MEET The CEo

Tephra is the CEO and Senior Nonprofit Strategist of Built to Last Nonprofit Solutions, LLC, a consulting business created to enhance the processes of new and existing nonprofit organizations in organizational development, program administration, and fund development as they strive to manage for excellence. As the CEO and Senior Nonprofit Strategist of Built to Last Nonprofit Solutions, LLC, she provides comprehensive services in organizational development, program development, and fund development through executive coaching, training, consulting, and project management.

She has 24 years of experience in the social service and nonprofit sector, including 15 years of nonprofit and executive leadership.  Her professional experience includes organizational management and compliance, fund development with a focus on grant research and writing and fundraising, case management, volunteer management, staff development, public speaking, and nonprofit agency marketing. 

Through her extensive experience and expertise in nonprofit management, program development, and fund development, she has successfully led multiple organizations in addressing critical issues such as homelessness, youth advocacy, workforce development, education, food disparity, and financial literacy! She has a 65% grant success rate and has assisted start-ups, and small and existing nonprofits to raise and manage over $3.8 million.

She has excelled in operations and organizational development, overseeing staff, budgets, regulatory compliance, and policy assessments. She has served as a strategic liaison between organizations and government agencies, service providers, and the business community, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and developing strategic and funding plans.

She demonstrated a strong track record in fund development, including researching and writing grant proposals, overseeing the grant process, leading fundraising, and event efforts, and engaging the community in supporting programs. She developed tracking systems for donations and ensured compliance with funding requirements, providing monthly reporting for funding partners. 

Furthermore, her expertise in program development has allowed her to develop new processes for programs, assess program needs, and implement training processes for program staff. She consistently monitored program quality, effectiveness, and efficiency by utilizing appropriate systems and software.

Throughout her career, she leveraged volunteer management and community outreach to support the success of nonprofit organizations. She recruited and trained thousands of volunteers, managed volunteer databases, cultivated relationships in the community, and led community awareness opportunities. Additionally, her expertise in case management has allowed her to provide follow-up intervention, assessment, and resource connections for at-risk youth and families.

With a passion for making a lasting impact and a proven ability to drive organizational success, she is committed to creating positive change within the nonprofit sector!