What People Are Saying
The organizations we work with come back because the work holds up, and so do the relationships.
These are the voices of leaders who trusted Morten Group at pivotal moments in their organizations' lives. Their words reflect what we care about most: doing rigorous, honest work that actually moves things forward.
Across organizational development, executive placement, community research, and leadership development, client partners have found in us a partner willing to engage with the full complexity of their work, not just the surface of it.
Organizational Development
Morten Group has been a trusted advisor through developing and integrating Pride Foundation's racial equity work, visioning our strategic plan, and leading our executive search. They have also been critical to organizing and driving these processes while adding critical capacity and expertise to help our organization expand and deepen our work. Their comprehensive and holistic approach across all organizational functions — from racial equity integration to succession planning and strategic visioning to resource development — has been a tremendous asset at a time of important evolution for the Foundation.
Kris Hermanns
Former CEO
Pride Foundation
Morten Group helped us build a racial equity action plan using deeply collaborative and engaging processes between staff and leadership. At every moment, they centered equity and pushed us to do and be better, while giving us well-tested tools to achieve our goals. The knowledge and expertise that Morten Group's team brings to the table are unparalleled.
John Peller
President
AFC
ECHO Joint Agreement has been working in collaboration with Morten Group to provide personalized organizational training to our staff. Morten Group provides a level of expertise that allows our staff to have healthy and meaningful discussions in building cultural competency.
Lea Anne Frost
Former Executive Director
ECHO Joint Agreement
We had a great experience working with Mary and the Morten Group team throughout our re-branding and strategic planning process. Critical to our organizing model is having a deep base of community members engaged at all steps. The process that Morten Group laid out with us was engaging, flexible, and led us to a 3-year plan and vision that our board, staff, and membership are deeply invested in.
Jenny Arwade
Co-Executive Director
Communities United
Leadership Development
When I walked in, I carried feelings of shame and imposter syndrome, but I walked out reenergized with an "S" on my chest, equipped with the tools I needed to stop treading water and start swimming assuredly. Thank you for embracing me and one another with such authenticity and generosity.
Charisma Cannon
Executive Director
Shoe Heals — Inaugural Executive Essentials 2025 Cohort
Last week I had the opportunity to participate in the Morten Group Executive Essentials program — a three-day intensive about all things nonprofit leadership. This program met so many needs I have as a new Executive Director and exceeded my expectations. I am not only leaving with a wealth of new knowledge and ideas, but a strengthened sense of confidence in my abilities. I am also leaving with new colleagues and friends who are all in the same boat. A new horizon of collaboration is in sight!
Jen Ash
Executive Director
Chicago Torture Justice Memorials Foundation — Executive Essentials 2026 Cohort
I had a great time reflecting with other Executive Directors at Morten Group's Executive Essentials training. It is not always easy to take time away, but I recommend we find the time to reflect, learn, share, and laugh with each other as we do the work that our communities rely on us to do.
Brian Gladstein
Executive Director
Friends of the Parks — Executive Essentials 2026 Cohort
What an awesome experience with Executive Essentials. Three days felt like a lot in my first three weeks, but we could have gone for a month on the powerful topics that were discussed. Mary Morten is clearly a powerhouse and I'm so glad to now be in her circle. Thank you for the professionalism and real talk that was part of this experience.
Lindsay Gaskins
CEO
Chicago House Social Service Agency — Executive Essentials 2026 Cohort
I just finished the most amazing three-day Executive Essentials intensive with maybe 15 other new nonprofit EDs. I will never forget this group of people who came along at the exact right time for my return to nonprofit life in Chicago. Thank you Mary, and all of the facilitators, and the Morten Group team. You helped us all address common apprehensions and reassured us that we might actually be on the right track.
Monica Foucher
Executive Director
Metropolitan Tenants Organization — Executive Essentials 2026 Cohort
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of participating in the inaugural Executive Essentials intensive facilitated by the Morten Group. It was a space where new executive directors and CEOs came together to sharpen our leadership, build community, and reflect on what it means to lead with courage, clarity, and care.
Dimond Dixon
Executive Director
Chicago Blues Revival — Executive Essentials Inaugural 2025 Cohort
Executive Placement
Morten Group did a stellar job working with the Chicago Jobs Council transition team. From developing a time frame, sending surveys to funders and other vested parties, and providing relevant market information, Morten Group showed their expertise in assisting the Jobs Council's selection of their next leader. Morten Group is to be commended for their commitment to seek the best possible candidates.
Guadalupe Preston
Board President
Chicago Jobs Council
Morten Group gave me feedback on my performance, what to improve, and gave really good insight into what the search committee was looking for. Morten Group not only treats their clients well, but also treats each human that is applying for these positions with dignity, respect, and love.
Michelle Morales
President
Women's Fund of Central Ohio
In working with Morten Group on our recent executive search, I found a true partner. Their approach, expertise, and outcomes make them uniquely qualified to support any nonprofit pursue a culture of excellence. Thanks to our partnership with Morten Group, we are a stronger, more strategic organization.
Joe Hollendoner
Former CEO
San Francisco AIDS Foundation
It was a privilege and a joy to work with Morten Group on our executive search. We weren't surprised by their expertise, diligence, or quality of service — their record speaks for itself. What stood out most was that they found a way to make the search enjoyable. The Morten Group team was so personable, perceptive, and pleasant that the process felt more familial than anything else. We highly recommend Morten Group to any organization seeking a competent and committed partner.
Marshall Hatch
Executive Director
MAAFA Redemption Project
I was apprehensive about our search for a new program officer as we are a small team with little practice in hiring. We had to get it right. Morten Group was a dream partner, expertly guiding us every step of the way to the perfect match. They truly listened to understand who we were and what we were looking for, and they handled every conceivable detail to make the whole experience as easy as possible. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Charles Twichell
Co-Executive Director
Prince Charitable Trusts