Meet Your Chief Strategist & Consultant
Helping mission-driven organizations grow, navigate change, and create greater impact.
I founded Marketing that Matters in 2009 on the belief that great marketing can strengthen organizations—and communities. For more than 25 years, I've helped nonprofits, foundations, government agencies, and purpose-driven organizations grow their impact through strategic marketing, communications, branding, storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and executive leadership. Whether serving as a trusted advisor, fractional marketing executive, or strategic partner, my focus is always the same: helping organizations achieve meaningful results—and be known for good.
Our Services
Fractional Executive Leadership
Fractional Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
Sometimes organizations need experienced marketing and communications leadership, but not a full-time executive. As a fractional Chief Marketing or Communications Officer, I partner with leadership teams to provide strategic direction, mentor staff, lead key initiatives, navigate organizational change, and build the marketing and communications capacity needed to support long-term growth and impact.
Strategic Planning
Marketing & Communications Strategy
Successful organizations don't need more tactics—they need a clear strategy. I help organizations assess where they are today, identify opportunities for growth, and develop integrated marketing and communications plans that align with organizational priorities, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and deliver measurable results. Every recommendation is practical, actionable, and designed for implementation.
Brand Strategy & Positioning
Positioning • Messaging • Identity
A strong brand is far more than a logo. It is the story people tell about your organization when you're not in the room. I help organizations clarify who they are, what they stand for, and how they communicate their value through brand strategy, messaging, audience engagement, and positioning that builds trust, credibility, and lasting recognition.
Impact Storytelling
Fundraising • Campaigns • Content Creation
Stories inspire action. Whether supporting annual giving, capital campaigns, major gifts, grantmaking, or community engagement, I help organizations tell authentic stories that connect mission to impact. From donor communications and impact reports to campaign messaging and executive communications, I create content that strengthens relationships and motivates people to give, engage, and act.
Capacity Building
Marketing & Communications Coaching, Mentoring, Training
One of my greatest passions (and strengths) is helping organizations build their own marketing and communications capacity. I partner with executive leaders and communications professionals to strengthen teams through mentoring, coaching, strategic guidance, and customized training in areas such as impact storytelling and integrated communications. My goal isn't simply to complete projects—it's to leave organizations with the skills, confidence, and systems to communicate effectively long after our work together ends.
Audience Engagement
Digital Strategy, Content, Growth
Powerful communications begin with the right story reaching the right audience at the right time. I help organizations develop content strategies that align storytelling with audience needs across websites, email marketing, social media, and other digital channels—building stronger relationships, increasing engagement, and supporting long-term organizational growth.
Our Work
1
Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity
From Communications Audit to Organizational Transformation
What began as a communications audit evolved into a nine-month strategic partnership. Together, we built a stronger communications function, hired and coached a new marketing leader, and developed the tools, strategy, and systems needed for long-term success, including a new website.
2
Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts
Fractional Chief Marketing Officer & Strategic Growth Partner
For nearly 15 years, I served as Bluefin Bay's fractional Chief Marketing Officer, leading brand strategy and marketing for one of Minnesota's premier resort destinations. Together, we strengthened the brand, built customer loyalty, and supported long-term business growth.
3
Central Corridor Funders Collaborative
Strategic Communications for Transformational Change
For a decade, I was a strategic communications advisor to a collaborative of 14 foundations working to transform the Central Corridor. We developed the branding, communications strategy, and stakeholder engagement that helped make the initiative a national model.
By The Numbers
25+ Years
Years in Executive Marketing & Communications Leadership
50+ Organizations
Served Across Nonprofit, Government & Business
30 Strategies
Brand, Marketing, & Communications Strategies Developed
10 Rebrands
Helping Organizations Clarify Their Identity & Increase Impact
Client Testimonials
"We've considered Lori a true strategic partner in our business for more than 15 years. She helped us revitalize the Bluefin Bay brand, achieve and maintain a competitive edge, and continue to grow our revenue and loyal customer base. Her expertise and experience are invaluable."
— Dennis Rysdahl, Owner & CEO, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts
"The communications strategy Lori developed for the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative held up for nearly 10 years of operations. It guided more than just our communications—it guided how we worked in the community. From strategy to content, events, websites, videos and reports, Lori handled it all and far beyond expectations."
— Mary Kay Bailey, Former Director, Central Corridor Funders Collaborative
"Lori helped us navigate a complicated challenge, engage our board and stakeholders, and unlock the magic of our story. Her combination of stakeholder engagement, smart strategy, facilitation, and branding leadership set us up for long-term success."
— Trisha Reinwald, VP of Member Advancement, Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities
