As organizational effectiveness consultant/executive coach:

“Jeff’s approach to problem-framing and problem-solving quickly stimulates clarity and insight and drives toward effective solutions.  After two conversations with Jeff I had a fresh approach to my concerns which enabled me to work with the other leaders in [our organization] and shift our circumstances into a much more positive position within a few months. . . . Jeff is equal parts Han Solo and Yoda: he has technology for problem-solving that will get you somewhere, but you also find out that the force was within you already.” – Board Chair, DC area nonprofit

“Jeff‘s coaching helped me solve my most complex challenge on arriving at a new company: how to restructure a multi-faceted, geographically dispersed, and loosely coordinated organization into a cohesive team.  Using the concept of co-intelligence and drawing on the strengths of many players, we organized the department to achieve several extraordinary successes. Jeff also helped me reshape the organization’s culture : from a top-down structure to a higher performing open environment, based on techniques of ‘fierce conversation’  that invites, celebrates, and benefits from diversity across all dimensions.” - Vice President and General Counsel, Fortune 200 Company.

“Jeff [offered] a new way of thinking about my organization. Through his insights I began to see a world outside of the treadmill that I ran to get and keep foundations supporting our underpaid staff. Jeff had a vision for how to develop an entrepreneurial aspect to the program that would help us to both raise money differently and to think differently about ourselves as providers of innovative youth programming. This shift was a huge first step towards sustaining and growing the organization. . . . He was able to spend time with each staff person, to listen well to the current culture of the organization, and to create a plan based on our needs and capabilities. He once told me that I was the most valuable resource in the organization and that if we were to have any strategy for growth at all, it needed to start with making sure I was happy and supported. It is this capacity to be both strategic and caring that makes Jeff such an amazing advocate for non-profit organizations that are often driven by small groups of driven and overworked people. Jeff defies any one category and once committed to an organization he seems to immediately become an amazing advocate, fundraiser, consultant and ultimately friend.” - Executive Director, neighborhood after school arts, tutoring and mentoring nonprofit

“[Jeff,] you are most certainly in that group of teachers from whom I’m learning lots.” - Seasoned Executive Director, multi-faceted nonprofit

“Jeff provided a consultation which enabled me to sort out what I had not been able to anywhere else. His thorough understanding of the workings of industry-standard processes and his perceptive ability to hear deep, internal personal struggles allowed me to untangle the interaction between those two and move forward with a plan to respond to each. His help was distinctive, thorough, gracious, and on-point.” - State nonprofit – religious leader

“I was amazed by the breadth/scope of things you’ve done, but most of all, I discerned a rare depth of warmth and insight. . . . I told [my supervisor] that I felt you possessed a deep human wisdom or sagacity—a genuineness and ability to connect. I felt enriched, encouraged, and warmed by your comments. So thank you.” - Member of Senior Leadership Team, nonprofit organization

“Without a shadow of a doubt, I could NOT have done this without you. I needed your support, your help with the financial reporting, your willingness and ability to bring in [a key expert in organizational finance], your gentle pragmatism. The confidence I brought into the bank meeting today was because you were, in essence, sitting right beside me. I know there are still some rough waters ahead — I am feeling better about handling them . . . with your guidance.” -- Nonprofit Executive Director, after successfully renegotiating the terms of the organization’s loan agreement with its bank.

“Thank you so much for your excellent presentation at the [Foundation sponsored] Meeting. Your session [on executive coaching -- what it is, how it works, how to find a great executive coach] truly gave participants a new way to think about how best to benefit from coaching. It was a creative session that was well received. . . . You are a tremendous resource for us.” - Executive Director, University Center on Public and Nonprofit Leadership.

“Thank you for investing your time with me to help me consider my opportunities for growth both personally and professionally. In two short sessions, I feel my life has opened up and I now have the courage to consider paths that are more closely aligned with my passions. . . . [After describing several resources that immediately materialized 'from the Universe' following the second coaching session,] Okay . . . are you brilliant, amazingly insightful and spot on to your ‘universe’ comments? I stood there stunned by the sheer appearance of intention realized. . . . [T]hank you for your inspiration, guidance, and incredible insight. You have changed my life and my perspective on the countless opportunities and choices that lie ahead of me.” – Nonprofit Leader, human services organization.

“I’m really not sure I could have successfully navigated the situation [with the Board] that had and was developing around me without your invaluable input . . . . I felt I had tried everything I knew how to do and – short of running out the door – I simply wasn’t sure which way to turn. Your focus and encouragement saved me from making a premature decision by myself and gave me the assistance and counsel I needed so desperately. I am grateful and on my way. Thank you so much, Jeff. I am eager, by the way, to have your continued guidance . . . thanks again for propping me up, aiming me in the right direction, and shoving me out the door.” - Executive Director, nonprofit regional child development organization.

“Your presentation, case studies, small group discussion processes, feedback and facilitation were so concise, clear, well-organized, and distilled that I learned as much, if not more, in one day in your Governance and Board Development workshop than I did in almost two years working with [a leading nonprofit organizational effectiveness consulting group].
- Executive Leader, statewide human service nonprofit.

“Please pass along to [foundation program officer's name] and your board of directors my deep gratitude for the Executive Development Grant used to engage Jeff Schwartz of Kela Associates. This consulting engagement for Executive Leadership Development has been one of the most important decisions of my six and a half years at [name of nonprofit]. . . . In summary, Jeff’s presence in the life of the leadership of [nonprofit] and me personally has been a blessing. While I would love for the Foundation to provide funding for Executive Coaching in future years, we have built some funding into our 2010 budget to continue our relationship with him on a somewhat smaller scale. I consider Jeff and Kela Associates to be one of the strongest assets [our organization] now ‘takes to market’ building our capacity for growth and change.” - Nonprofit human services organization Executive Director.

“I want to thank you so much for your help. I really like how you work with [name of nonprofit]. It may be a model to consider writing up somewhere as I think it is somewhat unique: A coach that is first a coach for the [organization], and also an individual coach who takes into account the strengths, weaknesses, insights, etc of the individuals and melds them into success for all involved. Your ability to build trust, offer insights, and provide assistance seems unique and rare.” - Nonprofit Chief Operating Officer.

As multi-party meeting facilitator, strategic planner, and co-intelligence consultant:

“I hope I speak for all of us when I say that you have ‘saved’ us from what was nothing less than a slow ‘death spiral.’ I think we have made enormous progress in a number of ways, thanks to your efforts in helping us to see what all of us ‘knew in our hearts’ but which no one was brave enough to openly address. I believe we are now able to speak openly, among other issues, about structural deficits, co-intelligence and the need for ‘respect’ for others’ points of views, that disagreement doesn’t need to be unpleasant. I think many of us feel better ‘armed’ to deal with these issues.”- Nonprofit Board Member following completion of a three-meeting strategic planning process.

“Day One [the first day of the retreat that you facilitated] was great. We enjoyed working with you as well and appreciate how much time you put into the preparation. . . . Thank you again for your time, patience, and excellent work on Thursday. I received a great deal of positive feedback from our team about your work. I am so pleased with how everything went.” - Executive Director, nonprofit organization designated as fiscal agent for multi-organization collaborative.

“Constructive, positive, and skillful facilitation of sensitive and confrontational matters, and historically difficult personalities.” – - Nonprofit Executive Director after a Board retreat.

“You did an excellent job [facilitating] our retreat.” -- Vice Chair, regional nonprofit.

“The Board Re-Group [to reassess strategy that you helped plan and facilitated] was a major factor in our success this year. Thanks for all your support.” – Executive Director, nonprofit educational and advocacy organization.

“Jeff has made a tremendous impact on my understanding of the merger and functions of the board as well as guiding us to become a whole and successful new board. Jeff has kept us on course and helped us realize what it is that we want to become and where we want to go. That he is also been available to assist us in processing the upcoming campaign has been an added bonus.”
- Member of the Board of Trustees, nonprofit social services organization after facilitation of the retreat of the board

“I do not often find strategic planning efforts particularly rewarding, but you brought broad expertise, mediation skills and stamina to the process, and I was amply rewarded for spending the time on this effort. Humor helped, too.”
- Self-designated “Curmudgeon” member of a nonprofit board.

As foundation program officer/grant maker:

“Jeff has brought so much energy, intellect, and compassion to our work that it is literally helping to transform the way we operate. His work products are unsurpassed for completeness, timeliness, and relevance. . . . and, more than any other single employee [he] has set the tone for collegiality and Foundation-first.” - Supervisor, Fannie Mae Foundation

“Jeff’s steady and often behind-the-scenes efforts to create co-intelligence have greatly contributed to the substantive outcomes of the Foundation’s multiple strategies. Through active listening and strategic inquiry, Jeff asks the critical questions that have focused others and lead to the results we are all looking for.” -- Colleague, Fannie Mae Foundation

“I’ve said this over and over again, so maybe you’ll tire of hearing it, but your support and encouragement for our work has been absolutely incredible.” - Executive Director, nonprofit affordable housing finance organization

“Fannie Mae Foundation’s loss is Kela’s gain! You’ve been great to work with – thanks so much for your help, especially in our work together to advance [a common project].” - Senior VP, national foundation

As supervisor/mentor:

“Jeff is an exceptional mentor, colleague, and supervisor, who has helped me become much more effective in my work at the Foundation. Even before he became my supervisor, Jeff offered me both opportunities and guidance that inspired me to work smarter and harder. His honest and timely feedback has not always been easy to hear but has always been offered in a supportive way. Most of all, Jeff sees himself as a continuing learner and actively seeks feedback from others to help him improve his own performance. His openness about his own growth is a lesson for all of us in both humility and perseverance.”
- Program manager, Fannie Mae Foundation

“Jeff was my manager at Jellinek, Schwartz & Connolly, Inc., a highly successful [environmental] consulting firm he and his partners sold several years ago. In addition to working for Jeff, he served as my mentor in many ways. I learned more about business, professionalism, and integrity from Jeff than anyone else. It’s because of him I tried a new industry and was successful. In my move to Costa Rica, where I’ve learned that I have what a it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, was largely because of what I saw Jeff do at his company. Thanks Jeff! – Andrew, social entrepreneur, Costa Rica, former manager at environmental consulting firm

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