Meet Patricia McCowan

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

Certifications

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

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