Libby Shortenhaus

Keystone Alliance’s track record for collaborative solutions that create more resources for mission was the number one draw for me. I was really impressed by leadership’s commitment to improving its own services, while also taking a broader look at what’s happening in the sector and how we can create a tide that lifts all boats. I also felt a deep alignment with Mission + Strategy, an enterprise of Keystone Alliance, working to strengthen the nonprofit sector through consulting services focused on strategic growth. As Keystone launches its shared services offerings, I look forward to building partnerships that leverage our knowledge and expertise to allow leaders to focus more energy and capacity directly toward their mission.

Collaboration that comes with an abundance mindset. We need to let go of the old ways of competing for resources and talk more to each other about where the struggles are and how we can leverage resources - from back office collaboratives to shared advocacy – it’s not just about improving our own individual organizations, but identifying sector-wide solutions that exponentially increase impact. This kind of collaboration doesn’t just happen. It takes time invested in relationship building, vulnerability to say what’s not working, and a willingness to take calculated risks for the sake of building strong organizations and a stronger sector.

Strategic growth means change with a defined purpose. Growth itself is not the goal – instead, greater, sustained impact on mission is the goal. Conventional growth targets bigger numbers, more contracts, more assets – and all of these things can be wonderful measures of increased organizational health and impact; however, strategic growth centers the questions of why we are growing. It requires that you know where you want to go, that you maintain focus in that direction, and that organizations stay open and adaptable to new ways of being to get there.

Mission + Strategy, an enterprise of Keystone Alliance, has a deeply held belief that organizations know their work best, and have the knowledge and resources to drive forward toward their goals. As a former CEO, this mindset was another draw to Keystone and Mission + Strategy. In this new role, I look forward to working alongside leaders to surface organizational expertise and articulate their desired future state. My role, when I’m doing my job right, is to offer capacity, outside perspective, and draw focus to the areas of collaboration, inclusive planning, and organizational alignment.

I’m deeply grateful to the coaches, leaders, colleagues, and clients who have shaped my leadership journey along the way. I hope to honor their impact by paying it forward—helping leaders and teams grow, achieve more, and accomplish their mission with clarity and purpose.