Armstrong McGuire & Associates

08/21/2026

One of the most powerful moments from this week's conversation between Andrew Lovedale and Dr. Patton McDowell, MBA, CFRE was this reminder:

"People who love you aren't always the people who will support your mission."

It's a lesson many nonprofit leaders learn the hard way. Sustainable fundraising isn't built on personal connections alone. It's built on shared purpose, trust and a belief in the impact you're creating.

As you head into the weekend, consider: Are you asking supporters to give, or inviting them to invest in lasting change?

Listen to the full episode: hhttps://www.armstrongmcguire.com/podcast/from-shoe-drive-to-global-movement

08/21/2026

Congratulations to Eric Church on receiving the ACM - Academy of Country Music Lifting Lives Award during this week's 19th Annual ACM Honors event and to the entire Chief Cares team whose work continues to make a meaningful impact in communities in North Carolina and beyond.

Through initiatives that support disaster recovery, housing and long-term community resilience, Chief Cares is helping Western North Carolina rebuild.

We're grateful for the opportunity to support mission-driven organizations like Chief Cares. To learn more about the work of Chief Cares, visit https://chiefcares.org/ .

08/20/2026

Another successful leadership connection we're proud to celebrate!

Kelsey Laird recently joined Triangle Community Foundation as Development Officer, bringing her talents to an organization that inspires philanthropy and strengthens communities throughout the Triangle.

At Armstrong McGuire, we are grateful for every opportunity to help mission-driven organizations find exceptional professionals who advance their impact. We'd love to help you, please reach out: https://www.armstrongmcguire.com/contact

Congratulations to Kelsey and the Triangle Community Foundation team.

08/20/2026

The most important thing an interim leader brings isn't a plan.

It's presence.

When organizations are navigating leadership change, consistency, trust and connection can be just as important as strategy.

In her latest blog, Christine Davis explores five lessons to help nonprofits move through transition with confidence and purpose.

🔗 Read The Art of the Interim: Five Lessons for the "In-Between" of Leadership Transitions: https://www.armstrongmcguire.com/blog-posts/the-art-of-the-interim-five-lessons-for-the-in-between-of-leadership-transitions

08/20/2026

This week, Nicole Lindley was onsite with the Note in the Pocket Board of Directors and new Executive Director, Megan Steinke-Chase, facilitating a Covenant Conversation to help build clarity, alignment and shared understanding around leadership priorities.

Thoughtful leadership transitions create opportunities for stronger partnerships and greater impact. We're excited to see what lies ahead for Megan and this incredible Raleigh-based organization.

08/18/2026

One of the most common challenges we hear from nonprofit leaders is: "We promoted a strong individual contributor, but they seem to be struggling."

Managing people requires a special skill set.

Creating accountability. Coaching performance. Clarifying expectations. Navigating difficult conversations. Developing others.

Those skills don't automatically come with a new title.

That's why we're so excited to support the Natural Leader, Effective Manager© cohort lead by Sarah Lackey DNP RN ACC CMC CPQC.

This practical, interactive program helps managers build the confidence and skills they need to lead conversations that improve performance, strengthen teams. If you have managers who are ready to become more effective people leaders, this cohort is designed for them.

🔗 https://www.armstrongmcguire.com/personal-development-service-types/natural-leader-effective-manager

08/17/2026

Housing for New Hope is seeking a Director of Relationships & Giving to lead fundraising strategy and cultivate the relationships that fuel lasting community impact.

This is an exciting opportunity for a relationship-centered leader to partner with donors, foundations, corporations, faith communities and civic leaders while helping advance a bold vision to prevent and end homelessness.

Learn more and apply here: https://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/jobs/director-of-relationships-and-giving-housing-for-new-hope-1532/

08/17/2026

Not every successful executive is meant for interim leadership. How do you know if you are?

In his latest blog, Dr. Patton McDowell, MBA, CFRE explores the qualities that set effective interim executives apart. It's less about title or tenure and more about the ability to lead through uncertainty, earn trust quickly and leave an organization stronger than you found it.

Read the blog: https://www.armstrongmcguire.com/blog-posts/are-you-ready-to-be-an-interim-executive

For leaders who recognize those qualities in themselves and want to sharpen them, Patton facilitates the Interim Management Institute (IMI), helping experienced executives develop the tools, frameworks and network needed for successful interim engagements.

📅 Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now open: https://www.armstrongmcguire.com/personal-development-service-types/interim-management-institute

08/13/2026

Most nonprofit leaders think of an audit as a look backward.

A compliance requirement. A box to check.

But what if it's actually one of your organization's best opportunities to move forward?

Audit season can expose gaps, test internal processes and create pressure across an organization. It can also uncover valuable insights that lead to stronger systems and better decision-making.

That's where experienced interim CFO leadership can make a real difference.

In her latest blog, Mickey Holt, CPA, MBA explores how interim CFOs help nonprofits navigate every season of the audit cycle, turning a familiar source of stress into a catalyst for growth.

🔗 https://www.armstrongmcguire.com/blog-posts/season-by-season-how-interim-cfo-leadership-strengthens-the-nonprofit-audit-cycle

For nonprofits with a June 30 year end, the audit cycle really does feel like moving through the seasons; summer’s heat, fall’s harvest, winter’s clarity and spring’s renewal. An interim CFO doesn’t just help the organization survive...

08/12/2026

We're pleased to celebrate with Brian Myers, who joined the North Carolina Wildlife Federation on as Director of Philanthropy earlier this summer.

Connecting mission-driven organizations with exceptional leaders is at the heart of what we do and we were honored to support this search.

Congratulations on this exciting new chapter!