Ryan Dean Consulting was Created to Help Nonprofit Organizations in Transition
Accomplished nonprofit leader and inclusive collaborator with a proven record of strengthening organizations, securing diverse funding, and improving board governance. Recognized for effective communication, rapid implementation of best practices, and empowering staff development. Ready to deliver immediate value through strategic planning, financial management, and operational excellence.
Experience
Recent consulting deliverables include:
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Rapid assessment of Maple Valley Historical Society with new Board Treasurer.
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Virtual webinar with King County 4Culture Network of Support on healthy financial practices.
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Interim CFO Alliance for Community Transformations.
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Interim Controller Wing Luke Museum.
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Interim Finance Director Outdoors for All Foundation.
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Written assessment with recommendations for the Finance Department of Museum of Pop Culture.
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Facilitation and fundraising for a first-ever fundraising dinner for Living Well Kent.
- Lunchtime curriculum teaching "nonprofit management for non-financial managers" to Puget Sound Grantwriters Association.
Two decades of nonprofit leadership experience in finance and operations leveraged to help your community impact organization transform to increase its efficiency and impact. Modeling a servant-leadership style, Ryan has developed numerous staff during his career including two Director's of Finance becoming Chief Financial Officers at other organizations.
Specific expertise in quickly assessing underlying financial condition and the associated risks and opportunities for the organization. Engaged in building financial literacy across organizations so that individuals closest to the work understand the implications of their choices. Have led during periods of extraordinary growth as well as necessary re-organizations when actual conditions proved different than expected.
Experienced across a wide variety of functions as noted below:
Assessments • Board Governance • Capital Project Financing • Cash Flow Modeling • Event & Culinary Management • Financial Management • Facilities Operations & Building Maintenance • Government Relations • IT • Nonprofit Audit & Tax • Personnel • Philanthropy • Retail Operations • Strategic Planning
Testimonials
"I got to know Ryan while I was on the Board at FareStart, where he was the CFO. Ryan was a pleasure to work with, cared super deeply about FareStart's mission, and did a great job managing FareStart's finances. And because FareStart is a non-profit social enterprise with various lines of business, the finances were pretty complicated. I'm not a finance person, and Ryan was always happy to explain things to me in a clear and concise way that I could understand. He also asked good questions and provided thoughtful insights into the non-finance parts of the business." Christopher S., Attorney
"I highly recommend Ryan as his positive attitude, unwavering commitment to supporting others' growth, and pragmatic solutions make him an exceptional coach and mentor. Ryan's infectious positivity creates an uplifting environment and he is dedicated to empowering individuals, going above and beyond to provide tailored guidance and support. Ryan's approach is grounded in practicality, consistently offering pragmatic solutions that yield tangible results. " Michael P., Analytics and AI Integrity Consultant
"Ryan is a rare leader who combines exceptional business acumen with genuine warmth and empathy. He has a deep understanding of strategy, operations, and finance, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to build meaningful relationships and lead with kindness. Ryan’s natural talent for connection and driving operational excellence, makes him a trusted partner and an inspiring colleague. " Serae W., HR & People Operations Leader
About Me
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ryan has resided in the Seattle area with his family since 1993. When not working, he is often out trail running, cycling or playing Ultimate Frisbee. Ryan is grateful for the generations of land stewardship by the Ute and Tiwa tribes in New Mexico and the Coast Salish People of the Northwest including the Duwamish People of the Seattle area.
As a cisgendered white man, Ryan acknowledges that he's benefited from enormous unearned privilege and as a consequence carries a responsibility to reduce the harm he causes in the world.
Current Board Service
Finance Committee for TBD.
Finance Committee for DiscNW, whose mission is to create inclusive and equitable opportunities to engage in the sport of Ultimate Frisbee at all levels.
Current Consulting Clients
Maple Valley Historical Society whose mission is to collect, preserve, educate and promote the history of the Greater Maple Valley area.
Spotlight Repertory NW whose mission is to bring exceptional live music and performing arts to the community.
Queen Anne Historical Society whose mission is to preserve, protect, and share the history of the people and places of Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood.
Wing Luke Museum whose mission is to connect everyone to the dynamic history, cultures and art of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences to advance racial and social equity.
Former Board Service
Mayor Greg Nickels' appointee to the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board (2005-2007), which advises the Mayor, City Council, and City Departments and Divisions on projects, policies, and programs that improve and/or affect bicycling conditions in Seattle.
Finance Committee for Washington STEM (2019-2026) , whose mission is to advance excellence, innovation, and equity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for all Washington students.
Former Nonprofit Employers/Clients
Alliance for Community Transformations (2025) whose mission is to provide responsive and preventative services to individuals and families to create truly safe, healthy and socially just communities where every member thrives.
Living Well Kent (2024-2025) whose mission is to provide public spaces and initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles and better living.
Outdoors for All (2024) whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through outdoor recreation.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) (2023) whose mission is to to make creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect our communities.
FareStart (2017-2023) whose mission is to transform lives, disrupt poverty and nourish communities through food, life skills and job training.
Seattle Aquarium (2005-2016) whose mission is to inspire conservation of the marine environment.
Contact
Phone: (206) 409-0485 Email: rsdean1@gmail.com
