Who We Serve
Whether it’s
aligning governance in higher education,
engaging volunteers in fraternal organizations,
strengthening fundraising in nonprofits,
or adapting governance in associations,
our belief remains the same:
when leaders thrive, people flourish.
Higher Education
Universities and colleges must navigate shifting student needs, financial realities, and complex governance. Leadership transitions and cultural change are constant. We help leaders cut through complexity and chart a clear course forward.
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Aligning boards, presidents, and campus leadership around shared mission and foresight-driven strategy. We ensure resource alignment so budgets, staffing, and systems back up the plan.
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Supporting presidents, deans, and rising leaders through coaching and mentoring that builds capacity, confidence, and resilience. We also focus on engagement + enablement across leadership teams to foster collaboration.
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Designing governance retreats, cabinet sessions, and cross-campus conversations that strengthen trust, build consensus, and create forward momentum.
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Guiding succession planning and leadership searches, cultural transformation, and organizational reviews that prepare institutions to adapt with confidence.
“Lumen Leadership Strategies surpassed my expectations as a search firm… The quality of candidates was both exceptional and diverse, helping us to land an experienced fraternity and sorority professional who is eager and prepared to move our community forward.”
— Lauren Moran, Associate Dean, Carnegie Mellon University
Fraternal Organizations
Fraternal organizations face the dual challenge of honoring tradition while adapting to modern governance and member expectations. Engaging volunteers, aligning chapters with national strategy, and sustaining culture require foresight and courage.
“Christian was an outstanding pick to lead our search. His creativity and strategic approach brought us top candidates from across the country, and his dependability made him a true partner in our success.”
— Jenny Loeffelman, Assistant VP for Student and Campus Life, Cornell University
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Building mission-driven plans that link national councils and local chapters. We focus on governance clarity, foresight, and resource alignment so the entire organization can move together.
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Equipping professional staff, volunteers, and alumni leaders with the skills and confidence to engage members and enable long-term success.
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Leading board and council retreats that connect values with practical strategy, and creating spaces where difficult governance conversations can be handled with care
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Providing external reviews of structure and culture, modernizing governance frameworks, and supporting guided searches during executive transitions.
Nonprofits & Foundations
Nonprofits and foundations are fueled by passion, but face constant challenges in aligning limited resources, engaging boards, and sustaining fundraising. Leaders need clarity to keep mission and strategy connected.
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Turning vision into action by aligning mission, measurable outcomes, and resource allocation. Plans often include integrated fundraising strategies to ensure sustainability.
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Coaching executive directors and senior staff in fundraising leadership, engagement, and enablement. Building resilience so leaders can thrive even in resource-constrained environments.
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Bringing boards and staff together for collaborative retreats that clarify priorities, strengthen governance, and energize commitment to mission.
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Delivering external reviews that highlight opportunities, guiding succession planning, and supporting change management that helps organizations adapt without losing momentum.
“Christian’s calm, clear approach and understanding of fraternal dynamics, our membership, and fundraising best practices make him an exceptional resource. I’m grateful for his partnership, friendship, and deep care… I am proud to recommend him to organizations considering him as a strategic partner.”
— Allison Rickels, CEO & Executive Director, FarmHouse Foundation
Associations
Associations serve diverse members with diverse needs — and that complexity makes governance and foresight essential. Leaders must align boards, staff, and volunteers while ensuring the association stays relevant and responsive.
“Lumen was a great choice to bring in to consult on our governance/board nomination process. Christian and Gabriel were attentive to the sensitivities and politics… Their recommendations for change were well substantiated and have already led to great changes to our system.”
— Chad Rummel, Executive Director, Council for Exceptional Children
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Developing foresight-driven roadmaps that unify boards, staff, and members. We emphasize governance clarityand resource alignment to ensure plans are actionable.
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Supporting executives and volunteer leaders in balancing member diversity, engagement, and enablement. Coaching helps leaders handle complexity with confidence.
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Designing board retreats and governance workshops that strengthen trust, foster engagement, and give boards the tools they need to lead effectively.
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Conducting external reviews to assess governance and relevance, guiding leadership succession and search processes, and helping associations adapt culture and structure to member expectations.