Meet Our I3 Consultants: James Rollo

Through Invest in Incredible, Gulf Coast has partnered with an exceptional group of professional consultants to make their services available to our nonprofit partners at a reduced cost. Our consultants have a range of expertise in nonprofit and for-profit settings, and they are committed to strengthening our region’s nonprofit community one organization at a time. Every month, we feature one of our I3 consultants on the Gulf Coast news blog, so you can get to know them better.

5 Questions for James Rollo

How did you find your passion for your area of expertise? 
My motivation for nonprofit consulting comes from the wonderful missions of the nonprofit organizations I get to work with, including those involved in the I3 program. These organizations are making a positive difference in the lives of people in our community. The people I work with in these nonprofits are dedicated to their missions. This inspires me to do my best.  

What is your consulting style?
My consulting approach blends my experience in working with the corporate world with the sensibilities of the nonprofit sector. My approach begins with helping the clients clarify their mission and critical goals. I work with clients to create detailed measures, strategies and action steps. Follow up is critical in my consulting approach so progress to goals is monitored.

What is your favorite thing about being part of Invest in Incredible? 
My favorite part of being involved in I3 is being a member of a cadre of consultants who have a variety of experience. The consultants share learning and expertise and are always open to helping one another. Another aspect is the support Gulf Coast Community Foundation provides to consultants: training, tools, advice, and marketing.

Tell us your favorite success story from a local nonprofit.
My favorite success story was my first assignment in the Building Better Boards program—the predecessor to Gulf Coast’s I3 initiative. I worked with a prominent visual arts venue that had a mix of founding board members and some new, energetic board members with many new ideas for the organization. Initially there was resistance to change by the founding members. They were holding firm to the way they had always done business. There was a tense standoff. The board agreed to have a meeting to open negotiations. The founders and the new members listened to each other without judging or trying to reach a decision. This opened up the minds of board members to different points of view. Finally, a plan was developed that all could support.

What do you do when you’re not working?
I stay active by swimming, working out, and playing pickle ball. I also volunteer in the Nurturing Dads initiative at Children First. I am a member of Sarasota Baptist Church and support its volunteer efforts. And I am immersing myself in my new role as grandfather and all the joy that comes with that!

To learn more about the resources available through Invest in Incredible, including consulting engagements with expert professionals like James Rollo, go here.