Chicago-based organizational strategy

Clear strategy for organizations built on a mission.

We help nonprofits, schools, research organizations, and media companies see where they stand, decide where they're going, and build the structures to get there.

Who we work with

Organizations where the work matters.

  • Mission-driven nonprofits
  • Schools & educational institutions
  • Research organizations
  • Media companies
  • Professional associations

Services

From assessment to a plan you can run.

Every engagement starts by listening to the people who do the work, and ends with something your team can actually use.

Organizational assessment

An honest read on governance, structure, operations, and capacity, with recommendations leadership can act on.

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Strategic planning

A shared direction and a roadmap to match, built with your board, staff, and stakeholders rather than handed to them.

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Operations & workflow design

Redesigned processes, clear roles, and practical tools, including AI-assisted workflows where they genuinely help.

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Stakeholder research

Interviews, listening sessions, and analysis that turn what people say into programs and decisions.

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About

Led by Kennen Hutchison.

Kennen is a former microbiologist turned organizational strategist. He has taught science, led student life at an independent school, and serves as the first Executive Director of the Association of Science Communicators.

That range shapes the work: rigorous about evidence, fluent in how educators and nonprofits actually operate, and focused on plans people will use.

  • Designed an AI-assisted admissions review workflow for a Northwestern University certificate program, cutting review workload by 50%.
  • Built a production framework for a 16-million-subscriber media organization that helped videos reach up to 200% of typical channel performance.
  • Led organizational assessments for Chicago-area independent schools during periods of change.
  • Grew a national professional association's membership 36% in eight months.

“Make no little plans.”

Daniel Burnham, architect of the 1909 Plan of Chicago

Let's talk about what's next.

Tell us a little about your organization and what you're working toward. We'll follow up to set up a conversation.

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