FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
January 8, 2026

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Armstrong McGuire and PMA Nonprofit Consulting Announce Merger to Strengthen Nonprofit Leadership Nationwide

Raleigh, NC — Armstrong McGuire, a national nonprofit strategic advising and executive transition firm, and PMA Nonprofit Consulting, renowned for its nonprofit leadership development programs, are excited to announce their merger, effective immediately. This strategic partnership brings together decades of expertise, a shared commitment to empowering nonprofit leaders, and a vision to amplify impact across the sector.

For two years, Armstrong McGuire and PMA Nonprofit Consulting have collaborated through initiatives like the Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership podcast and the Interim Management Institute, demonstrating the power of their aligned missions. The merged organization will offer an expanded suite of services—including leadership development, executive search, interim management, strategic planning, and fundraising support—to nonprofit leaders and organizations nationwide.

Armstrong McGuire Principal and Co-founder Bert Armstrong said, “This merger is about amplifying impact. By bringing PMA’s exceptional leadership programs and top-rated national podcast under the Armstrong McGuire umbrella, we’re creating a one-stop resource for nonprofits to thrive. Together, we can offer deeper expertise, broader reach, and more innovative solutions to help leaders and organizations succeed.”  

Patton McDowell, Founder, PMA Nonprofit Consulting said, “Joining forces with Armstrong McGuire is a natural next step for PMA. We’ve always shared the same commitment to empowering nonprofit leaders, and now we have the infrastructure and team to take that vision nationwide. I’m excited about the expanded opportunities this creates for the sector—and for every leader and organization we serve.”  

As part of the merger, Patton McDowell will join Armstrong McGuire’s Executive Leadership team as Senior Director of Leadership Initiatives, leading the expansion of flagship programs such as Mastermind, Leadership Gift School, Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy, and the Interim Management Institute. The Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership podcast will continue to deliver insights and best practices to nonprofit professionals across the country.

Senior Advisor Staci Barfield also joins the Armstrong McGuire leadership team as the Senior Director of Consulting Excellence. In her new role, Staci will lead the innovation of methodologies across the consulting practice and will support the Armstrong McGuire team of advisors to ensure excellence in every client partnership. She will also continue to support clients directly.

Armstrong said, “Staci and excellence are synonymous. She makes our clients and our team better every day. Elevating her role allows us to live even more deeply into our values of experience and results.”

For more information, visit https://www.armstrongmcguire.com.

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Media Contact:

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Shannon Williams

Managing Partner

shannon@armstrongmcguire.com