“Laura is a savvy professional with exceptional insight and vision. I was motivated and empowered as I watched her work with a national organization to successfully re-orient and re-design a regional office and network. Her direct and honest coaching style can help individuals and organizations identify and exceed their goals.”

“Laura brings a rare blend of motivational leadership, management know-how, and operational skills that enable her to almost immediately lift an organization to higher levels of performance. She is like manna from heaven when you really need help.”

“Throughout her stellar career steering non-profits through challenges, Laura has always been quick to see needs and create innovative responses that go beyond the immediate circumstances. Pluff Mud Connect is [an] outstanding example. In providing a platform for non-profits to express needs and connect with providers, she has filled a long-existing gap. She's a rock star in my book!”

“Hi Laura! I can't tell you what a thrill it is to read a fully completed business plan with a comprehensive budget! You have been so wonderful to work with--so patient with us--so on target with your research and pointed questions. I just can't thank you enough for this awesome finished product!”

“We would not have made it through these tough times without Laura. If you don't know her, it's hard to believe that one person could wear so many hats successfully.”

How severely must I twist your arm to again teach Catalyzing Community Change? You continue to rank among a small handful of SLPA’s very best, most conscientious and most dedicated teachers. It would be an honor to have you again teach this wonderful course.

The Charleston Breast Center was staffed with outstanding doctors and medical technicians, but was in great need of business leadership. Laura brought our staff of 25 together as a team and helped them define short-term and long-term objectives and priorities…Laura [then] led the very successful search that found and attracted our new CEO.

“When our South Carolina office needed a fresh start, Laura came to the rescue. She developed a strategy, created and launched a statewide web survey, facilitated focus groups throughout the state, and spearheaded the search for our new executive director. Her search process – the most thorough that I’ve witnessed- yielded outstanding candidates and a terrific hire.”

“Laura has made a profound difference… She has streamlined, upgraded, and improved all aspects of CSO operations. Laura has also improved our communications, worked closely with the Board to meet our fundraising goals, and ensured that CSO is functioning as a competent and efficient team.”

“The center of our success story in the past in the past eight months is Laura Deaton. Her nationally recognized expertise in turning around nonprofits in a short while is plainly evident in her work with us ...”

“When I was introduced to Laura, I immediately sent her to the YWCA. It’s rare to find leaders who specialize in helping non-profits through difficult times, and Laura had the credentials and the experience that made me think it was the perfect match.”

“Although we were in the middle of a search for a permanent executive director, we knew we’d be making a mistake if we didn’t bring Laura in to work her magic. We needed to make some tough decisions. With so many local non-profits closing their doors, we wanted to figure out a way to keep this valuable resource, the YWCA, open and serving families.”

“Laura, I want to thank you for a very rewarding learning experience. I appreciate your technical assistance and support as we all learned from you and one another. I would never have thought I would enjoy such a class. You have no idea of the impact you’ve made on me academically.”

“Laura’s a true renaissance woman. She can wear so many hats and put them on so quickly, it’ll make your head spin.”

“90 minutes with Laura just wasn’t enough. I hope she comes back next year for a half-day or full-day workshop.”

“Dear Laura - Thank you for taking the time to be with us and "do your stuff." You got everyone so energized. It was especially rewarding for the new board members who had not had the pleasure of your company or seen how you work. Whatever group you will be working with next is in for a real treat.”