My Most Exciting Career Chapter Yet
Photo: StyleFW Pictures
After more than four decades of hands-on professional work, my role at M. Gale is transitioning in a new way. I've moved from Chief Operating Officer to Senior Advisor — a shift that reflects both my personal evolution and how our entire firm is maturing. It's honestly one of the most exciting chapters in my career.
Working with nonprofit leaders over the years, I've discovered something important: sometimes what they really need is someone who can see new possibilities, ask different questions, and help navigate complex decisions that define their organizations and leadership. Today, my greatest value is bringing creative thinking and strategic perspective to the challenges that keep nonprofit executives awake at night.
In this new role, I get to work with our team and some of our nonprofit partners on their most complex organizational challenges. Think of it as being a strategic thinking partner for issues without obvious solutions: navigating change while maintaining mission focus, building change management cultures during growth, or completely reimagining consultation models. This excites me because it taps into my passion and what I've always loved most—those breakthrough moments when creative ideas connect with real organizational dynamics to create possibilities no one saw coming.
I'm particularly energized by partnering with our M. Gale team on innovation initiatives and watching Laura step into the President role with such natural capability. Her strategic thinking and relationship skills represent exactly what our nonprofit clients need right now. And Marcus brings remarkable energy as our Director of Consulting Services—his authentic passion creates space for our continued growth.
For M. Gale clients, this change means something simple but powerful about my role in our work: more focus. Instead of juggling multiple responsibilities, you'll see me supporting team members who can dedicate their full attention to your specific needs. And for organizations facing complex challenges that require creative thinking and strategic innovation, my advisor's work will continue to support the kind of deep, sustained partnership that produces lasting transformation.
The nonprofit sector has been my professional home, my passion, and honestly, my calling. I've watched brilliant leaders transform communities, seen organizations pivot in ways that amplified their impact exponentially, and experienced breakthrough moments that changed everything for the people and causes we serve. That's the work that energizes me.
What are the challenges keeping you up at night? The possibilities you're excited to explore but aren't sure how to pursue? Those conversations are where decades of sector experience meets creative strategic thinking, and where some of the most transformational work happens.
With a background as a veteran fundraiser and consultant, Barbara Shelton, CFRE, loves her vocation in nonprofit work and is grateful for every client and work experience. At M. Gale, she is brave enough to tackle the big job of managing the entire team and overseeing all operations. “My work as a staff member and even more as a consultant have brought me sheer joy of possibility, and at times, a trove of messiness that if trust and determination are gathered, allows obstacles to become opportunities while generosity thrives.” Barbara holds professional certificates in planned giving, governance and transformation.
