Purpose Advisors

What People Are Saying

"Deborah is a brilliant organizational consultant with considerable experience and sharp insights. When the organization I founded 15 years ago decided to get ready for a leadership transition, Deborah led us through it all. She organized a much-needed mission clarification and strategic planning process; she helped build up and activate our board of directors; and she advised and supported us as the board and staff selected a new Executive Director. Quite literally, we could not have done it without her."

— Frank Sharry, Founder, America’s Voice
"Deborah led our organization through an inclusive and participatory strategic planning process which resulted in a bold and ambitious three-year strategic plan. She navigated us through issues of internal and external equity which will put us in a place to address the systemic inequities plaguing our communities. She is a pleasure to work with, always open to ideas and feedback, and a calming presence in what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process."

— Rachel Halperin, CEO, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley
"I called Purpose Advisors when I needed help with the strategy for a new initiative. Deborah asked smart questions, made suggestions that went beyond our original vision, and helped us distill our thinking into a clear plan that she helped us implement."

— Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch, Program Director, Open Society Foundations
"Deborah worked with me on a number of different initiatives at the Gates Foundation. She was able to rapidly get up to speed on new and disparate subject areas and brought the required strategic coherence to complicated issues. She was unfailingly diligent to a degree that is rare in a consultant. I wouldn't hesitate to use her again."

— Craig Cramer, former Senior Program Officer, Gates Foundation
"Sincere thanks for Deborah’s support and expertise in helping craft the Camber Strategic Plan. There was a great deal of work – gathering intelligence and input, several large groups to align, not to mention a timeline through the holiday season. I aspire to have Deborah’s serene ability to create pathways for conversation and pivot at important moments."

— Michelle Wardian, Camber Co-Chair and Youngone North America President and Chief Strategy Officer
"I am so happy we ended up with Deborah as our consultant. She ran excellent, focused meetings and did a great job of listening to and integrating a wide range of voices into our organization’s final strategic plan and new mission statement."

— Thom Thacker, Board Chair, Rocking the Boat
"The Vera Institute of Justice retained Deborah to help us think through a potential new line of business. She very effectively gathered the information we needed, and helped us engage in the critical, analytical, and strategic thinking that was necessary for us to arrive at a decision. Deborah is a pleasure to work with in every way. The depth and breadth of her knowledge, together with her extensive contacts and nonprofit experience, make her a consultant we will engage in the future as the need arises."

— Karen Goldstein, former General Counsel, Vera Institute of Justice
"We have worked with Deborah Flood over the past decade, returning to her periodically to assist with strategic planning and implementation. Deborah listens to and synthesizes diverse points of view, always seeking clarification from the group and gently pointing the way forward. I highly recommend her!"

— Debra Mecky, CEO, Greenwich Historical Society
"During Deborah's time as a Collaberex facilitator she exhibited all the "textbook" qualities of a great facilitator. Empathy, kindness, a warm, inviting, yet informative style. Knowing to ask the right questions vs. providing the answers. Always with an eye on the goals and needs of the group."

— Jonathan Rosen, Collaberex
"Over the past several years, Deborah Flood has been a great partner in supporting me as a director of a family foundation’s flagship program. Deborah has been particularly helpful with strategizing and thinking through long-term planning. In addition, last year she held a fantastic team retreat for our staff. I wouldn’t hesitate reaching out to Deborah!"

— Craig Harwood, Director, Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
"As my non-profit organization Guitar Mash reached its 8th year, I needed someone to help me work through questions of growth and transitions. Deborah worked with my small team to organize our vision and planning, and also brought together our larger brain trust, facilitating a "retreat" which brought significant ideas to the table. She was great at distilling and synthesizing ideas and keeping discussions on track, possessing a perfect balance of strength and sensitivity."

— Rebecca Weller, Founder, Guitar Mash
"Deborah did great job leading our comprehensive strategic planning process during a leadership transition. Deborah's excellent communication and facilitation skills kept us on track with our timeline. Further, she did an excellent job with interpreting the data collected and helping us to develop strategic goals to grow our organization. I highly recommend Deborah's consulting services."

— Sharon Sewell-Fairman, Executive Director, Workforce Professionals Training Institute