Eric W. Curtis
CEO & Managing Partner
Contact Eric W. Curtis
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About Eric
Eric W. Curtis is the CEO and Managing Partner of Curtis Strategy, an industry-leading consultancy dedicated to the evolution of the nonprofit sector. With a career spanning over 15 years and a portfolio of hundreds of transformative initiatives, Eric specializes in bridging the gap between visionary goals and operational reality.
He is a trusted advisor to CEOs and Boards navigating the complexities of strategic planning, organizational design, and high-stakes mergers. A recognized thought leader, Eric is a published author and frequent keynote speaker at national industry conferences. He holds an MBA from Suffolk University and a BS in Accounting and Finance from Norwich University. Currently, he lends his governance expertise to the National Council for Adoption as a member of their Board of Directors.
Areas of Expertise
Eric provides the strategic framework for leaders in health and human services, associations, credit unions, foundations, and higher education to navigate complex change and transitions:
- Visionary Strategic Planning: Crafting actionable roadmaps that align purpose/vision with long-term relevance.
- Mergers, Affiliations, & Strategic Partnerships: Guiding organizations through the intricacies of mergers and affiliations to maximize collective impact and strategic growth.
- High-Impact Board Governance: Optimizing board structures and dynamics for better decision-making, engagement, and oversight.
- Dynamic Organizational Design: Structuring teams and processes to increase agility, accountability, performance, and operational excellence.
- Resilience via Scenario Planning: Preparing leadership for uncertainty through rigorous change management and risk assessment.
Board Roles
Featured Content by Eric Curtis
- Mergers and Affiliations Involving Nonprofits – Guide
- The Perfect Storm: How to Unify Strategy, Structure, and Leadership to Survive Disruption
- Accountability, Alignment, Action: How to Bridge the Strategy-to-Results Gap
- The Challenging Conversations in a Nonprofit Merger or Affiliation
- How to Develop Your Staff and Leadership Team, Focus North
In the Media and Speaking Engagements
- CEO Update Live 2025 – Mergers Panel
- ANCOR Connect 2024- Fostering Collaboration & Innovation in Nonprofits
- MHCA Summer Conference 2024 – Organization Design
- Better by Association, Podcast- From Tradition to Transformation: How Associations Must Evolve to Stay Relevant
- In the Now with NowSpeed, Podcast – Breakthrough Strategies
- Building Community by Leading Change: LinkedIn Live with Curtis Strategy – Watch
- Navigating Disruption: A Workshop for Non-Profit Leaders – Watch Webinar →
Areas of Expertise:
- Strategic Planning
- Mergers & Affiliations
- Board Governance
- Organization Design
Sectors:
- Associations
- Health & Human Services
- Credit Unions
- Foundations
- Higher Education
Guiding Bold Thinking for Transformative Outcomes
Eric is dedicated to forging strong, collaborative partnerships with nonprofit leaders, enabling them to achieve transformative change. He works collaboratively with clients to navigate complex challenges and capitalize on unique opportunities, strategically steering organizations toward future relevance, sustainable growth, and profound, lasting impact. This is achieved through fostering bold and exponential thinking to unlock new possibilities, co-creating innovative strategies that leverage their specific strengths, and expertly guiding the transformative processes needed to implement those strategies. Eric ensures a balance between clear strategic direction and the success of the people within the organization, ultimately leading to greater operational capacity and a more significant, enduring impact.
Integrated Solutions for Nonprofit Success
A dedicated partner in transformative change, Eric collaborates closely with nonprofit leaders to achieve lasting impact and future relevance. He uniquely integrates strategic vision with a deep focus on the success and empowerment of the people within the organization, recognizing that both are crucial for effective planning and successful implementation. His extensive experience across various 501(c) sectors provides a diverse perspective and a nuanced understanding of different organizational dynamics. Coupled with over 20 years of experience, advanced degrees, and board service, Eric offers a credible and qualified approach. He delivers a powerful blend of deep sector knowledge, strategic thinking, and a people-centered methodology to guide nonprofits through complex challenges and toward sustainable growth and significant impact.
Leveraging Experience for Lasting Organizational Impact
Eric’s deep sector expertise is the product of over 20 years spearheading strategy services across the multifaceted landscape of 501(c) organizations, encompassing health and human services, associations, credit unions, higher education, and foundations. This extensive, practical experience provides him with a uniquely broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities within each sector. His insights and leadership are further amplified by his frequent presence as a sought-after speaker at numerous national and regional conferences, solidifying his reputation and demonstrating his engagement with a wide network within the nonprofit community.
Contact Eric W. Curtis
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What Clients Are Saying
“CrossState Credit Union Association, representing nearly 400 credit unions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, retained Curtis Strategy for its strategic planning session in 2025. CrossState was very pleased with all phases of the planning process – pre-work including phone interviews and digital surveys, onsite guidance and leadership during the planning session, and post-planning follow-up work. The result of our work together is a clear strategic plan, including priorities and objectives to guide our work over the next three years. CrossState is very happy to recommend Curtis Strategy to other organizations for strategic planning services.”
Patrick Conway, President & CEO of CrossState Credit Union
“We just completed development of our second three year strategic framework facilitated by Eric Curtis with Curtis Strategy. The comprehensive process allowed for significant stakeholder feedback and the ability to incorporate current data and insights to ensure we are best positioned for the future. The first three year strategic plan facilitated by Curtis Strategy resulted in significant completion of our goals and priorities. Our team is excited to begin executing this new strategy.”
Jodi Ann Ray, CEO of Texas Society of CPAs Association
“The Electrical Association hired Curtis Strategy to align our team for future growth and productivity. Our Association, offerings and team continues to evolve so we wanted to ensure the structure matched this direction. Eric and Nell led the team through critical exercises that helped identify what each contributor should be focusing on and responsible for. This helped us identify clear alignment and increased expectations of the team members. The team is more productive and efficient than ever before. We are excited to see the continued growth and cultural improvements because of this work.”
Clara Albert, CEO of The Electrical Association
“Toral has an unparalleled depth of knowledge in regards to board governance, she clearly understands the balance between educating and effectively facilitating. She was able to strike a balance with my board of directors between sparking introspection and driving best practice. The sessions she has led have all driven substantive outcomes that have had a positive impact on my board of directors and the agency. Toral is a standout because of her highly intellectual manner and ability to command the room’s attention. I was particularly impressed with her poise and tact in bringing the energy back down when serious discussions needed to be had. I truly enjoyed working her and my board echoed my sentiments.”
Abby Parrilla, former CEO of Arc of the South Shore
“Deb Joelson and Delaney Teceno are consummate professionals. Their facilitative expertise, strategic planning experience, knowledge of medical membership organizations, and collegiality were extraordinary. From commencement to conclusion, they were always prepared, on time, and provided enduring electronic materials that continue to guide our 5-year strategic plan.”
John A. Fromson, M.D., Massachusetts Psychiatric Society
“We found the consultants to have an expansive knowledge of the field and to be insightful regarding the structure and function of management teams. They offered a new POV and help us to expand our horizons.”
Carolyne Guffey, CEO of Walnut Street Center
“The Curtis Strategy Team we worked with was great. Their flexibility and customer service with planning and strategy was incredible. Their advice and knowledge as we moved through the strategic planning process helped us get to the final plan which we are thrilled with. Deb and Delaney were great partners!”