Meet JP
Trusted Interim Leadership for Nonprofits in Transition
Running a nonprofit is one of the most meaningful jobs in the world — and also one of the hardest.
When your organization loses its Executive Director, it can feel like everything is at risk.
That’s where I come in.
I serve as Interim Executive Director for mission-driven organizations in transition - stepping in to stabilize operations, support staff and board members, and prepare the path for long-term success.
Why Work With Me as Interim ED?
When a nonprofit is between leaders, it needs more than a steady hand — it needs an interim leader who can lead with clarity, build trust across the organization, and set the stage for lasting success. That’s the role I step into.
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Steady Leadership from Day One
Over three decades leading nonprofits through crises and growth phases.
Strategic Organizational Assessment
I begin every engagement with a clear-eyed assessment to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for capacity building.
Clear, Compassionate Communication
My people-first approach builds trust quickly and creates a culture of transparency, collaboration, and respect.
Transition That Builds Toward the Future
I don't just maintain - I prepare your next leader to thrive by leaving systems stronger and teams more aligned,
My Journey
From the Field to the Boardroom - and Everywhere in Between
I’m not just a consultant — I’ve been in the trenches. My career began in Venezuela, working in prisons, refugee camps, and border communities. I later became a human rights attorney and earned a Harvard education, going on to work with global institutions like the World Bank and the United Nations.
But where I’ve found the deepest impact — and the most meaning — is in helping nonprofits lead through change.
Over the years, I’ve served as CEO, evaluator, strategist, and Interim Executive Director for organizations navigating growth, crisis, and leadership transition. Each role sharpened my ability to lead with both empathy and structure — quickly learning what makes an organization tick and how to move it forward without disruption.
I believe Interim Leadership is a mission-critical intervention - not just a placeholder.
That’s why I take a strategic, hands-on approach: conducting assessments, aligning people and priorities, and leaving the next Executive Director set up for long-term success.
If your organization is preparing for a leadership transition, schedule a free consultation to explore how I can support you as an Interim Executive Director.
Trusted Leadership in Times of Transition
Hear what Board Members, CEOs, and nonprofit staff say about working with me during pivotal moments.
JP forced us to think strategically in ways we never imagined.
When we started our nonprofit in the midst of the pandemic, we were focused on immediate needs. Working with JP changed that.
His Pyramid framework was eye-opening—it helped us plan for the future and make strategic decisions with confidence.
He asks the tough questions, the ones you’d rather avoid, but in a way that motivates action. As a founder, I struggled with building a Board, but JP’s advice gave me clarity and support. His guidance is practical, actionable, and invaluable—even for a young organization with limited resources.
—Maria Alejandra Marquez
CEO of INRAV
Thoughtful, astute, and deep knowledge of how nonprofits can and should work!
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Juan Pablo at Brain Injury Services (BIS). As Interim Executive Director it was part of his job to onboard me when I was hired to be the full-time CEO.
JP did an amazing job setting me up for success with the organization.
In addition to walking me through everything I would need to know, he shared his knowledge, expertise, and insight on Nonprofits. He is very thoughtful, astute, and has deep knowledge of how nonprofits can and should work. I highly recommend him either as an interim executive or full-time as he is exceptionally talented. JP is a gem!
—Donna Meltzer
CEO of Brain Injury Services
A rare leader who understands strategy and people.
Juan Pablo is a true strategic thinker in the Nonprofit space.
As Vice Chair of Brain Injury Services, I worked closely with Juan Pablo, as he took the reins of our organization as the interim ED at a critical juncture. His steadfast and insightful approach was instrumental in moving our organization in a positive direction. He approaches everything he does by taking a 360 degree view -looking at the problem from all sides. He leads with a person-centric approach, which I find rare these days.
I would highly recommend Juan Pablo for any non-profit looking for an ED/CEO who thinks strategically and leads with a deft and nuanced touch.
—Kevin Stenstrom
Board Vice-President of Brain Injury Services
A strategic thought partner that helped us move forward.
I had the honor of working under Juan Pablo’s leadership as he served as the Interim CEO at Voices. Juan Pablo not only held the organization together but also served as a strategic though partner and kept us moving forward.
He came in during a critical time of transition and helped board and staff see the potential ahead and provided strategic guidance on steps that should be taken to move us towards growth.
The assessment tool he created identifies gaps and strengths within the company and provides feedback on how to address these and build on them. More organizations need to take advantage of this tool and his expertise.
Beyond his knowledge and experience, Juan Pablo provides a critical role of bringing people together around a single mission. This skill is critical in the consulting capacity and goes hand-in-hand with his genuine and inviting personality.
I can’t recommend Juan Pablo enough. Any organization that has the gift of working with and learning from him will be better for it.
—Megan Mbagwu
Director of Operations of Voices for Virginia's Children
As the Board Chair, his work ethic and strategic thinking were invaluable to me.
JP came in when the organization and staff was in flux and immediately applied his change management expertise and calm demeanor to ensure our operations continued, business as usual, while also getting to know staff, the Board, and stakeholders.
JP is an excellent communicator and asks for direct, in the moment feedback and shares his opinions in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Despite coming in without brain injury knowledge, JP hit the ground running to learn the unique needs of our clients and caregivers and advocated for them throughout his tenure.
He also was an incredible staff advocate, not afraid to share his thoughts on how best to engage and support staff through the uncertainty of a Chief Executive Officer search.
He also completed an objective, invaluable organizational analysis and presented it to the Board and highlighted areas of organization strength and areas for improvement as well as recommendations. He works with the best interest of those served in mind while also supporting staff and stakeholders. He is a professional executive leader with nonprofit subject matter expertise and will benefit any nonprofit organization looking for an executive leader!
—Erin Mattingly
Board President of Brain Injury Services
He will always give you maximum effort.
I enjoyed working with Juan Pablo as member of the Board of Directors of Blue Ridge CASA, plus Board President for two years. I was also part of the recruitment process having Juan Pablo become the CEO.
Juan Pablo is an excellent strategic manager. Has great insight with processes. Always wanting to exceed expectations, Juan Pablo realized his annual goals and expanded the agency beyond best case scenarios. Juan Pablo will always give you maximum effort, plus he will be sincere and honest in his reporting, both necessary for effective leadership.
—David Grimm
Board President of Blue Ridge CASA for Children
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Top 10 Board Considerations When Hiring Interim EDs
Watch my free video overview and download the PDF guide to make the right hire and lead your nonprofit through a smooth transition.
Even in transition, your mission can thrive.
If your organization needs experienced interim leadership...
