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Helping Organizations go from Overwhelmed to Unstoppable.

No one goes to school on how to run a nonprofit! I help mission-driven organizations get unstuck—strategically, operationally, or emotionally

So much to learn, juggle, and do. It’s massive — the volume of skills, work, and activities that nonprofits are expected to master. At moments, you might feel lonely, overwhelmed, or in fear. I know that enormity — feeling frozen in place.

I help health nonprofits — but also companies and coalitions —navigate complex challenges by building sustainable partnerships that drive lasting change. With 20+ years of experience from the White House to the UN to running nonprofits myself, I know how to turn vision into measurable impact.

Unsure of what you specifically need? I created a Trail Guide Framework to describe the stages of a journey that nonprofits often find themselves in. These four stages are fluid of course. Still this framework helps us start talking.

Read on! I will guide you below as to how to navigate this website. Or if you’re ready now, just schedule a consultation here.

How I Work: I first listen to what’s keeping you up at night and then learn more about your organization’s work. Then we discuss together and agree upon a time bound Scope of Work that best fits your circumstances. Listen, Learn, Act.

Who I Help: My passion is to help people on passionate missions. I help nonprofits but also help other entities — private companies, government agencies, campaigns, UN agencies — anyone working to make a difference. If you know what you need or are ready to talk, Schedule a Consultation now.

Where to Start. Nonprofit leaders in particular often struggle mightily. They are often called to do more than they can. If what you need is hard to name and in what order, here’s some direction:

  • Scan the below for a menu of ideas to prod your thinking and view the landscape. For fun, I’ve ordered the landscape into 4 themes — a Trail Guide Paradigm. It’s not firm. Of course your needs might straddle across these four areas.

  • View the “Adira Foundation Story” page. Peek into how I have done this before to see what I can do for you.

  • Schedule a discussion. Let’s talk. We can map out a plan — what to take on and in what order.

My Trail Guide Framework to describe the journey.

An avid hiker, I often think in terms of the outdoors, particularly for perspective — handling multiple points of view on responding to vast complex problems. Some organizations are just setting out on their journey. Some are lost. Others need help regrouping, or traveling with others. Some are poised to take off and go! Many straddle more than one, but this framework helps orient us with all that may be on your mind.

A narrow canyon with towering, layered sandstone walls and a shallow river with rocks running through it.

 1. Mapping the Route
Clarify where you want to go and how

Services might include:

  • Strategic planning and roadmap development

  • Vision and mission alignment

  • Naming your core Values

  • Long-term sustainability and revenue planning

  • Fundraising strategy and donor cultivation

  • Organizational pivots

  • Clear messages. Defining terms.

Whether you’re navigating a new direction, facing tough questions about sustainability, or simply feeling stuck—I help you reconnect to your mission and chart a realistic, compelling path forward.

You don’t need to know the exact destination to start moving. But let’s at least find your compass!

A narrow desert canyon with a wooden staircase leading upward, surrounded by red rock formations.

2. Making Camp.
Stabilize, regroup, & build internally.

Services might include:

  • Guiding CEO and others in leadership

  • Developing the Board of Directors and Evaluating Governance Structures

  • Simplifying messages. Defining terms

  • Restructuring

  • Clarifying roles, priorities, focus

  • Crisis management

  • Acting as Interim CEO if needed

Sometimes the smartest move is to pause! Reset expectations. Redistribute the weight you’re carrying. Are you doing too many much? I step in when organizations need to catch their breath and regain stability—without losing momentum.

Making camp is the leadership equivalent of putting your backpacks down and asking, “What’s really going on here?”

Tourists walking across a narrow wooden bridge over a turquoise water lake, with a large rock cliff and cave in the background.

3. Building a Campfire. Complete one critical initiative—well.

Services might include:

  • Facilitating a key meeting or retreat

  • Writing a grant proposal

  • Designing and executing a big event such as a conference or fundraiser

  • Assessing Monitoring, Evaluation, and Metrics of your programs

  • Report writing

  • Briefing materials

Progress often comes from just visible performing. I help design and execute high-stakes initiatives where clarity, pacing, and trust are essential.

Whether it’s lighting a fire or keeping one burning, I help you make that next bold move count.

A panoramic view of the Grand Canyon showing layered red rock formations, a winding dirt trail through the canyon, and cloudy sky overhead.

4. Traveling Together.
Gather allies. Build bridges. Grow!

Services might include:

  • Stakeholder mapping

  • Listening better to stakeholders

  • Building coalitions

  • Advocacy / public policy

  • Respecting and bringing communities more into the center of your work

  • Finding new partners

I help organizations listen better, convene more effectively, and grow coalitions that go beyond tokenism—toward shared power and aligned purpose. f you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together!The trail is easier, better, safer, more fun, and more effective when walked with others. I help you listen, learn, engage, and collaborate.

Wherever you are on the trail, I help you find your footing—and move forward with purpose!

Meet Greg Smiley, MPH

CEO | Coalition Builder | Nonprofit Expert

I started in U.S. national health policy leadership, then consolidated that leadership with nearly a decade in global health. Later I brought that experience back home to the U.S. as a health entrepreneur in nonprofits.

I've spent decades at the intersection of health, policy, and cross-sector collaboration. I understand and appreciate different points of view.

I marry strategic rigor with deep empathy. Lasting change has a chance when people are listened to and their contributions incorporated. Lived expertise is as valuable as career expertise.

A man wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and striped tie, standing indoors near a large window with a brick wall beside him.

Bruce P., Executive Director of American Academy of HIV Medicine

“Mr. Smiley was vital to helping us to craft a unifying vision, to further developing our board, and to creating an informed approach to elevating our profile and to catalyzing new relationships with a range of potential new funders in our industry. "

Ready to Transform Your Organization's Impact?

Whether you're just starting your journey or need help navigating complex terrain, I'm here to guide you toward sustainable success.