Hi, I’m Lara
While I was serving as co-CEO of Dad’s Garage, the organization received the prestigious Managing for Excellence award from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta in 2015. This award recognizes organizations that demonstrate exemplary management across eighty different criteria. I also earned a scholarship from the Harvard Business School Club of Atlanta to attend Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management at Harvard Business School.
As a consultant, I’ve supported organizations with:
Board evaluations and engagement, working with diverse groups from theatres and neighborhood organizations to international aid groups.
Executive recruitment for youth development programs, development authorities, and arts organizations.
Strategic planning for maternal health initiatives, business associations, and organizations supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Coaching leaders in arts, disability services, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
I’ve also served as an Executive Director, permanently or in an interim capacity, for fifteen years. During that time, I’ve led two arts organizations, an organization serving families with kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and a shelter supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Some of my notable accomplishments include:
Turning around a financially struggling theatre.
Securing space after another theatre lost their home of 18 years.
Overseeing a $1.25 million capital campaign and securing financing for a $3 million project.
Transforming a church into a performance space.
Raising $2 million in emergency funding during the pandemic and pivoting to digital content.
Collaborating with government agencies and NGOs to support families with special needs in Jamaica and Grenada.
Receiving the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 under 40 award.
Being recognized twice as one of Atlanta Magazine’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders.
Serving on the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Reopening the City after the pandemic.
As a board member, I’ve served as board chair for an organization supporting farmers facing natural disasters and a local business association.
In addition to my nonprofit work, I’m passionate about coaching and helping people live vibrant, joyful lives. Drawing from my experience in arts organizations, I love inspiring artists to build sustainable careers and find revenue flows that excite them. I also support individuals through personal or professional transitions, using strategic planning and organizational insight to help them move forward with ease, confidence, and a sense of purpose toward a future that they love.
I love trying new things, whether it's exploring the ocean while scuba diving or discovering new desserts. I’m from St. Louis, so I love frozen custard, which means I have a soft spot for soft serve. I live in the Reynoldstown neighborhood of Atlanta with my wonderful partner Zach and our wonderdog Gidget. I enjoy living in a truly walkable part of the city. I also have a sweet spot for snow cones/shaved ice, though I’m still on the hunt for a really great one in Atlanta. I had to stop eating gluten, so I’m also always looking for great gf pizza and bagels.
Contact me
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