We’ve Launched A Series of Consultant Profiles! In this post, we feature Elle Benson
Finding a consultant can be a stressful experience. How do you find the right fit for your organization? How do you know that they’re qualified? That’s why Momentum Nonprofit Partners launched our consultant directory in 2017 and have linked hundreds of nonprofits to qualified consultants in Memphis and across the country.
We want you to get to know our consultants better, and we’re launching a new series of blog posts to feature some of our most talented consultants. Below is more information about Elle Benson, one of the consultants listed in our consultant directory. Elle is the founder of Nonprofit Leadership LLC. Though she lives in Nashville, Elle loves working with Memphis clients remotely! Be sure to check out our consultant directory for more of the best consultants around!
What led you to become a consultant?
I believe that I can create community change as an outsider (consultant). Having a unique and different perspective, I am able to lean in and out to assist nonprofit organizations.
Tell us about your previous experience working in the nonprofit sector.
I had the pleasure of working with the YWCA network for eight years, serving low-income women and fighting against racism. I was a founding staff member of the Alliance for Better Nonprofits, East Tennessee's capacity building nonprofit organization. For six years, I taught nonprofit management courses through the University of Tennessee non-credit department.
Tell us about any formal education, certifications, etc. that you may have.
BoardSource; Group Facilitation; MBA from Tiffin in Organizational Change and Leadership; Standards of Excellence Licensed Consultant
What services would you consider your specialty?
Organizational assessments
Executive Searches
Board Development
What would you say are the biggest challenges your clients face, and how do you help them solve those challenges?
For most nonprofits, there are a couple unique levers to pull for advancement: motivation, knowledge, and capacity. I only work with nonprofits who have strong motivation for change, I can then assist them with knowledge and capacity.
Specifically, I do executive searches for nonprofit executives. The boards have the motivation to hire the best executive but can lack the knowledge about how to conduct a top-notch equitable search and/or have the time capacity to do so.
If you could change one thing about the nonprofit sector in Memphis, what would it be?
More accessible funding for nonprofits.
If someone were an aspiring consultant, what advice would you give them?
Find your niche, don't be a one-size fits all consultant.
What is a book that any up-and-coming nonprofit leader should be reading right now?
No More Status Quo: A Proven Framework to Change the Way We Change the World by Heather Hiscox. Her framework for nonprofit decision-making is exactly what the sector needs at this moment
What shows are you currently streaming?
What's TV? I have two kids so between toddler sign language and kid baking shows, I have no time to indulge.
Tell us about the special people (and pets!) in your life.
I have two kids 16-month Brooks, 6.5 year-old Bellamy, and I enjoy throwing elaborate birthday parties and get togethers. I always want to be the hostess. My husband is in the music industry but I still have no musical ear for anything beyond the Hamilton soundtrack.
What are some of your favorite restaurants in Memphis?
BBQ all day!
Why do you love Momentum Nonprofit Partners?
The STAFF and mission!
You can find out more about Elle at her website. Click here.
Kevin Dean, Ed.D.
Kevin is the Chief Executive Officer at Momentum Nonprofit Partners.