We blend with your team.
For seamless workflow and faster results. The Solvent Group brings a unique blend of fundraising, marketing, and strategic development services to nonprofits.
Anthony Rupard,
Principal
With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Anthony brings an eclectic skill set to clients. In addition to serving as the Development Director for three organizations, his extensive education and professional background in counseling, as well as research and statistics have shaped his approach to working with clients. He leans into client work with an emphasis on listening, analysis and relationships. Anthony has experience with a wide variety of nonprofit sectors as well as a range of expertise focused on strategic planning, capital campaigns, and board & staff training.
His most recent position prior to launching the firm was serving as the Development Director for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s successful $71.4M Campaign for Generations. Self-described as a builder, his approach to fundraising and nonprofit growth strikes a unique balance between data-driven analytics and the art of cultivating authentic, trusting relationships with staff, volunteers, and donors.
Anthony holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and completed 21 credit hours of research and statistics coursework through a PhD program in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development at the University of Louisville.
Email Anthony at anthony@solventgrp.com, or give him a call today at 231-431-0037.
Christie Perdue, CFRE,
Principal
Christie has more than 20 years of development and nonprofit experience and has worked with a variety of nonprofits to strengthen their fundraising, marketing, and strategic planning initiatives. Since starting as an independent consultant in 2017, Christie and team have worked with hundreds of regional nonprofit organizations to build and strengthen their development activities. As well, Christie is a facilitator for the Rotary Charities Leadership Learning Lab, training non-profit leaders on how to maximize fundraising efforts throughout northern Michigan, and most recently is a member of the Rotary Charities Capacity Advisory Pool, offering support to nonprofits in a variety of sectors.
Prior to starting as a consultant, Christie led fundraising campaigns for Otsego Memorial Hospital and spent 10 years developing thriving and sustainable fundraising and marketing programs at the hospital in her role as Foundation and Marketing Director. Prior to working with Otsego Memorial Hospital, Christie was the Director of Community Relations at the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
Christie holds a master’s degree from Central Michigan University and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. She has a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from Lawrence Technological University and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Christie has been a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2008.
Email Christie at christie@solventgrp.com, or give her a call today at 231-431-0048.
Shannon McDonough,
Director of Operations
With experience in a variety of nonprofits realms and responsibilities, Shannon is responsible for all things operational, technical, and creative in support of the firm’s consultants and its clients. She has a keen eye for detail, bettering processes and project management.
Her love of data and relationship building blended well in her recent position as Development Coordinator for St. Mary Cathedral Parish & School, overseeing a variety of responsibilities related to organizational fundraising, development and communications. With her additional involvement with an independent consulting firm since 2018, she’s seen the ins & outs of dozens of nonprofits, boards, campaigns, strategic plans and many other development related programs and processes.
She has experience working with a variety of nonprofits helping with program & fund development, website building & maintenance, social media management & general marketing and communications, and much more.
Shannon holds a Bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.
Email Shannon at shannon@solventgrp.com, or give her a call today at 989-619-6957.
Meg McQuade Boyle,
Strategic Communications Specialist & Lead Writer
Meg develops the creative pathway and the precise messaging that inspires action. Drawing from 20 years of experience in development and communications, Meg’s portfolio includes branding, print and digital marketing, and fundraising collateral for clients in nonprofits, education, the private and public sectors.
Before joining The Solvent Group, Meg was a writer and editor for Platinum PR, a communications firm specializing in economic development and tourism marketing. Throughout her tenure at Platinum PR, Meg’s creative approach helped communities refine their messaging, engage new audiences, and broaden economic opportunities. During this same time frame, Meg ran Boyle Creative, a freelance copywriting firm that supported clients in nonprofits, higher education, and private industry. Gliding easily between creative direction and execution, Meg’s talents attracted Johns Hopkins Medicine, The Catholic University of America, and Ithaca College.
For the first decade of her career, Meg was an alumni relations and development professional for independent schools based in the Mid-Atlantic. Meg led with a passion for advocacy, and her skills in cultivation, stewardship, and communications quickly followed.
A proud New Englander to the core, Meg received a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts.
Email Meg at meg@solventgrp.com, or give her a call today at 231-431-0048.
Chip Hansen,
Strategic Consultant
Chip joins The Solvent Group after retiring from his position as President of the Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F). During his 13 years of leadership, C3F’s assets grew from $19 million to more than $55 million, and annual grantmaking increased from approximately $1 million to more than $2.5 million. The C3F Legacy Society started during his tenure and grew to include more than 90 future gifts, ensuring that the C3F will sustain the community for years to come. As a Strategic Consultant for The Solvent Group, Chip will use his leadership, communication, financial management, strategic planning, and relationship building skills to drive extraordinary outcomes for our clients.
Prior to his experience at the C3F, Chip served as the Superintendent of East Jordan Public Schools, a position he held for more than 20 years. An active citizen who loves being “in the game” rather than “on the sidelines,” Chip is devoted to his local community. He is a member of the Lions Club of Charlevoix and the Rotary Club of East Jordan. An avid sports fan, Chip enjoys playing golf and tennis, and loves being on or near the water. His passion for leadership and sport manifested itself in multi-term service on the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Representative Council, a position that he was elected to fill by his peers.
Chip graduated from Alma College and earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University.
Email Chip at chip@solventgrp.com, or give him a call today at 231-675-0516.
Beth Karczewski,
Affiliate Consultant
With over twenty-five years of fund development and nonprofit leadership experience, Beth Karczewski brings a strong background in major and planned gift programs, capital campaign strategy, and board leadership to clients. She has particular interests in capital campaigns, major and planned gift strategies, and strengthening volunteer and board capacity.
Beth has been a fundraising consultant since 2017 and has worked with multiple nonprofit organizations throughout northern Michigan. Prior to independent consulting, Beth worked for the Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation as a Senior Leadership Giving Officer. She managed an $18.5 Million campaign for Cowell Family Cancer Center; finalized the $2.2 Million Hospice House capital campaign; led planned giving program initiatives for the health system; and provided fund development training to staff and foundation board members throughout multi-hospital system.
Beth has held multiple board positions throughout the Traverse City area including serving as Past President of the Rotary Club of Traverse City, Past Chair of Rotary Camps & Services, board member for Rotary Charities, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and Discovery Center Great Lakes.
Beth holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Lake Superior State University and received a B.S. Degree from Michigan State University.
Email Beth at beth@solventgrp.com, or give her a call today at 231-499-4680.