Founded by Patricia McCowan, Xanthus Consulting works with purpose-driven organizations to invigorate mission alignment and sustainability through facilitative leadership. Together, we focus on your vision to discover opportunities for alignment, engagement, and growth.

A Word from Our Founder

I believe not-for-profit organizations are essential to creating a just and humane world. I delight in partnering with staff and volunteers who are realizing their passion and dreams through their work. That’s why I founded Xanthus Consulting in 2019. Since then, I have been a “friction fixer” for so many wonderful local, national, and international organizations.

I help not-for-profit leadership work together more productively and sustainably with less stress. For more than 20 years, I have helped organizations clarify and coalesce around their vision, roles, and sustainability in a way that reduces internal friction and allows them to achieve and exceed their goals in less time.

I support your purpose-driven organization through leadership continuity, board development, and facilitation. I bring knowledge gained through a Master of NonProfit Leadership (MNPL) degree from Seattle University, a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource, and Third Sector Company‘s Interim Executives Academy.

—Patricia McCowan, Founder, Xanthus Consulting

Pat McCowan, Founder & Owner of Xanthus Consulting
Pat McCowan, Founder & Owner of Xanthus Consulting

Certifications

Below are a few of my certifications. Click on the images to learn more about each one.

Board Chairs Academy from ThirdSector Company
Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting (CNBC) from BoardSource
Dare to Lead™ Trained from Brené Brown, Ph.D, MSW
Interim Executives Academy from ThirdSector Company

Speaking Engagements

I am always honored when asked to speak at a conference, workshop, or training. I’ve included a few of my recent non-profit–related public speaking engagements. I welcome the opportunity to speak at your organization’s next session. Contact me to start the conversation.

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

  • PATH International Conference 2025 • “The Heart of Change Management: People, Emotions, Growth” (International Conference Speaker Session) • November 9, 2025, in Denver

Past Speaking Engagements

  • Sno-Isle Library • “Maintaining Your Non-Profit Status” (Training) • May 15, 2025, in Snohomish, WA, and May 30, 2025, in Edmonds, WA
  • Community for Youth • “How to Be an Effective Board Committee Member” (Training) • December 9, 2024, in Seattle
  • Whidbey Community Foundation • “Maintaining the Momentum” (Training) • December 2, 2024, in Coupeville, WA
  • Renton Area Non-Profits Unite • “Challenges of Board Engagement” (Guest Speaker) • June 24, 2024, in Renton, WA
  • “Nonprofit Financial Fitness: Tools for Success” (Regional Conference Speaker) • June 15, 2024, in Ellensburg, WA
  • PATH International Conference 2023 • “Positioning Nonprofit Organizations for Successful Leadership Transitions” (International Conference Speaker Session) • October 27, 2023, in Charlotte, NC
  • Nonprofit Association of Washington State Annual Conference (Virtual) • “Understanding the Challenges of Board Engagement” (Workshop) • May 14, 2023