Since its founding in 2004, Armstrong McGuire has been defined by our resolve to deliver wise, actionable counsel to meet the moments that matter most for our clients. Our work has always been guided by a deep sense of responsibility in partnering with organizations through times of opportunity, challenge, and change. Our efforts are intentionally collaborative and we are fortunate to learn from and work alongside exceptional colleagues whose knowledge, talents, and dedication are making a significant impact. As we have expanded throughout North Carolina, the Southeast, and across the country, we have forged partnerships with many of these kindred spirits. Over the past year, one organization in particular presented a unique growth opportunity. Forged by shared values and a unified vision for developing high-impact leaders and strengthening sustainable capacity across the social sector, we found a partner that deeply aligned with our beliefs. The kind of partner that feels like family.

Armstrong McGuire is excited to announce the merger of Charlotte-based PMA Nonprofit Leadership into the Armstrong McGuire family, bringing together two mission-driven firms that share a dedication to building capable social sector leaders, resilient organizations, and vibrant communities. PMA’s founder, Patton McDowell, has joined Armstrong McGuire’s executive team as Senior Director of Leadership Initiatives. Members of PMA’s professional team will also join Armstrong McGuire in various capacities as we align our operating cultures. We are thrilled to welcome PMA’s team, clients, program alumni, and podcast audience into the Armstrong McGuire family.

Our story with Patton and his team began as friendly rivals—both firms working hard for nonprofits, crossing paths now and then, each winning our fair share. But after the world shifted during the pandemic, we had a chance to sit down together, swap origin stories, and dig into our values and what really drives us. Turns out, we share a lot more than a competitive spirit—we’re both passionate about helping nonprofits and their leaders thrive. Along with its respected consulting work, PMA began to lean heavily into leadership and professional development work in recent years, while Armstrong McGuire doubled down on building its operating capacity, further strengthening our own leadership, organizational, and resource development planning services. What kept bringing us back together was a growing respect for each other’s approach and a recognition that, by combining our unique skills and experiences, we could do even more good. That spirit of partnership, fueled by mutual admiration and a shared vision advancing mission-driven organizations, kept drawing our teams closer, opening the door to new ways for us to learn from each other and elevate the impact of the social sector, side by side. This merger results from months of planning and years of mutual respect for each other's work.

Further deepening our commitment to serving clients and the nonprofit sector, we are also delighted to announce that longtime Armstrong McGuire Senior Advisor Staci Barfield is stepping into a dynamic new role as Senior Director of Consulting Excellence. In this expanded leadership position, Staci will continue to deliver outstanding project guidance to our clients while driving enhancements across our strategic consulting practice. Her vision and expertise will help us elevate, refine, and innovate our service methods, ensuring that our support is stronger, more adaptive, and more impactful than ever before. As with the merger, Staci’s skills and professionalism will further enhance the caliber of our work.

This merger and team expansion will help us cultivate a transformative ecosystem—one that not only supports ambitious leaders and the organizations they guide, but also inspires innovation, fosters resilience, and drives lasting impact across the social sector. Our services will expand and we will deepen client access to professional coaching and training, peer-to-peer learning cohorts, transition planning and interim management services, recruitment services, and organizational and resource development planning. Through it all, our core values of integrity, experience, relationships, and results will guide every facet of this transition, serving as the foundation for all that we do.  

Looking Ahead

At the heart of this merger and expansion lies a singular purpose: to unlock the full potential of those who are entrusted with serving our communities. By uniting the expertise, resources, and passion of Armstrong McGuire and PMA Nonprofit Leadership, we are deepening our commitment to empowering leaders, strengthening organizations, and, ultimately, enhancing our support of the social sector. We remain committed to the values we share, and to ensuring that every leader and organization we support is equipped to drive meaningful and lasting change for the communities they serve. We look forward to continuing this journey with you.

To learn more about our merger and enhanced capabilities click here. And be on the lookout for our new website coming later this year, featuring expanded resources to support your professional development and strengthen your organization’s path to sustainability.

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