President of Programs and Evaluation at the REACH Healthcare Foundation in Kansas City and as a Senior Research Associate at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Bill is a former Director of Research and Evaluation at the University of Kansas Medical Center, School of Allied Health; Kansas City Missouri Public Schools; Kansas City Kansas Public Schools; Institute for Research and Reform in Education; and a senior research associate at the Kauffman Foundation. He has conducted hundreds of evaluations of initiatives and programs designed to improve the health and wellbeing of children and youth and their families. Bill’s work in creating the capacity and conditions to catalyze community-led social impact networks and his strategic sharpening approach using theory of change as an evaluation framework and organizational visioning tool have been used throughout the U.S. and supported by such respected foundations and nonprofits as the Public Health Institute, The Health Foundation in London, England, Greater New Orleans Funder’s Network, National Juvenile Justice Network, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, St. David’s Foundation, the REACH Healthcare Foundation, Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund, and Obici Healthcare Foundation in Suffolk, VA. Bill has served as a senior research and evaluation leader in foundations, nonprofits, universities, and as a consultant. He has led ground-breaking studies of youth civic engagement, urban education reform, youth development, community engagement, and HIV/AIDS education for school-age youth. View Bill's LinkedIn Profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moorewp/
William Moore, Ph.D. - Principal: The Strategy Group | Bill's LinkedIn Profile
David Smith is a Senior Affiliated Consultant with The Strategy Group. A former Club kid himself, Smith was hired in 1994 as President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and led the organization for nearly 25 years through tremendous growth. Smith's time at the Clubs was the zenith of an entire professional career spanning close to 50 years helping young people develop and grow. Over the years at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Smith worked with boards of 25 plus members to accomplish: • Annual operating revenue growth from $1M to over $8M. • Increased to 1,000 youth served daily. • Grew net assets from $2.5M to nearly $18M. • Expanded operating units by 5 locations • Successfully led five capital campaigns for renovation, expansion and general support of the Clubs generating over $31M. • Pioneered the Kids Night Out special event, one of the most successful fundraising events in Kansas City, raising more than $15M between 1996 and 2018. In addition to having a positive impact on the youth served at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Smith had a 12-year career with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City in Program, Center and District Director roles, and completed his tenure there as Vice President for Community and Financial Development. In April 2002, Smith was elected to the Kansas City, Missouri School Board (KCPS) as an at-large member. He was re-elected in 2006, serving two terms as KCPS School Board President. In 2018 following his retirement from the Clubs, Smith in partnership with his late son, David A. Smith, Jr., founded The David Group, LLC to provide a range of consulting services to non-profit organizations.
David A. Smith, MA, CFRE, Senior Affiliated Consultant: Founder, The David Group, LLC
Amanda Krenos is a Senior Affiliated Consultant with The Strategy Group. She is an award-winning creative professional with more than ten years of experience turning ideas and concepts into eye-catching visuals. In addition to her work with The Strategy Group, Amanda spends her time on personal art and freelance projects, and works as the graphic designer at Kansas City PBS. During her time there, she has been responsible for developing art direction for campaigns and projects as well as creating art and design for broadcast, video, print, social media, web, email, and large-format applications. Her work supports efforts that include sales, marketing, fundraising, and production. Amanda’s experience at Kansas City PBS also includes maintaining, using, and understanding multiple national and local brands. These include PBS, PBS Kids, and separate materials for the organization’s local TV Station, radio station, and journalism center. She has served in lead graphics roles for two major rebrand efforts at the station. Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in art at The Pennsylvania State University before coming to Kansas City.
Amanda Krenos, Senior Affiliated Consultant: The Strategy Group
Jennifer Alexander is a Senior Affiliated Consultant with The Strategy Group and is the founder of Optimize Passion LLC, a boutique management consultancy that provides capacity building and support services to small businesses and growing nonprofit organizations. Jennifer specializes in building the governance, administrative, fund development, and marketing capacities of nonprofit organizations transitioning from start-up to growth. She particularly enjoys working with passionate founders and inaugural board members who are navigating the nonprofit sector for the very first time. She offers a 3-module online crash course – Nonprofit 101 – designed specifically for nonprofit founders. During the past 9 years, Jennifer has facilitated board retreats, engaged in strategic planning, conducted stakeholder research, crafted agency policies and procedures, reworked logic models, drafted case statements, built volunteer programs, diversified revenue streams, created fundraising toolkits, drafted annual development plans, designed signature fundraising events, and facilitated budgeting processes. Since 2011, Jennifer has served numerous social impact organizations in the Kansas City metropolitan area including Pathway To Hope, Sisters In Christ, KC Mothers in Charge, Amethyst Place, Harvesters Community Food Network, the Child Protection Center, GateWay of Hope, the Carousel Adult Day Care, and Veronica’s Voice. Jennifer obtained a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management in 2015 and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2011 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professional and holds a Certificate in Fundraising from the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership.
Jennifer Alexander: Senior Affiliated Consultant | Optimize Passion, LLC
Mike Sherry is a Senior Affiliated Consultant with The Strategy Group. Mike provides communications expertise to our clients. Mike is the founder and principal of OnPoint Communications. Mike draws upon more than three decades of journalism experience to help small and mid-sized nonprofits tell their stories to funders and the wider community. OnPoint Communications fills the critical gap between program staff and the development team. By interviewing staff and clients, then marrying that material with program data, OnPoint Communications captures material that too often falls by the wayside or is scattered throughout the organization. Mike has worked as a reporter and editor at publications on the East Coast and Midwest. In addition to three stints in Washington, D.C, Mike has worked at newspapers in State College, Pennsylvania, St. Joseph, Missouri, Omaha, Nebraska, and in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to focusing on OnPoint Communications full time, Mike was the senior reporter for KCPT - Kansas City PBS. At KCPT, he wrote and edited online news stories, managed interns, coordinated long-term multimedia projects, and assisted with videos.
Mike Sherry: On-Point Communications
Harlan Brownlee is a Senior Affiliated Consultant with The Strategy Group and a consultant with Focus 5 Inc. Harlan understands the transformational power that the arts have to improve the quality of life for individuals and the community. He possesses a passion for the arts guided by a disciplined approach to change. Brownlee has worked for thirty-four years in the arts education field as a performing artist, educator, and arts administrator. He was the Chief Executive Officer for the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (KCFAA) from 2015 to 2018. KCFAA teaches young people critical life skills through dance, and models interracial and multi-cultural community partnerships. From 2009 to 2015, he led ArtsKC - Regional Arts Council as the President and CEO, developing community partnerships dedicated to insuring access to the arts and cultural development for the region. From 2005 to 2009, he served as the Executive Director for Kansas City Young Audiences, a non-profit dedicated to engaging all youth in the arts, promoting creativity, and inspiring success in education. Mr. Brownlee is on the Kennedy Center’s National touring roster for the Partners in Education program and Changing Education through the Arts. He has conducted master classes, workshops and residencies extensively in the Midwest and throughout the United States. Most recently, Harlan was chosen as a presenter for Project Lead the Way’s National Conferences. In addition, he has designed and implemented hundreds of lesson plans over 34 years instructing a weekly class at Community School #1 that integrates dance and movement into the general curriculum with an emphasis on the subject areas of science and literacy. Harlan has been an adjunct professor for Rockhurst University’s School of Education and the University of Missouri – Kansas City’s School of Education. Harlan served as a consultant for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and as a member of the Fine Arts Task Force. Mr. Brownlee received his B.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he was educated as a dancer and choreographer. His performance background includes work for thirteen years as one of the Artistic Co-Directors with City in Motion Dance Theater in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Brownlee received his M.A. in Educational Research and Psychology from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. He has served on the NP Connect and Community School #1 boards as well as the Regional Vice-President for the Missouri Citizens for the Arts (MCA) and the Past-President of the Missouri Dance Educators Organization (MDEO). Past board service also includes the Kansas City School of the Arts (KCSA), the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE), the Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies (MACAA), and a past Associate Editor for the Teaching Artist Journal.
Harlan Brownlee: Senior Affiliated Consultant
Michelle Gambone is a Senior Affiliated Consultant with The Strategy Group. Michelle is a prominent sociologist and the President of YDSI, Inc., YDSI is a nonprofit consultancy focused on improving the conditions where children and youth spend the majority of their time - after school programs, youth serving agencies and schools. YDSI is a key partner with The Strategy Group.
Michelle Gambone, PhD, Senior Affiliated Consultant: President, Youth Development Strategies, Inc. | Youth Development Strategies, Inc.
Annalisa Gramlich is a Senior Affiliated Consultant with The Strategy Group. Annalisa is an education research psychologist, licensed professional counselor, and certified yoga teacher. She has Master’s degrees in Education Research and Psychology and Counseling Psychology. Annalisa has a wealth of experience in various industries and disciplines including leadership studies, education research and psychology, market research, and independent consulting. She specializes in helping others find the answers that they are looking for through thoughtful collaboration. Annalisa is a key partner with The Strategy Group
Annalisa Gramlich, MS, MA, LPC, RYT-200, Senior Affiliated Consultant: Director of Assessment and Accreditation, Rockhurst University
Events
Theory of Change
Schedule a half-day workshop for Board members and your staff! You will learn about Theory of Change - a dynamic, inclusive and provoking way of communicating to stakeholders how your organization makes a difference. To sign up contact us at info@thestrategygrp.org or 913-963-1345.
Intentional change networks try to build connections that enable people to make changes in their communities. Huge problems like generational poverty, food insecurity, social justice issues like institutional racism and discrimination, affordable housing, inequitable systems of health care and public education require intentional social change networks to bring about meaningful and sustainable community change. Contact us at info@thestrategygrp.org or 913-963-1345 to schedule your workshop.
Join with fellow nonprofit leaders in a fun and collaborative learning opportunity to work together to develop your organization's theory of change. Bring up to 2 staff or board members. Contact Bill Moore at The Strategy Group for more information.
Portfolio
Workshops and Technical Assistance
Training, Coaching, Large and Small Group Professional Development
Starting and Expanding Your Human Network
The Strategy Group staff and key partners collaborate in delivering a highly engaging training on organizational and community networks. Webinar or On-Site Training and Coaching
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Networks as a Strategy to Advance Foundation Priorities
The workshop is designed for foundation board members, leadership and program staff to better understand what intentional community change networks are, their unique features, their purposes, and how foundations can use this approach to more effectively advance their strategic priorities.
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Who is In (and Out) of Our Network? Mapping Your Network
TSG staff and key partners collaborate in delivering a highly engaging and eye-opening training on mapping your known organizational or community network. Be ready for hands-on learning and team-based work in this session. Participants receive a discount on network mapping software and manuals on mapping your network. Workshop is offered in partnership with the Network Weaver Consultants Network and led by June Holley, one of the nation's foremost leaders on Network Weaving, author of the Network Weaver's Handbook available through Amazon Books (See link below).
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Creating Innovation Centers: Self-Organized Workgroups
TSG staff and key partners collaborate in delivering a highly engaging training on strategies to stimulate innovation in communities using self-organized work groups. Communities, collaboratives and coalitions often find themselves struggling to create different ways of doing things; stuck in an endless cycle of talking, rehashing, revisiting, and talking more without ever getting to action. Innovation centers, built on the concept of self-organized work groups have been highly effective in other community settings.
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Leading in Non-Hierarchical Settings or Community Networks
TSG staff and key partners collaborate in delivering a paradigm shifting training on new models of leadership. Leading non-hierarchical (we are all equals here) projects or community networks demands a different model of leadership. We've learned a lot about evolving mature leaders and supporting emerging leaders. Learn about the four roles network leaders perform, how experienced, veteran leaders can adapt their leadership style to be more effective in non-hierarchical efforts and how emerging leaders can be effectively supported to insure that the next generation of leaders have experience leading community initiatives and a sound sense of network values.
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Other Network Trainings and Supports
TSG staff and key partners have years of experience supporting the emergence and growth of networks. Additional learning experiences, workshops, coaching, and trainings are available and can be customized to meet your needs.
Learn MoreCurrent and Past Clients
The Strategy Group, in partnership with Indigo Innovation Group, is facilitating the strategic planning and theory of change process for the National Juvenile Justice Network based in Washington DC.
![National Juvenile Justice Network (NJJN)]()
National Juvenile Justice Network (NJJN)NonprofitNJJN Website
The Strategy Group is supporting the St. David's Foundation in a comprehensive planning process to assess the current conditions and capacities of the rural communities in the Foundation’s service area to commit to, and engage in, a community capacity building process leading to more capable and effective community responses to local social and health problems.
The anticipated long-term goal of such an investment would be to dramatically strengthen the capacity of rural communities to collaboratively create local innovations to solve or reduce the negative consequences of pressing social and health problems in their own communities.
![St. Davids Foundation]()
St. Davids FoundationHealth Foundation in Austin, TXWebsite
The Strategy Group, in partnership with Indigo Innovation Group, is supporting the North Carolina Housing Coalition to develop their strategic plan and theory of change.
![North Carolina Housing Coalition]()
North Carolina Housing Coalition501c3 membership organizationNorth Carolina Housing Coalition
The Strategy Group, in partnership with Optimize Passion, LLC, is facilitating the strategic planning and theory of change process with Sisters in Christ - Kansas City.
![Sisters in Christ]()
Sisters in ChristNonprofitSisters in Christ KC webpage
The Strategy Group partnered with the Health Foundation in London, England to build the capacity of the Q Network of health care professionals to become more collaborative and innovative in solving pressing health problems in the UK.
![The Health Foundation, London]()
The Health Foundation, LondonMulti-national health foundationThe Health Foundation
The Strategy Group supported The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund to develop their first Theory of Change and facilitate their strategic planning process.
![The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund]()
The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development FundFund, FoundationWebsite
The Strategy Group supported the Obici Health Foundation in Suffolk, VA in their Healthy Beginnings initiative. TSG consultants provided technical assistance and network support to multiple community collaboratives in the development of their maternal and child health planning grants.
![Obici Health Foundation]()
Obici Health FoundationHealth Foundation, Suffolk, VAWebsite
The Strategy Group supported Kaleidoscope Pathways in their partnerships with the Greater New Orleans Funders Network (GNOFN), the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and the University of Pennsylvania - Forward Promise Project. Each of these efforts included supporting organizations to develop theories of change to communicate and advance their strategic priorities.
![Kaleidoscope Pathways, LLC]()
Kaleidoscope Pathways, LLCStrategic Consultation and Evaluation Research FirmWebsite
The Strategy Group partnered with Public Health institute to support the California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative (CACHI). TSG provided training and coaching to CACHI Accelerator Sites focused on building strong community networks throughout California.
![Public Health Institute]()
Public Health InstituteNon-profit public health organization headquartered in Oakland, CAWebsite
The Strategy Group partnered with El Centro, Inc. to facilitate and coach organizational leaders and stakeholders to develop an organizational theory of change, align programming, services, strategies and outcomes to achieve their organizational mission.
The mission of El Centro, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, is “strengthening communities and improving lives of Latinos and others through educational, social, and economic opportunities.”
![El Centro, Inc.]()
El Centro, Inc.Nonprofit corporation serving the Latinx community in Wyandotte and Johnson County KansasWebsite
The Strategy Group, funded by the Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis, MO, is partnering with the ACLU of Missouri to support a comprehensive 4 year capacity building plan to strengthen the organization's capacity to effectively defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
![ACLU - Missouri]()
ACLU - MissouriNon-profit civil liberties affiliate of the National ACLU organizationWebsite
The Strategy Group supported Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) with funding from the Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis to design and implement a four year comprehensive capacity building plan to strengthen the capability of the organization to achieve its mission.
COFI's mission is to strengthen the power and voice of low-income and working families at all levels of civic life—from local institutions and communities to the local, state, and federal policy arenas.
![Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI)]()
Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI)Nonprofit organization headquartered in Chicago, ILWebsite
The Strategy Group provided a racial equity facilitation guide for the National Early Childhood Equity, Y-USA initiative's cohort learning community. Working with the Project Director and local facilitator, TSG's Andrea Anderson and William Moore developed a day-long process for exploring and examining policies and practices that may be blocking equitable access to early childhood services at participating Y's.
![YMCA USA]()
YMCA USANational nonprofit youth development organizationWebsite
The Strategy Group supported Bastrop County Cares located in Bastrop, TX to develop their first theory of change and strategic plan. BCC is a nonprofit intermediary supporting a number of community coalitions to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in central Texas.
![Bastrop County Cares]()
Bastrop County CaresNonprofit IntermediaryBastrop County Cares
The Strategy Group, in partnership with The David Group, supported Poetry for Personal Power, a 501(c)(3) nationally recognized expert on trauma and resilience. TSG facilitated a board development process for a newly seated Board through workshops, recruiting assistance, and fund development technical assistance.
![Poetry for Personal Power]()
Poetry for Personal Power501c3 nonprofit charitable organizationPoetry for Personal Power
Working with our Clients
Kudoboards
Testimonials
Irene Caudillo, President & CEO:El Centro
June 22, 2020 Re: Recommendation letter for The Strategy Group It is my honor to recommend the Strategy Group for consultant work related to organizational strategic planning and Theory of Change development. Bill and I have worked together over the last 15 years through educational, philanthropic and consulting opportunities. During each opportunity, he has kept a strong dedication to his trade, the organization he was working with and the broader community. I recommend an outstanding business consultant to you. The mission of El Centro, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, is "strengthening communities and improving lives of Latinos and others through educational, social and economic opportunities." While El Centro provides services to all individuals, we are uniquely prepared with special expertise to integrate and serve Hispanics and Latino immigrants. Eighty-percent of El Centre's staff is Latino or bilingual to maximize our cultural-competence to our target population. Our programs serve both Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas. The services we provide include: early childhood education, emergency services, financial literacy and home buyers education, health education and health navigation, and advocacy services. Bill recently completed a consulting contract here at El Centro. He assisted our organization, with the support of staff, board and community to create our Theory of Change. Bill educated staff about the process, facilitated the development and implementation so we could more effectively serve our clients and the community. Most notable was his responsiveness and receptiveness to our lack of knowledge to this concept. Bill championed data and education to promote us to move toward an external vision rather than an internal focus we have maintained. His work assisted us to develop a road map that valued customer service and a constant client feedback with a focus on our Theory of Change to sustain long-term impact. Whether it is conducting a needs analysis, research and information gathering, educating or guiding an organization, Bill is paramount in assisting to create and facilitate discussions with a broader group of people, and to move those conversations into action. I highly recommend The Strategy Group as a consultant to help you effect some changes that will have a positive impact on your organization. I believe William Moore is the person who can make a difference. Please feel free to contact me should you have questions or want to discuss Bill's qualifications further. I can be reached at (913)-677-0100 or via email at icaudillo@elcentroinc.com.
Website
DeAnna Davidson, President:Tracen Technologies, Inc.
"Bill is passionate about the quality and integrity of the research he’s involved in and committed to making a real difference in the quality of education for youth. His leadership reflects his commitment to both relevance and excellence. He is a pleasure to work with and a pleasure to learn from."
Tracen Technologies, Inc.
David Norris, Senior Researcher:Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity
"Bill oversaw a project in the Kansas City, KS area for which my organization was contracted to create a report on barriers to health care access in KCK. The report required the participation of several high-profile community stakeholders and some sensitive data negotiations. Bill did an amazing job, making introductions, mediating relationships and balancing stakeholder and community interests to ensure that I had all that I needed to complete my work. It was obvious in the community and project meetings I attended with Bill that he is highly respected and his opinions valued, which no doubt contributes to his effectiveness as an advocate and thought leader."
Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity
Todd Lacher, President:Institute for Research and Reform in Education
"Bill is one of those rare executives who is able to enact a balance between visionary leadership and the practical skills it takes to be an effective manager. His commitment to his work is matched only by his commitment to supporting and strengthening the work of his colleagues. As a supervisor, Bill has an uncommon knack for providing the kind of mentorship needed to develop organizational talent and build the skills and capacity of those around him. Bill’s commitment, knowledge, vision, and skills as a leader are top-notch."
Institute for Research and Reform in Education
Contact Us
Moore Strategy Group (dba The Strategy Group)
- Based in Metro Kansas City
- Serving clients in the United States and Europe
