What I Do
I believe in the power of nonprofit organizations and the people that support them. My services help nonprofits build capacity and better serve those that need them.
What my clients are saying —
Julie Ann is organized, effective and productive. She balances seeking consensus against the need to make decisions in processes that are clear, efficient and transparent. She follows through on her commitments, credentials her approach and thinking with industry best practices and leading research, and knows how to balance facilitation with instruction and coaching. The strategic plan that Crystal Community Ski Club developed as a result of Julie Ann's facilitation is robust, durable and future focused.
Matthew ClaysonBoard President, Crystal Community Ski Club
Julie Ann has been an excellent addition to our Program Design Team for the Leadership Learning Lab. She has a special way of sharing her nonprofit board development expertise in a way that is warm and engaging, and her extensive experience provides a plethora of real-world examples to bring the content alive.
Colleen Masterson-BzdokDirector, Capacity Building & Operations, Rotary Charities of Traverse City
After working with Julie Ann on a non-profit board I can say she is someone who masterfully blends listening and action and is fun to work with. A winning combination.
Valerie AtkinFounder, Wells Street Consulting
Julie Ann’s consulting is based on successful non-profit leadership experience. She brings strong team building, prioritization, strategic thinking and leadership training to her clients. Organizations and teams are stronger, more resilient and better able to turn conflict into success after working with Julie Ann.
Linda Lindquist-BishopPresident, Courageous Thinking, Inc.
Huron Pines has relied on Julie Ann Rivers-Cochran for several years now for her awareness, experience and professional expertise in areas relating to nonprofit boards and operations. Evidenced by her presentations and knowledge of material, she has a solid understanding of the issues and challenges faced by nonprofits and brings relevant solutions to our workshop audiences.
Abigail Ertel, Community Program LeadHuron Pines
Julie Ann did a great job meeting our staff and Board Directors where they were at on their learning journeys. She encouraged them to look deeper at their implicit biases, dig into the work of learning and unlearning what it means to be anti-racist, and to explore how to become a real ally to the BIPOC people in their lives and communities.
Pam AmundsenGrand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Blackbird Consulting for Nonprofits, LLC has been an invaluable asset to our organization. Ms. Rivers-Cochran's trauma-informed approach and compassionate demeanor created a safe environment for our team during a period of upheaval. Her extensive knowledge of nonprofit standards and protocols provided a steady hand, guiding us through complex challenges with thoughtful precision.
Her fearless leadership style inspired confidence, allowing us to navigate difficult transitions with grace. As we faced a change in leadership, Julie Ann's wealth of information and strategic insights proved instrumental in facilitating a positive transformation. Her ability to balance empathy with practical solutions helped us maintain our mission focus while addressing internal dynamics.
Julie Ann's expertise in board governance, strategic planning, and organizational development has strengthened our foundation, enabling us to better serve our community. Her commitment to our success and her tailored approach to our unique needs have made a lasting impact on our nonprofit's trajectory.
Lander BachertCEO, Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center