Think of us as your organization's force multiplier – seasoned strategists who strengthen both your roadmap and culture. From sharpening your strategic plan to elevating your fundraising game, we bring proven expertise and fresh energy to every challenge. We're here to amplify your impact while enriching the collaborative spirit that drives sustainable growth.

At Petersen Consultants we're all about turning big ideas into even bigger realities.

Ryan Petersen
Founder & Senior Advisor

As the founder of Petersen Consultants, a strategic and advisory consulting firm, Ryan Petersen brings over two decades of experience in enhancing purpose driven initiatives through insightful leadership and innovative fundraising strategies. 

  • Ryan's approach to fundraising is deeply strategic, focusing on building lasting relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporate funders, and philanthropic institutions. His expertise lies in securing the resources necessary for meaningful impact and developing internal skills to continue raising funds beyond his time with the organization. His clients and past roles include leadership and advisory responsibilities at prominent organizations such as the Constellation Fund, Northside Achievement Zone, GroundBreak Coalition, William McDonough Foundation, Complere, V3 Sports and others. 

    Ryan's educational background includes a Master of Public Affairs with an emphasis in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the Humphrey Institute, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Bethel University, and a certificate in Sustainability Studies - Leading Sustainable Corporations from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Ryan is continuously expanding his knowledge and skill sets. He is currently completing a Climatebase fellowship to strengthen his understanding of sustainability. This diverse academic foundation, combined with his nearly 25 years of practical experience, enables him to offer comprehensive and insightful consulting services.

Heidi Dodd
Senior Project Manager

As a Senior Project Manager at Petersen Consultants, Heidi Dodd brings a wealth of experience to the strategic and advisory consulting firm. Her expertise in project management contributes significantly to the company's mission of enhancing community-based initiatives through insightful leadership and innovative strategies.

  • Heidi's approach to project management is highly strategic, focusing on efficiently coordinating resources, timelines, and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes for clients. Her skills in organization, communication, and problem-solving are crucial in managing complex projects from inception to completion.

    Throughout her career, Heidi has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in challenging environments. Her experience at Petersen Consultants has further honed her skills in nonprofit and community-focused project management.

    Heidi's contributions to Petersen Consultants play a vital role in the firm's ability to offer comprehensive and insightful consulting services to its clients in the nonprofit and community development sectors.ion text goes here

Acooa Ellis, ABLE Endeavors
Strategic Partner: GroundBreak Coalition

Acooa Ellis is a key member of the Petersen Consultants team, partnering to enhance investor relations and resource activation strategies. With a wealth of experience spanning corporate, government, and community sectors, Acooa brings transformative leadership to advancing the GroundBreak Coalition’s vision of equity and innovation.

  • Acooa Ellis brings a wealth of experience in addressing complex societal challenges, informed by her background in communities where resources were limited and solutions required ingenuity and collaboration. Her professional approach emphasizes deep listening, fostering understanding, and bridging divides to drive meaningful change.

    With a career spanning roles as a policy expert, government affairs leader, nonprofit executive, and consultant, Acooa has consistently worked to remove barriers, build connections, and create sustainable impact. Her work is rooted in an intersectional perspective, enabling her to navigate entrenched systems, diagnose challenges, and implement strategies that promote equity and long-term progress.

    In addition to her role with Petersen Consultants, Acooa is an independent consultant, coach, and speaker, dedicated to empowering individuals and communities by helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their potential.

Megan Garrido
Senior Grants Manager

Megan Garrido, GPC, is the Senior Grants Manager for Petersen Consultants, where she leads grant development efforts for diverse nonprofits and manages a team of skilled grant writers. Megan works closely on grantseeking initiatives for the William McDonough Foundation, alongside supporting a range of organizations in securing funding to advance equity and sustainability-focused missions.

  • Megan’s career began in Antigua, Guatemala, where she led fund development and volunteer programs for international nonprofits. After returning to Minnesota in 2014, she played a critical role at a large urban school district, driving impactful initiatives in teacher workforce development, early learning, community engagement, and career pathways. Most recently, she served as a senior leader for a nonprofit focused on racial equity and economic inclusion, gaining extensive expertise in crafting and executing funding strategies.

    Her grantwriting experience spans federal, state, corporate, and foundation grants, including agencies such as the U.S. Departments of Education, Agriculture, Justice, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Megan is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she earned a degree in professional journalism and a minor in Spanish, and is a member of the Grant Professionals Association.

    Now based in Antigua, Guatemala, Megan applies her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish to work effectively across cultural contexts. Her leadership and expertise in managing grantseeking efforts make her an invaluable asset to Petersen Consultants, driving sustainable funding solutions for the organizations they support.

Rob Grunewald, Rob Grunewald Consulting
Research and Platform Integrity: Complēre

Rob Grunewald is collaborating with Petersen Consultants on the development of Complēre, an AI-enabled poverty research platform designed to empower funders and nonprofits with data-driven insights.

  • Rob Grunewald has dedicated his career to advancing economic and social equity, previously serving as an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. His seminal work co-authored with Art Rolnick, "Early Childhood Development: Economic Development with a High Public Return," has shaped public policy and inspired investments in early learning nationwide. Rob frequently engages with business leaders, policymakers, and community organizations to share insights on the intersection of economics and social impact.

    In addition to his research, Rob has served on boards and advisory committees for organizations focused on early childhood development, such as Think Small, First Children’s Finance, and the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency. A past president of the Minnesota Economic Association, Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and religion from St. Olaf College and a master’s degree in applied economics from the University of Minnesota.

James Kovalenko, Nurho.Tech
AI Advisor: The Brain Studio

James Kovalenko serves as an advisor to Petersen Consultants, bringing his expertise in AI integration to projects like Complēre, an AI-enabled poverty research platform. With a unique blend of technical proficiency and contemplative insight, James provides innovative guidance on leveraging AI to create impactful and scalable solutions.

  • James Kovalenko has experience leading AI integration projects across diverse industries, focusing on designing reasoning architectures and optimizing AI agents. His unconventional career path includes developing thermo-regulation devices for athletes and managing a multimedia department during his time as a renunciate at an Ashram, where he spent three years in deep contemplation. This period of introspection informs his thoughtful approach to technology, emphasizing ethical application and transformative potential.

    James is driven by a passion for building systems that enhance decision-making and solve complex challenges. His collaboration with Petersen Consultants reflects his commitment to harnessing AI for social good and sustainable innovation.

Kenneth Scales
Strategic Partner: V3 Sports

Kenneth has played a pivotal role in diversifying donor pools and developing innovative funding models that resonate with funders seeking impactful ways to contribute. Highly skilled in managing large-scale fundraising campaigns, grant writing, and sponsorship development, he draws on a wealth of experience, including leadership roles at The Forum and Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ).

  • In 2019, Kenneth became an alumnus of both the AFP IDEA Fellowship and the Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy, further solidifying his commitment to leadership and community empowerment. He is also a proud 2020 alumnus of the New Leaders Council. Widely recognized for his ability to cultivate meaningful professional connections and foster collaboration, Kenneth approaches his work with positivity, authenticity, and a spirit of partnership.