Improve Business Performance | Kensington Consulting Group

Associations

We bring sound business and leadership practices to associations and a range of not-for-profit clients. Let us help create strategic plans and ensure they are implemented. We assist clients in updating governance models and strengthening boards. We also facilitate association merger discussions and identify ways to improve federated system performance. Engagements may include the following:

Strategy Development to produce clarity on mission, business model, market focus and to ensure competitive, value added products and services

Strategy Alignment to accelerate consensus building throughout the association to create buy in for organizational changes, strategic plans and initiatives

Merger Support to facilitate bringing together separately incorporated entities with complementary missions, services and constituents

Board Governance support to create better governance models and stronger boards that make a positive impact

Click Each Photo to See Our Success Stories

Strategy Development

Strategy Alignment

Mergers

Governance

Strategy Development

Kensington assisted The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in creating a mission focused, results oriented strategic plan to unify nation-wide fundraising and program services in 50 state chapters. The resulting planning and consensus building process along with a follow up effort four years later led to significant growth in national fundraising, renaming of the Society and organizational changes to better cover various markets.

“Rick Goldstein and his team challenged us to think and plan with a disciplined focus on strategic results, and the most promising strategies to achieve them. Their approach enabled us to win the support of volunteer and staff leaders throughout our organization, and the understanding, enthusiasm, and unified efforts of our leadership team are proving essential to successful execution of our plan.” President & CEO), The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Strategy Alignment

U.S. Travel was an association focused on the travel industry’s marketing efforts. A Kensington supported strategic planning engagement produced consensus on the Board to refocus the organization. The focus shifted to public policy and advocacy to address serious industry threats following 9/11. U.S. Travel subsequently achieved major policy wins to attract government financial, policy and organizational support.

“Rick quickly researched the organization, synthesized potential opportunities, framed the hurdles, and focused us on the long-term potential.” President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association

Mergers

The American Diabetes Association ADA consisted of 52 separately incorporated affiliates. While they operated under one name, overall coordination efforts were challenging. As a result too much time and resources became devoted to internal organizational matters. After guiding an effort to produce a consensual, nation-wide strategic plan for ADA, Kensington facilitated a transformational process that resulted in combining all ADA state organizations with the national organization into a single corporation, unified body with one board and staff structure. This unprecedented change has helped ADA springboard its impact. The ADA has since more than doubled revenues to support a wide range of research and program services.

“ Kensington helped us to articulate a strategic direction which resulted in a three year strategic plan and then helped us restructure the organization in order to better achieve the strategies we found were important.” President & CEO, American Diabetes Association

Governance

ASAE had undergone a merger that created a complex governance structure, with two (large) boards that directors felt were not positioned to add value. So naturally there was strong desire to implement a best practice governance model and correct problems. Rick guided the process, which resulted in today’s streamlined, highly effective board.

“ They do not come in with a pre-set agenda and process. Rick works with the leadership to develop a tailor-made approach that meets the needs of the organization.” President & CEO, ASAE

Client Perspectives

“Rick Goldstein was a tremendous resource to us as our board reviewed our governance structure and processes. Rick’s leadership, direction and impressive understanding of best practices was vital to our progress. Our governance approach now fully aligns with and supports the execution of our strategic plan and will provide an effective and efficient system within which to deliver on our mission and vision for years to come.”
President & CEO, National Restaurant Association

“Rick was able to involve our entire Board and senior staff team to create engagement and consensus. He provided our group with perspective & discipline and helped us very effectively frame our plan for the future.”
President & CEO, International Housewares Association

“Rick was very quick to learn and understand CGA’s goals and unique way of operating. He helped us develop a challenging but achievable strategy that was agreed to by our Board. It was a pleasure working with Rick.”
President & CEO, Common Ground Alliance

Associations

Click Each Photo to See Our Success Stories

Strategy Development

Strategy Alignment

Mergers

Governance

Strategy Development

Strategy Alignment

Mergers

Governance

Client Perspectives

“Rick was able to involve our entire Board and senior staff team to create engagement and consensus. He provided our group with perspective & discipline and helped us very effectively frame our plan for the future.” President & CEO, International Housewares Association

“Rick was very quick to learn and understand CGA’s goals and unique way of operating. He helped us develop a challenging but achievable strategy that was agreed to by our Board. It was a pleasure working with Rick.” President & CEO, Common Ground Alliance

“Rick was able to involve our entire Board and senior staff team to create engagement and consensus. He provided our group with perspective & discipline and helped us very effectively frame our plan for the future.”
President & CEO, International Housewares Association

“Rick was very quick to learn and understand CGA’s goals and unique way of operating. He helped us develop a challenging but achievable strategy that was agreed to by our Board. It was a pleasure working with Rick.”
President & CEO, Common Ground Alliance