Mike Thorne

Consultant

Areas of Expertise:

  • Executive Coaching

  • Succession Planning 

  • Leadership Development

  • Board Governance

  • Organizational Development

  • Strategic Planning

  • Culture Transformation

A Focus on Understanding and Co-Creation

Mike champions a human-centered consulting philosophy, believing robust leadership and thriving organizational cultures are key to nonprofit mission fulfillment. He cultivates 'personal trust communities' where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. His approach is highly collaborative, focused on understanding unique client needs and co-creating tailored, lasting solutions. Clients appreciate his authentic, empathetic, and direct communication style, which builds strong, trust-based relationships fostering open dialogue and meaningful growth.

Experience That Drives Mission Success

Mike offers a powerful blend of personal insight as an adoptee, extensive nonprofit governance experience (including a decade on the Board of Directors for the National Council for Adoption, with two years as Chairman), and strong business acumen. He specializes in executive coaching and succession planning for nonprofits, particularly within the Health and Human Services sector, with a core focus on building personal trust communities and supportive environments.

Tailored Nonprofit Solutions: Built on Real-World Experience

Mike’s deep understanding of the nonprofit sector is rooted in his decade of leadership on the Board of Directors for the National Council for Adoption. This experience, combined with his focused work in executive coaching and succession planning for Health and Human Services nonprofits, ensures tailored solutions that drive mission success through strong leadership and healthy organizational cultures.

Get in touch with Mike

What Clients Are Saying

  • “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

  • "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