Dixie Casford
Partner
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Areas of Expertise:
- Strategic Planning
- Mergers & Affiliations
- Data analysis
- Financial analysis
- AI governance
- Organization strategy
- State and federal advocacy
Sectors:
- Associations
- Health & Human Services
- Credit Unions
- Foundations
- Higher Education
Mission-Driven Strategy, Impactful Outcomes
Dixie believes that mission fuels every successful strategic decision, ignites team inspiration, and delivers impactful results. She partners authentically with clients, combining their invaluable institutional knowledge with her expertise to develop strategic solutions that are inherently aligned with their mission. Dixie emphasizes a collaborative process focused on understanding each organization’s unique needs, implementing effective solutions that prioritize strong relationships, clear accountability, and defined expectations for lasting success.
Decades of Human Services Leadership, Driving Mission-Focused Results
With decades of leadership in nonprofit human services, Dixie Casford offers clients a powerful combination of strategic planning and M&A expertise, all anchored in a deep commitment to mission-driven outcomes. She partners authentically with organizations, integrating their invaluable institutional knowledge with her experience to develop strategic solutions that are both mission-aligned and operationally sound. Dixie’s approach prioritizes understanding unique client needs, cultivating strong relationships through clear accountability and expectations, and consistently achieving meaningful, sustainable results.
Executive Leadership, Invaluable Sector Insight
Dixie Casford brings a deep and practical sector perspective to her consulting work.Her extensive experience includes successfully leading a Federally Qualified Health Center through a merger with a Community Mental Health Center as Chief Administrative Officer, guiding operations and strategy as Co-Chief Executive Officer at a Community Mental Health Center, and implementing CCBHC standards as a COO. She also served on the executive team of the state association for four years, further deepening her understanding of the sector’s broader landscape and advocacy efforts. This hands-on leadership provides her clients with invaluable sector expertise and a nuanced understanding of the intricacies involved in mergers, strategic planning, and effective organizational leadership within the complex health and human services field and its supporting associations.
Contact Dixie Casford
Staff Email
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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
Road To Responsibility uses Curtis Strategy regularly for consulting and strategic planning assistance. I have been very pleased with the quality of the consultation and look forward to working with them again!
Chris White, Ed.D. President/CEO of Road to Responsibility
“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!”
Regina Marshall, COO of Advocates
“Curtis Strategy’s support was invaluable. The comprehensive overview they developed set a clear path, and their thorough guidance and preparation for our task force meetings were instrumental to our progress. Their strategy was insightful, and the timing of each phase was spot-on, which meant everyone involved felt prepared and confident. We also found the due diligence tool Curtis Strategy used to be highly effective and a significant asset to the process. They truly understand the complexities we faced.”