Contact: Amy Coates Madsen Director, Standards for Excellence Institute^® 443.438.2314 acmadsen@standardsforexcellence.org Baltimore, MD – November 19, 2015 The Standards for Excellence Institute, an initiative designed to help nonprofit organizations operate more ethically and accountably, announces its 2015 Class of Licensed Consultants. Recently completing the intensive, three-day training, class members are now licensed in every aspect of the Standards for Excellence program and are capable of assisting nonprofits nationwide. Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultants use their new, extensive knowledge of the multi-faceted initiative to help nonprofits strengthen their governance practices and exceed the rising demand for nonprofit accountability. They provide nonprofit organizations with organizational assessments, consulting, training, and assistance in the application process for national Standards for Excellence accreditation. Licensed Consultants may also use the Standards for Excellence training curricula and educational materials in all areas where the Institute does not have replication partners nationwide. Many licensed consultants will also work with licensed replication partners. Dan McDermott, a new Licensed Consultant based in Easton, Maryland, offered, “The Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant Training was the best professional development opportunity that I have taken advantage of in my 26 years of nonprofit leadership. The training provided a road map that is easy to follow to ensure nonprofit success, accountability, ethical practice and enhanced public engagement. The Standards for Excellence Institute forged a network of like-minded nonprofit leaders who are committed to changing the world. The team that ran the training is amazing and it is hard not rate the entire experience as a 5 out of 5.” Heather Iliff, President and CEO of the Standards for Excellence Institute, shared that, “We are thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of highly accomplished individuals into our Licensed Consultant consortium. This year’s class comes at a time when more nonprofit organizations are seeking ways to operate by the highest standards in nonprofit management and governance.” [caption id="attachment_1223" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant Class of 2015 The Licensed Consultant Program has grown each year since its inception in 2006. A searchable directory of consultants can be found on the Institute’s website. Here are the most recent Licensed Consultants: Signe Bell, Wilmington, DE Marla Bobowick, Washington, DC Alayna Buckner, Washington, DC Patrick (P.J.) Chambers, Aberdeen, MD Jacki Coyle, Silver Spring, MD Kim Hildred, Alexandria, VA Robin Hindsman Stacia, Psy.D, Atlanta, GA Jessica Kohnen, Baltimore, MD David Kubacki, Wilmington, DE Ruth Louie, Baltimore, MD Mika Marumoto, Bethesda, MD Robert McCreary, Wilmington, DE Daniel McDermott, Easton, MD Arshad Merchant, Bethesda, MD Mala Nagarajan, Rockville, MD Brett Newberger, Owings Mills, MD Jane O'Leary, Baltimore, MD Candace Osunsade, Baltimore, MD Yvonne Petersen, Christiansted, VI Michael Piraino, Bainbridge Island, WA Jan Santolla, Dayton, MD Pattie Tingle, Salisbury, MD Robert Whitmore, D.Ed., Greencastle, PA Rosann Wisman, Washington, DC In addition to these independent consultants, Jessica Pfau of Ardmore, OK and S’Neta Benefield of Silver Spring, MD participated on behalf of licensed Standards for Excellence replication partners the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits and the American Nurses Association, respectively. Standards for Excellence replication partners are licensed to use all program materials, including the Standards for Excellence code, educational resources, training curricula, accreditation program materials and public relations and public education information in a geographically defined area or for a specific group of affiliates, chapters, or related organizations. The Standards for Excellence Institute will offer the next Licensed Consultant program in the fall of 2016.  For information on applying to participate, complete the online request for information form. The Institute, an operating division of Maryland Nonprofits, uses the Standards for Excellence program as its vehicle for effective change. The Standards for Excellence program works to help nonprofit organizations act ethically and accountably in their management and governance, while enhancing the public's trust in the nonprofit sector.  To learn more, visit www.standardsforexcellence.org.