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Read Client Testimonials
here
Ascent Strategic Development was
founded by Ned Cooney in 2004. After years of serving as staff
and  volunteer in a variety of
organizations, Ned's goal is to leverage his experience to assist
clients to succeed.
Ned brings to this work a unique
combination of perspectives: as both grant-maker and grant-seeker;
as volunteer, staff, and board member in a variety of organizations;
as trainer and consultant in organizational and academic settings;
and as active participant in several community coalitions
at the state and local levels.
Ned served as Executive
Director of two nonprofits in Southern California. Additionally, he
has served on the Board of Directors of a variety of
organizations, including a grant-making foundation. His
experience included:
- Strategic Planning, both as staff,
board member, and as a facilitator
Fund Development, including
successful applications for over $8 million in Foundation and
Corporate Grants and Government Contracts
- Program Development and Management
in the areas of nonprofit training and consulting, social
services, seniors, and information and referral
- Working with Boards of Directors in the role of Executive
Director
- Training and Consulting with a variety of nonprofits and
individuals, in management, leadership, planning, fund
development, and program development
- Instructor in Nonprofit Management
at University of California Extension
- Public Policy and Community
Organizing Experience
- Leadership Experience, including
chairing state and local coalitions of nonprofits, serving on
planning councils for city and county government, and
volunteering on Boards of Directors of foundations,
coalitions, and service agencies
What Ascent’s Clients Say…
"Literacy
Volunteers of Flathead County recently held a board/staff planning
retreat facilitated by Ned Cooney. Prior to the retreat I was
appreciative of Ned’s flexibility in designing the session with our
needs in mind. The
retreat was initially approached with skepticism by some of the
board. By the end of
the day, everyone felt the time was very well spent. Ned has a warm, easy going
approach but keeps to the task. I was impressed by his
insight, professionalism, organization and exceptional people
skills. His skilled
facilitation helped us define our goals and direction, and will
result in a focused approach to meeting the needs of literacy
learners in our community."
Pam
Haglund, Literacy
Volunteers of Flathead County, Montana
Kalispell,
Montana
"Ned Cooney at Ascent
Strategic Development has played an instrumental leadership role in
helping the Flathead Community Foundation get up and running.
His role as facilitator in our Visioning/Strategic Planning
was tremendous. In a short period of time, he led the group
through a process that helped us focus on the key elements of a
vision for the organization. What I was most impressed with
was Ned’s follow through and ability to help form an action plan
with specific objectives and desired outcomes. Ned has also
acted as a consultant to our organization in the area of Board and
Organizational Development and has been a valuable asset in guiding
us through the process of forming a strong Board of Directors and
putting the initial organizational structure in place for a
Community Foundation. On top of his non-profit expertise, Ned
has a wonderful way with people, is very organized, and a great
communicator."
Alan
Satterlee, founding President, Flathead Community
Foundation
Kalispell,
Montana
"Ned Cooney is a skillful
facilitator who has the ability to create a safe space for all
participants to contribute, and feel heard & valued for
their input. Not only does he move the group forward, he deepens
your learning about yourself and the process. The result is
productivity through group synergy!"
Rebecca
Johns, CPCC Professional Personal
Coach
Bigfork,
Montana
"I engaged Ned on behalf of the
Board of Directors at a crucial juncture when we were considering
dissolution. With his extensive knowledge and in a light hearted
manner, he helped us to see all the angles and consider various
outcomes. As a result,
we decided not to dissolve and the Board is now moving ahead with
more clarity and direction."
Jyoti
SaeUn, former President, Deep Bay Center, Inc.
Lakeside, Montana
"Ned is a tremendous asset to
Friends. His knowledge
of public and private funding opportunities and his writing skills
have doubled our grant writing capacity. Ned’s recognition of the
value of public/private partnerships as well as his grasp of the
inherent complications that exist helped us clearly articulate our
mission as the nonprofit fund raising entity for a publicly
supported Recreation and Park District. He has also become a
respected and valued mentor to me personally and
professionally. His
work is exceptional and I am honored to be able to give him an
outstanding recommendation."
Gayle Hepner, Director,
Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation
Valley-Wide Recreation
and Park District
San
Jacinto,
California
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