Executive Coaching, Revenue Diversification & Strategic Planning

"Ruth has the courage to tackle difficult community problems. She also has the ability to bring diverse groups of people together to effectively solve those problems."

— Gale Castillo, Board Chair, Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

It’s been my pleasure to work with outstanding clients including:

  • Animal Aid

  • Animal & Society Institute

  • The Circus Project

  • Downtown Oregon City Association

  • German International School

  • iUrban Teen

  • Jewish Family & Child Service

  • Lift Urban Portland

  • Oaks Park Association

  • Oregon Energy Fund

  • World of Speed Motor Sports Museum

Inclusivity & Change Management —

Experience has taught me that a consistent set of principles is essential to systemic change. The primary one which requires the engagement of a broad base of people with diverse perspectives from the early problem definition and research stages through planning, partnership development, and implementation.

Over forty years of work have proved that the primary role of a change agent is developing and maintaining an involved team with a diverse set of perspectives throughout the process.

"Ruth Scott … helped me navigate the complex world of managing the finances and best interests [of our state association] during my tenure as the president. I would highly recommend her service and expertise."

— Dr. Christopher Zander, Portland Backsmith Chiropractic

Executive Coaching & Organizational Development  —

My work provides an executive coaching process that guides the evolution of the organization and its programs while playing to the strengths of its leadership.  Extensive experience in managing organizations at all levels of development ranging from start-ups to multi-million dollar operations provides me with a strong resource base when working to develop an organization’s leadership.

Assistance is often needed in the areas of:

  • Leading the rethinking approaches to intractable problems;

  • Developing long-range strategies and short-term implementation;

  • Meeting objectives with high expectations;

  • Building consensus and commitment with diverse perspectives; 

  • Recruiting fresh volunteers and leadership. 

“Our board members brought a variety of opinions and experiences to a long-term planning retreat facilitated by Ruth Scott. With Ruth's expert guidance, we were able to identify and prioritize issues that were critical to improving our operations. Her warmth and humor smoothed over contentious areas, and her professionalism led us in development of a plan that will guide us well into the future.”

— Gail Luciani, Animal Aid President

Strategic Planning —

While research shows that all organizations go through cycles, best practices indicate that preparing effective strategic plans on which business and development plans are based, is an essential tool to lead an organization through change and development. Experience proves that organizations need to periodically review their long-term strategy against their current operations and look at options for renewal whether through stabilization, growth, or even reduction.

I view strategic planning as an energizing, team-based problem-solving activity that brings together business leaders, educators, non-profits, government, community members and other interest groups. 

Revenue Diversification —

The business side of a non-profit and the often untapped opportunities to diversify the funding sources has been a necessary and intriguing part of my work.   Whether the work is developing the business plan for a new service or product, strengthening program-related income, increasing business sponsorships and participation, finding new grant sources, developing membership, stewarding donations that support mission, the resulting diversification of revenue sources is a critical aspect of organizational strengthening.