Next in Nonprofits logo

Next in Nonprofits is a collaboration of nonprofit professionals that believe charities and their missions can create more change in the world with better tools, more community support, and a commitment to genuine engagement. We focus on emerging ideas that produce results. Visit our services page to learn more about what we do, and read on to learn who does those things.

KD Bauer | Consultant | they/them
kd@nextinnonprofits.com | LinkedIn
KD Bauer is a Campaigner and Enthusiast with 17 years of experience as a marketing consultant, manager, and administrator for nonprofits. Recent roles include Managing Director at Wonderlust Productions, Director of Creative Strategy at Artistry, and Marketing Director at Trademark Theater. KD acquired their graduate certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications at St. Catherine University and their BA in Creative & Professional Writing at Bemidji State University. KD loves people, communication, and creativity; with an always-prominent growth mindset, they will be your most passionate advocate!

Steve Boland, older white male, white hair and blue jacket

Steve Boland | Managing Consultant | he/him
steve@nextinnonprofits.com | 651.356.8896 | WebsiteLinkedIn | Mastodon
Steve Boland is a nonprofit veteran with over twenty-five years of experience helping charities grow with new ideas in fundraising and communications. He has served as executive director of three organizations before founding Next in Nonprofits in 2013. Steve has presented over 100 learning sessions on topics such as crowdfunding, engaging corporate philanthropy, and social media strategy for nonprofits. He disputes his Myers Briggs Type characterization of Commander as any kind of apt descriptor, as authentic leadership never comes from issuing orders. A graduate of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Steve holds a Master of Nonprofit Management from Hamline University and is an alumnus of the Shannon Leadership Institute.

Kathleen Conroy

Kathleen Conroy | Consultant | she/her
kathleen@nextinnonprofits.com | LinkedIn
Kathleen Conroy has been working with nonprofits for over twenty years predominantly in arts management and fundraising. She has worked locally with Camp Fire Minnesota, Puppeteers of America, Rosy Simas Danse, Frank Theatre, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz, and Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theatre. She holds a certification in fundraising and development from the University of St. Thomas, a Master’s degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of Connecticut, and is a proud Bennington College Alumni.  As a recovering creative she is in touch with the emotions, needs and motivations of clients and is ready to apply her leadership and facilitation skills to achieve your organization’s potential. As a Giver, she is here to help.

Keren Gudeman | Consultant | she/her
keren@nextinnonprofits.com | 612-440-9008
Keren Gudeman has worked in nonprofits and the arts for the past decade as a founder, consultant, educator, and performer. She worked for The Theater for Public Policy and The Wildling after starting the nonprofit Improv Parenting, and she’s served as a grant evaluator for the Minnesota State Arts Board. Previously, Keren was an English teacher and athletics coach, with tenures at St. Paul Academy and Summit School and Carleton College. Keren holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Chicago and a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Harvard University. As a Protagonist (ENFJ), Keren loves helping organizations hone their communications and strategy as they make the world a better place.

Grace Mayo

Grace Mayo | Consultant | she/her
grace@nextinnonprofits.com | LinkedIn
Grace Mayo is excited to have found a team where her sense of justice, passion for inclusion, and belief in the power of community are encouraged. Endlessly curious, Grace will take a deep dive into your organization through research and data organization to understand and support its mission and foundational values. She believes nonprofits have the unique ability to leave a generational impact on the communities they serve. As an Enneagram 4, the Individualist, she is always seeking ways to be creative and unique. Grace holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bethel University in St. Paul.

Chelley McLear | Consultant | she/her
chelley@nextinnonprofits.com | LinkedIn
Chelley McLear has been working in the nonprofit world for ‘more than a decade or two’.  She has a passion for the arts and has led renowned organisations, programs and projects in theatre, literary arts, visual arts and media arts (on both sides of the Atlantic!), currently serving on two Boards – Story Arts Minnesota and Four Humors Theater. As an Architect she is well aware of the need for the structures and details to be accurate, fully researched, and finely honed; (a skill she finds useful in her other role as a genealogist with a passion for solving DNA puzzles).  Her qualifications in Theatre Arts, and Education, from the University of Ulster (NI) and Queen University Belfast (NI) are nicely complemented with a brief foray into… Accounting. Chelley is ready to tackle the creative and the technical with a powerful toolkit for mission-driven work – and finding your second cousin three-times removed.

Dog on a couch. Beagle

Boone | Junior Executive Vice President of Morale and Employee Wellness
Boone joined our team in 2021 from a companion animal rescue in Missouri. His work involves ensuring employee movement breaks, and generally being a joyful presence everywhere he goes. Boone has thus far been uninterested in completing a Myers Briggs inventory, but those who have known him feel that Consul is his likely type.