Testimonials

“When the Board of Directors of Galloway Ridge recognized its need to focus and strengthen its governance practices we were directed to Pam Koester as a person who could help us with that process.  We have been pleased and impressed with her work and have ended our initiative with a comprehensive, well-considered and relevant governance manual, complete with a set of governance policies, practices and background that has made our Board activity much more focused and productive. Pam led us through a series of dialogues with ourselves, to identify issues and requirements; and then provided the appropriate push and an array of useful templates that we could use as models as we crafted our own unique documents that are relevant to our Board’s own requirements.  We are a better Board of Directors, and a better organization, because of Pam Koester’s knowledge, leadership, drive and support.  Thank you, Pam.”

— Mr. Dick Kahler, Board President, Galloway Ridge, Pittsboro, NC

“Ms. Koester is a skilled and talented facilitator in Board discussion. Her tactful approach leads Boards through necessary Governance discussions, which help transcend change. She is very knowledgeable in Board Governance, and no issue or request is too difficult for her to handle.”

— Mr. Brian Robbins, Executive Director, Westminster Manor, Austin, TX

“When I first came to ICAN, as the CEO in 2011, Pam and I had never met.  She had already done quite a bit of work with ICAN and everyone really appreciated her expertise. Once I met her and got to work with her my first year I was very pleased with her approach to assisting the board members in embracing the growth we were about to under go but she was still able to help them look for ways to be more strategic in their thoughts and actions.  She was very diplomatic, articulate and persuasive in her presentations to the board especially when there was so much at stake to succeed, at that time, because we were in the middle of a $5.6 million dollar Capital Campaign to build a new facility.  She really took time with me ahead of any retreats or meetings we might have with the board and also delivered a very timely report of discussions and actions that happened during those meetings to make it very simple for me to follow up. I am honored to write this testimonial and would certainly recommend Koester and Associates for any organization but especially those that are in the building or growth stage.”

–Ms. Becky Jackson, President & CEO, ICAN

“For a two year span, Koester and Associates worked with our university based training and research center to design, recruit, and launch a Community Advisory Board. Establishment of such a board in an academic unit is nuanced by the policies and practices of the university and as such, does not entail the fiduciary responsibilities of more traditional boards. Koester and Associates were quick to recognize and respond to this distinction, and adapted to the unique environment found in public higher education  Their services included consultation; board policy manual development; board member recruitment; and board meeting support.  As a result of their professionalism and skill, the Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy at ASU has significantly enhanced its connection and responsivity to the various behavioral health and human service constituents we work with throughout the state.” 

—  Michael S. Shafer, Ph.D. – Arizona State University

“Pam Koester’s work with our Board of Directors was “spot on” in terms of our need. She took time before our retreat to become acquainted with our culture, our board and staff leadership, and our bylaws and other governance documents, which gave her the ability to facilitate in a productive and straight forward manner. Most importantly, Pam worked to achieve clarity about our expected deliverables before planning the retreat experience itself. If we wandered off track, she restated our goals and pulled us back most effectively.  Pam’s report of our work together was also effective. The summary was complete, accurate and concise. Her ability to objectively but diplomatically articulate points of conflict that could impede advancement if not dealt with was appropriate and appreciated. Finally, her emphasis on accountability helped us take an exercise that can be somewhat theoretic and make of it a real roadmap to our preferred future.”
 
— Ms. Peggy Mullan, CEO, Beatitudes Campus

“Thank you again for speaking at our 2010 Annual Conference.  Your program, “Practicalities of Modern Governance,” was rated as “Outstanding” by the attendees.  This was reflected not only in the written evaluations, but also in the comments shared with me after your session by the trustees, executive directors and administrators who attended.  Your presentation was professional, your style engaging and interactive, and the materials that everyone received were comprehensive but easy to follow and will serve as an exceptional resource for management and trustees as they work together to enhance their board governance structures.”
    —  Ms. Rosie Goedtel – LeadingAge of Maine & New Hampshire

“I have had opportunity to work with Koester and Associates in many capacities and with multiple organizations as a volunteer and executive staff.  Koester and Associates has consistently strengthened the leadership capacity of each organization with their depth of governance knowledge, collaborative engagement, and practical application resources. I would highly recommend Koester and Associates to any organization looking to improve leadership capacity, systems design, governance protocols, and engagement.”

 — Ms. Christy McClendon, MSW

“Participants in Pam Koester’s governance orientation for new Board members were gratified and impressed with the quality and quantity of this important session. As veteran directors with extensive experience and training, none had ever received such thorough, timely and practical training on the intricacies of our Board work.  Thank you Pam!”
 
— Ms. Bev Wiggins, Board Chair, Westminster Village, Inc.

“At the time Pam became involved with our organization, it was in complete chaos and on the verge of collapse. . .
Now we are not only operating, we are flourishing!  Putting in place Pam’s recommended changes regarding structure and governance were key to our survival and growth.”

–Ms. Allie Bones, Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence