The Next Chapter of Our Story.

Mission + Strategy was founded on a shared vision, a spirit of partnership, and a dedication to making a difference. For over 15 years, we have led and engaged in successful collaborations within the social impact sector - starting with our own.

Our story begins with two pioneering nonprofits, Glenkirk and Search Inc., who have been serving people with disabilities since 1954 and 1968, respectively. Recognizing the potential of joining forces, in 2009 they formed Keystone Alliance, a unique relationship to streamline their financial, IT, and HR operations. This back-office consolidation not only resulted in efficiencies and cost savings, it created a deeply collaborative support system that provides the organizations with strategic thought partnership and capacity building resources that still exist today.

This alliance was more than just a partnership; it was a transformation. It sparked a new way of thinking about nonprofit collaboration, proving that working together makes us stronger. With this belief deeply ingrained in our minds and hearts, we committed to collaboration, curiosity, and openness to new ideas, which carried us forward to our next major milestone: joining forces with Mission + Strategy.

Mission + Strategy Consulting was founded by Jean Butzen, who also had a profound experience with collaboration as President/CEO of Lakefront Supportive Housing during its merger with Mercy Housing. Witnessing firsthand how strategic restructuring could expand nonprofit impact, she established Mission + Strategy Consulting in 2006 to strengthen nonprofits through mergers, partnerships, and restructuring.

Following a panel discussion in 2022, Greg Petersen, CEO of Keystone Alliance, invited Jean to connect casually over coffee. Through open and honest conversation, they learned more about each other’s organizations and identified a natural opportunity. As Jean was nearing retirement and ready to step away from her business, she firmly believed in the importance of Mission + Strategy’s work and wanted it to continue and flourish. Greg also recognized the value of her expertise, and they saw a great synergy between their organizations with complementary services.

With deep experience in the nonprofit space, shared values, and a commitment to integrity and relationships, we had a clear goal: to strengthen, secure, and sustain nonprofit missions through collaboration. Our conversations continued, and within that year, we formed a formal partnership. This partnership allowed us to offer nonprofits a wider, more robust range of solutions from a single source, better serving them and their missions.

Together, we became the Mission + Strategy of today, created by nonprofits for nonprofits. We embody the spirit of partnership and collaboration in all we do to help organizations balance their mission with effective business strategy.

Leading the Mission + Strategy of today is Greg Petersen, CEO, and Judie Caribeaux, MA, LCSW, Chief Collaborations Officer. We hope you’ll follow along as we begin to unveil more about the newly rebranded Mission + Strategy. One thing has remained constant: we’re here to work alongside you as an invested thought partner to you and your mission.

We welcome your comments and appreciate you sharing our story with your communities!