Challenge: Retention of high-quality employees is a critical component to an organization’s success. When a national organization experienced the resignation of an executive, it turned to LCA to coordinate the recruitment and selection of a new leader. Approach: LCA worked closely with the organization throughout the process and expertly handled responsibilities that ranged from placing ads for the position to scheduling interviews with candidates.  Deliverables: LCA assists clients with writing and editing cover letters and résumés that result in interviews. Several clients have used the cover letter and résumé that LCA revamped to secure executive-level positions. Results: As a result of LCA’s efforts, the organization filled the position with a highly qualified leader who was poised to transform the organization from good to great.​

Challenge: Regardless of the size or type of business, the development and implementation of an integrated marketing communications plan is critical to ensuring an organization’s success. An organization hired LCA to create an integrated communications plan. Approach: For the first phase of the plan, LCA outlined the formative research process, which involved situational and organizational analyses as well as a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. The second phase of the plan focused on strategy development, and the third phase encompassed communications tactics and goals, which included blogs, e-mail messages, news releases and ads. The last stage of the plan outlined the measures that were used to evaluate the plan, which included monitoring and recording social media followers and usage, website usage and blog comments.​​ Deliverables: LCA delivered an integrated marketing communications plan. Results: The client lacked the time and personnel to develop the plan and found that by outsourcing the plan development to LCA, it was able to focus on other time-sensitive priorities.

Challenge: Diversity is an important topic that needs to be addressed in our culture; however, some individuals and organizations shy away from talking about it. Fortunately, other institutions embrace diversity as a core value of their organization, which is the case for one of LCA’s clients. In recognition of this core value, the client sought to write a letter to the editor. Approach: Together, LCA and the client drafted a powerful letter that provided examples of the different types of people who have positively impacted the client. Deliverables: LCA worked with the client to write a letter to the editor that was submitted to local newspapers in celebration of Diversity Week.  Results: The examples caught the attention of the readers and drove home the message that the client values and embraces diversity. The article also made people stop and think about their own circle of acquaintances and friends and how different types of people have touched their lives. Based on the article, the client received accolades and praise for addressing a subject that some people will not discuss. Readers also enjoyed learning more about the client.

Challenge: Effective and consistent outreach and promotion are critical components that will help to make any organization successful. Recently, one of LCA’s clients was unable to write and edit news releases, newspaper columns and website stories due to a staffing shortage. The client contacted LCA and asked if we could handle the projects until a position was filled. Approach: LCA assisted this client with writing and editing, helping them maximize their time.  Deliverables: LCA produced accurate and compelling communication pieces. Results: The client experienced increased news coverage and enhanced communication with its stakeholders.​ The client was extremely pleased with the process and final products.

Challenge: Developing effective and compelling promotional materials is critically important for all organizations – from small businesses to nonprofit organizations.  Approach: LCA created a logo, brochure and website for a new business. Deliverables: The brochure included the new logo, a description of the business, the fees associated with the service, photographs and testimonials from current customers. The website included in-depth information about the organization and its offerings and an online form that potential customers used to request more information. Results: The business owner directed interested individuals to these resources, allowing potential consumers to make more informed decisions.

Challenge: Establishing and maintaining social media sites increases the visibility of an entrepreneur or organization by helping to build a broad audience of potential customers.  Approach: LCA developed and updated social media sites for one of its clients.  Deliverables: LCA established and maintained four social media sites. Results: The social media sites resulted in a significant increase in client followers, fans and connections.

Challenge: When a client saw the need to raise funds for a special event that she could not afford to host with limited resources, she turned to LCA. Approach: LCA coordinated and planned a memorable special event that included event sponsorships.  Deliverables: LCA developed a list of possible sponsors and a sponsorship letter requesting contributions in support of the event. LCA also created an event logo, flier and website promoting the event.  Results: The client was able to secure the necessary resources and gain outstanding public awareness to hold a successful event. The client was thrilled with the results: “We had a full house and it appeared everyone had fun. So, thanks again for all of your professional work. It was one big happy family.”

Challenge: Websites serve a variety of purposes - from informing stakeholders about the organization to providing visitors information and resources. One of LCA’s clients is an entrepreneur who was interested in a website to better promote her business. She decided to use LCA to develop her website. Approach: Regardless of the goal, LCA works with clients to develop websites that accurately depict the purpose of their organization. Deliverables: LCA developed a website for the client that is professional and eye-catching.​ Results: The client is extremely pleased with the end result. “The experience was really positive. The customer service was good — when I had questions, they responded in a timely manner. I had been planning my website for years, and I am finally able to give my business a Web presence,” she said.​

Challenge: A client needed media training for their large organization.  Approach: LCA offers webinars and workshops on a variety of topics, including communications, media training and public relations. Deliverables: LCA conducted media training for employees.  Results: Eighty-nine percent of the survey respondents rated the training as excellent or very good. Following are some of the comments from workshop participants: "I enjoy Linnie's presentation style and appreciate her expertise." "thank you for sharing valuable tips with us!" "Really appreciated you taking the time to share your expertise and experiences with us."

After discussing your needs, we can help you to: ​ Evaluate the knowledge and skills of your admissions team and develop professional development plans to fill any gaps Enhance or develop an admissions strategic plan Determine admissions goals Enhance or develop plans to recruit prospective students who are members of historically underrepresented groups Enhance or develop admissions-related checklists, policies and procedures Enhance or develop admissions-related presentations Improve admissions-related customer service

If you have a lot of responsibility and need a trusted, discreet thought partner, you’re in the right place.   LCA provides professional coaching that is practical, strategic and action-oriented. This executive-level coaching is designed to help you make decisions, communicate with confidence and lead with clarity.   You’ll leave coaching with: Clear next steps  Stronger executive presence and influence Better messaging for high-stakes conversations A plan you can implement immediately Support that is honest, respectful and confidential   We work best with clients who are: CEOs and leaders who need a sounding board and strategic support  Advancement, communications, marketing and fundraising leaders who oversee high-visibility work  High-performing professional women navigating leadership challenges, burnout, conflict and/or uncertainty Entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders building credibility, structure and momentum   Coaching is customized to your goals, but common areas include: Career and professional brand Communication, marketing and public relations Fundraising, boards and advancement strategies Leadership and influence Public speaking and visibility   Confidentiality is non-negotiable. We coach with discretion and professionalism.    We understand the pressure leaders face, because we’ve lived it. We bring experience, discretion, loyalty, critical-thinking skills, high standards and real support.

LCA excels at developing thorough and thoughtful campaigns. After discussing your needs, we help you determine your target audiences and the best ways to reach those groups. Then we develop a detailed plan of action that outlines the tasks associated with the campaign, including specific deadlines and attainable goals. The finished plans take clients from A to Z and are easy to implement.   Our communication, marketing and public relations services include: ​ Campaign development and implementation Logo design Media relations Multimedia presentation development Publication design and development Social media marketing Website design and development Writing, editing and proofreading

Filling Operational Gaps and Putting Donors First Community college foundations often spend too much time on administrative tasks and not enough time building donor relationships. We help foundations identify and fill operational gaps, strengthen policies and procedures, train staff and build donor-first systems that last. Our services include: Gap Analysis and Audit Review policies, procedures and systems Review position descriptions Identify compliance, efficiency and donor-engagement gaps System Development and Integration Create and update policies, procedures and manuals Enhance and/or build systems that prevent future breakdowns Training and Capacity Building Provide staff training and leadership workshops Deliver practical tools and resources for sustainability Donor-Centered Shift Reduce administrative tasks Increase cultivation, stewardship and relationship-building activities Coaching Community College Leaders Community college leadership is uniquely complex: limited resources, ambitious missions, evolving community needs and relentless expectations. LCA’s coaching experience is built for community college presidents, foundation executives, advancement leaders and emerging leaders - so they can lead with clarity, strengthen teams and accelerate results.  Our coaching services help community college leaders to: Sharpen strategic focus and executive presence Reduce time on low-value administrative tasks and increase time on stakeholder impact Align their teams and boards around measurable priorities Professionalize fundraising, marketing and communications systems Develop healthy, inclusive and resilient cultures that retain high-performers  Our services include: Biweekly 60-minute virtual coaching sessions  “Quick consults” between sessions for urgent issues  Customized plans with key performance indicators  Toolkits and templates  Skill labs Facilitating Team and Board Retreats Community college teams and foundation boards juggle big missions, limited resources and urgent expectations. LCA can design and facilitate high-energy retreats that create clarity, strengthen trust and convert ideas into action plans you can execute immediately.   Our services include: Pre-Work and Discovery: Brief stakeholder interviews and online surveys Customized Retreat Design and Agenda: No cookie-cutter agendas Professional Facilitation: Visual scribing and decision capture Retreat Brief: Goals, ground rules and pre-reads Post-Retreat Deliverables: Summary report, action plan and follow-up accountability check-ins Raising Money for Community College Foundations Community college foundations are expected to deliver big results with limited time, limited staff and competing priorities. LCA helps you build fundraising momentum and raise more money by clarifying priorities, strengthening donor communications, activating your board and implementing practical systems that keep fundraising organized and measurable.   Our services include: ​ Fundraising Diagnostic and Strategy Fundraising assessment (what’s working, what’s not and why) Goal-setting, key metrics and an executable fundraising roadmap Campaign Planning and Implementation Annual fundraising plan or campaign plan (with timelines, targets and accountability) Donor outreach strategy, solicitation planning and progress tracking Major Gifts and Donor Pipeline Development Prospect identification and cultivation strategy Donor moves management tools and stewardship planning Annual Giving and Appeals Appeal calendar and themes Content support and donor-friendly messaging improvements Board Fundraising Activation Clear fundraising expectations and role clarity Board training, tools and ways to engage donors Stewardship and Donor Experience Stewardship plan, recognition strategy and donor reporting improvements Scholarship and donor impact storytelling support Scholarship Fundraising and Fund Stewardship Support Scholarship fundraising strategies Practical improvements to help protect and honor donor intent Systems and Operations that Support Fundraising Policy and procedure recommendations that reduce administrative burden Database improvement recommendations to support tracking and follow-up Interim Leadership for Community Colleges When a leader resigns or goes on leave or when a vacancy creates operational risk, community colleges cannot afford to lose momentum. LCA provides interim executive support to stabilize operations, lead teams with confidence, protect relationships and keep essential work moving forward – while you recruit and onboard permanent leadership. Our services include: Interim Advancement and Foundation Executive Leadership Leadership coverage to maintain fundraising momentum and donor confidence Team management and priority-setting  Interim Communications, Marketing and PR Leadership Leadership for high-stakes communications, messaging alignment and workflow stabilization Support during rapid change, sensitive issues or transitions Interim Admissions and Enrollment Support Strategy support, team coordination and customer service improvements Recruitment workflow and communications support Transition Stabilization and Risk Reduction Rapid assessment of what’s urgent versus what can wait Plans, roles and accountability Stakeholder Communications During Transition Talking points, leadership messages and internal communications support Board and leadership alignment to reduce the impact of confusion and rumor mills Search and Handoff Support Support during executive searches  Clean handoff and onboarding plan for the incoming leader Special Projects  Management of special projects when the team lacks time or capacity Systems, policies and procedures improvements that keep the operation healthy ​ Dr. Linnie Carter brings deep community college leadership experience across advancement, foundations, fundraising and communications. She emphasizes and practices discretion, reliability and high performance.

LCA is aware that there is a shortage of high-performing human resources professionals. That is why we work with clients to take an HR function off your plate – employee communications. We have many years of experience effectively communicating with employees about a variety of topics, including: ​ Benefits Budget challenges Crises Furloughs Layoffs New hires Policy changes Racial discrimination   Name it, and we can handle the employee communications for you. ​ Our employee communications services include: Developing email messages Developing talking points Planning virtual meetings Writing news releases Writing speeches

LCA uses a proven formula to provide cover letters and résumés that follow industry-standard style guidelines and are free of typos and grammatical errors. In addition, LCA develops and implements processes to recruit executives and will create a customized process for your organization. ​ Our executive services include: ​ Coaching services Cover letter and résumé writing Executive search services Interim executive management services Re-branding of individuals seeking executive-level positions

LCA conducts research to determine why individuals and organizations contribute or do not contribute, provides recommendations on how to better communicate with prospective donors and implements proven strategies that will help organizations become more donor-centered. Also, LCA excels at developing thorough and thoughtful campaign plans to achieve fundraising goals. LCA works closely and confidentially with clients to develop and implement plans of action to reinvigorate board members, help them to better enjoy their volunteerism and recruit new board members. ​ Our fundraising services include: ​ Donor and alumni analyses Fundraising campaign development and implementation Nonprofit board growth and development

LCA specializes in developing and improving organizational structures. After determining how we can address clients’ needs, we meet with selected stakeholders and develop logical, service-oriented organizational structures that will maximize the talents of organizations’ employees. LCA excels at developing plans of action that meet department and organizational goals. We prioritize the projects that need to be handled, complete the projects while working closely with the appropriate internal and external stakeholders and deliver an excellent product by established deadlines and within approved budgets. Our planning services include: ​ Organizational Improvement Assess the leadership and effectiveness of units and develop a written report of recommendations Conduct an assessment of stakeholders’ strengths, weaknesses, talents and skills Develop a new organizational structure for an organization Serve as an advisor to a CEO ​ Structural Development Communication audits Communication and style guides Donor database procedures manuals Fundraising plans Grant management processes Graphic design request processes Policy manuals Print filing systems Electronic filing systems Planned giving programs Communication, marketing, public relations and public awareness plans Visual identity standards

Dr. Linnie Carter delivers dynamic keynotes and workshops on leadership, fundraising, PR, philanthropy and equity in higher education and beyond. Please visit our Speaker page to learn more and book Dr. Linnie Carter.

LCA coordinates, plans and implements memorable in-person and virtual events, speaking engagements and event sponsorships. In addition, LCA develops relationships with competent, reliable and high-performance vendors to ensure clients’ goals are achieved and needs are met.

When Linnie S. Carter, Ph.D., APR, refers to ‘hitting it out of the ballpark’, her clients, colleagues and students know that something very special is about to happen. Dr. Linnie Carter is a seasoned public relations executive, entrepreneur and educator with a renowned work ethic, where excellence is expected and nothing less is accepted. ​ For more than 30 years, Dr. Linnie Carter has honed her stellar work ethic with roles in public relations, communications, fundraising and higher education. She is currently the president and CEO of Linnie Carter & Associates LLC (LCA). In addition to running her own company, Carter serves as the vice president of college advancement at a community college and is part of a cooperative with other women entrepreneurs. Of her diverse responsibilities, Dr. Linnie Carter says, "I am a more effective company CEO because of my experience as a college administrator and professor. The skills required by these positions are complementary, and I strive constantly to improve my performance in each."​ When asked about the accomplishments of her company, Dr. Linnie Carter proudly describes a project: "A higher education client had asked us to serve as their public relations department while they searched for new staff. Over a two-month period, LCA produced more than 25 written pieces for the client. The writing we provided was diverse, including news releases announcing special events and new programs and website content that showcased high-achieving students and community award winners. We also created student profiles, features for local newspapers and correspondence for college administrators. Most importantly, the feedback that we received from the client was excellent," she says.​ When asked how she successfully juggles serving as a community college vice president and managing a company, Dr. Linnie Carter says, "I give a lot of credit for my professional success to my mother. She reared her children to have an extraordinary work ethic. She did not try to paint a rosy picture of the world for us, nor did she buffer us from life. She was loving but also insisted that we never do anything halfway." Dr. Linnie Carter says that she now lives her mother's advice daily, dislikes the work ethic and habits of lazy people as a result and believes that her exemplary work ethic attracts like-minded colleagues and clients.​ Dr. Linnie Carter’s successful professional experience is matched by equally impressive academic credentials. She earned a doctorate in community college leadership from Old Dominion University, and she holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in mass communications from VCU. She also earned the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation from the Universal Accreditation Board.​ Dr. Linnie Carter’s hard work and professional success has been recognized by her peers and professional associations. Throughout all of her professional endeavors and successes, Dr. Linnie Carter has been committed to giving back to her community.​ Dr. Linnie Carter and her husband elevated their philanthropic efforts by establishing a nonprofit organization, Carter Scholars Inc., in February 2011. This organization provides financial assistance to students who live in the states where Dr. Linnie Carter and her husband have lived. She says, "A lack of money should never be a barrier for our students not having access to the academic tools that they need to be successful."​ For more information about Dr. Linnie Carter, please visit her website, DrLinnie.com.

Our primary goals are simple: To make sure our clients always celebrate the day they hired us and to exceed their expectations. ​ To achieve these goals, we are guided by five core values: ​ Confidentiality — Discretion and confidentiality are essential. We will never share with others information that is entrusted to us. Excellence — We strive for excellence and do whatever it takes — ethically, morally and legally — to achieve it. High Performance — Our work ethic is unmatched and is reflected in high-quality work that is produced by established deadlines and within budgetary limits. Integrity — We will always be truthful, sincere and candid with you and will never engage in unethical, immoral or illegal activities. Our word is our bond. Service — We are client-focused, responsive, committed and loyal. If we commit to doing something, you can consider it done.

Linnie Carter & Associates LLC is client- and community-oriented and takes its commitment to service seriously. The company and the president and CEO financially support many nonprofit organizations, including the following: ​ HACC Foundation Leadership Harrisburg Area Leadership Metro Richmond Old Dominion University Virginia Commonwealth University

Yes, you can. The fees of Linnie Carter & Associates LLC are fair, reasonable and competitive. Please complete a service request to learn more about the fees for these specialized services. We have found that organizations in need of our services cannot afford to not hire us.

Yes, we accept and work with clients throughout the United States.

We offer a variety of services for a variety of organizations and individuals. Consider the services to be a menu from which you can choose. We will talk with you to determine what you need and customize the services to suit your organization.

Completion times depend upon the complexity of the projects. For example, writing and distributing three news releases may take only a week. Developing a suite of publications may take a month. Rebuilding and restructuring units and boards may take much longer. If you decide to use our services, we will work closely with you to develop a plan of action (including deadlines) that will meet your needs.

Yes, we have experience working with different types of organizations. Some of them adapted readily to change, and others adapted more slowly. We realize that change can be difficult and are sensitive to the diverse cultures of organizations. We will seek your advice about the best way to engage, involve and support your stakeholders to help ensure a successful outcome.

One of our core values is confidentiality, and we take it very seriously. Linnie Carter & Associates LLC will not discuss confidential matters with anyone who is not authorized by you. In addition, we will sign confidentiality statements reiterating this. Mutual respect and trust are essential in these types of partnerships.

Yes, we have references and encourage you to contact them to learn more about our services and quality of work.

Please access this webpage to contact us. We will respond within 48 hours and will be happy to answer your questions.