About

Jamie McDonald, MPH

Founder and CEO

With over 24 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including 10 years as Executive Director of a medium-sized nonprofit, I understand firsthand the challenges nonprofit leaders face when trying to plan for the future while managing daily operations. Through J McDonald Strategies, LLC, I help organizations build resilient systems before crisis strikes — specializing in operations and succession planning and leadership transitions for mission-driven nonprofits.

I work with small and medium-sized nonprofits to develop the systems and strategies they need to thrive during periods of growth and change.

My approach draws from my background in health behavior change theory — I believe that lasting organizational change happens through thoughtful, intentional work that is often difficult for leadership to do on their own. When organizations are in the middle of change, it’s natural to become reactive. I come in as a calm, objective presence to help leadership step back, think strategically, and move forward with clarity. My preference is always to work with organizations proactively, building the plans and systems that prevent challenges from becoming crises. I also know that’s not always possible, and I’m equally prepared to step in and provide steady, focused support when things have already become difficult.

Drawing on my Master’s in Public Health from California State University Long Beach and Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from UC Santa Barbara, I bring both strategic thinking and practical, methodical implementation skills to my consulting work. I also teach public health courses at CSULB, continuing my passion for developing the next generation of nonprofit and public health leaders. I am a certified Interim Executive Director (Interim Executives Academy, Cohort #22) and am available to provide fractional and interim executive leadership services, if needed. While based in Long Beach, CA, I work with organizations anywhere. At home, I live with my husband, two sons, and an ever-changing menagerie of permanent and foster pets. In my free time, I enjoy knitting, crocheting, and am currently learning to weave.