Expert Nonprofit Consultants in Chicago

Luis Rodriguez is the Founder and Executive Director of Rodriguez Community Group LLC, bringing extensive expertise in strategic planning and growth, strategic finance and controls, governance and executive structures, and operations planning. With a mission to deliver purposeful and sustainable outcomes, Luis leads a team of experienced executives dedicated to supporting small nonprofits and mission-driven organizations across the United States. His collaborative leadership philosophy positions RZCG as an integrated team partner rather than an outside consultant, ensuring clients receive hands-on guidance tailored to their unique goals. Luis is committed to helping organizations with up to 50 staff members and $25M in annual revenue strengthen their operational and financial capabilities to increase collective impact.

Emma Cartwright serves as a Senior Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, where she brings deep expertise in strategy consulting, operations and programming integration, human capital systems, and budgeting. With an average of 15 years of experience across the team, Emma exemplifies RZCG's commitment to embedding experienced executive leadership within nonprofit organizations. She works collaboratively with client teams to align operational performance with strategic goals, ensuring that mission-critical work remains at the forefront. Emma's integrated approach to human capital and programming helps small nonprofits build lasting organizational capacity and achieve sustainable growth in service of their communities.

Bing Howell is a Senior Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, specializing in stakeholder engagement and change management, scaling organizations, strategic planning, and budgeting. Bing brings a wealth of experience supporting nonprofits through periods of growth and transformation, helping leadership teams navigate complex organizational changes with confidence. As part of RZCG's collaborative approach, Bing works as an embedded partner within client organizations, merging extensive expertise with client insights to develop strategies that are both practical and impactful. His focus on scaling mission-driven organizations equips nonprofits with the tools and frameworks needed to expand their reach and deepen community impact.

Daniel Owens is a Business Analyst at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, contributing expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, research, and operations planning. Daniel plays a critical role in providing data-driven insights and analytical support that inform RZCG's recommendations to nonprofit clients. His research capabilities and operational acumen help organizations identify opportunities to optimize performance, reduce costs, and align financial strategies with their mission objectives. Daniel's work ensures that every engagement is grounded in rigorous analysis and evidence, enabling small nonprofits to make informed decisions that drive purposeful and sustainable outcomes for the communities they serve.

Michael Hardiman is a Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, with expertise spanning strategy consulting, operations management, change management, and budgeting. Michael brings a results-oriented approach to every client engagement, helping nonprofit organizations navigate operational challenges and implement effective strategies that align with their mission. As an integrated team member rather than an outside consultant, he works closely alongside client staff to manage change thoughtfully and build organizational resilience. Michael's background in operations management and strategy consulting makes him a trusted resource for nonprofits looking to optimize internal systems and achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in organizational performance.

Jana Luft is a Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, specializing in project management, stakeholder engagement and alignment, facilitation, and change management. Jana brings a people-centered approach to her work, ensuring that all stakeholders are heard, aligned, and equipped to move forward together through periods of organizational change. Her facilitation skills enable productive conversations and collaborative decision-making across diverse teams, making her an invaluable asset to nonprofit organizations navigating complex transitions. Jana's commitment to inclusive engagement and thoughtful change management reflects RZCG's broader mission of delivering outcomes that are both purposeful and sustainable for mission-driven organizations.

Scott Ellis serves as a Senior Advisor at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, bringing seasoned expertise in strategy consulting, operations and programming integration, human capital systems, and budgeting. In his advisory capacity, Scott provides high-level strategic guidance to nonprofit clients, drawing on deep experience in management and systems consulting to help organizations identify and pursue their most impactful growth opportunities. Scott's integrated perspective on operations and programming ensures that organizational strategies are both executable and mission-aligned. His collaborative approach reinforces RZCG's commitment to working as a true partner embedded within client teams, delivering thoughtful and sustainable solutions for small nonprofits.

Sarah Hicks is the Executive Assistant at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, providing essential support across client relationship management, process improvement, project management, and team coordination. Sarah plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in ensuring that RZCG operates smoothly and that clients receive attentive, responsive service at every touchpoint. Her expertise in process improvement helps streamline internal workflows, freeing the broader team to focus on delivering high-impact work for nonprofit partners. Sarah's dedication to organization and team coordination strengthens RZCG's capacity to serve multiple client organizations simultaneously while maintaining the high standards of quality and collaboration the firm is known for.

David Castillo is a Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, with expertise in leadership development and innovation, performance measurement and analytics, strategic planning and community engagement, and transition and success management. David brings a dynamic perspective to RZCG's work, helping nonprofit leaders build the skills and structures needed to sustain organizational growth over time. His focus on performance analytics ensures that client organizations can track progress and demonstrate impact with confidence. David's commitment to community engagement and thoughtful transition management reflects RZCG's broader mission of supporting mission-driven organizations in achieving purposeful and lasting outcomes that serve their communities.

Rachel Deaner is a Program Manager at Rodriguez Community Group LLC, specializing in financial management, corporate finance, and compliance. Rachel brings critical financial expertise to RZCG's nonprofit engagements, helping organizations strengthen their financial management capabilities and align fiscal strategies with their mission objectives. Her background in corporate finance equips her to translate complex financial concepts into actionable guidance for nonprofit leaders, while her focus on compliance ensures that client organizations operate within regulatory frameworks with confidence. Rachel's work supports RZCG's commitment to delivering sustainable outcomes by building the financial literacy and controls that small nonprofits need to thrive long-term.