Chris Marshall Advancement ConsultingÂ
GPS for Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving
We help institutions build sustainable, results-driven advancement programs. From alumni engagement to strategic planning to annual giving, our data-backed approach delivers immediate and lasting impact. Let us guide you on your journey.
Explore Our Solutions
Your Goals. Our Strategy.
Strategic Planning & Assessment
Bring your institutional vision to life with an alumni and constituent engagement roadmap built for action. Our structured planning process helps teams align and achieve measurable results.
Annual Giving Transformation
Energize your pipeline with CMACâs GPS Frameworkâhelping annual giving programs grow into dynamic donor development engines that support both short-term wins and long-term growth.
Engagement Metrics Solutions
Gain clarity with our Engagement Constellation Report (ECR). Visualize connections, uncover opportunities, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Advancement Team Development
Set your team up for success with coaching, training, and interim leadership support that meets the momentâespecially during transitions or times of change.
Grow Your Teamâs Expertise through CMACâs
Micro-Consulting Services and Workshops
Office Hours
Our signature micro-consulting offering. This 3-hour partnership is our most customizable, flexible, and designed for organizations looking to explore a CMAC partnership.
Alumni Engagement Strategy Lab
This interactive 2-hour session introduces key concepts behind effective alumni engagement planning. Great for teams or boards exploring their next strategy.
Live Workshopsâ¨
Our Integrated Advancement courses are perfect for newcomers and more seasoned program leaders. The 101 and 201-level workshops unpack how alumni and annual giving teams are reshaping advancement.
Why Institutions Choose CMAC
Proven Approach
We use real-world results â not theory â to guide our work. Our frameworks are built on what we know delivers impact across diverse institutions.
Results You Can Measure
Our clients see the difference: stronger pipelines, improved donor retention, and more engaged volunteers â all aligned with institutional goals.
Built for Implementation
We donât just advise â we roll up our sleeves with tools, templates, and continued support that make execution possible and sustainable.
Deep Advancement Experience
Weâve sat in your seat. Our team brings decades of leadership across advancement functions and understands how to navigate complex challenges.
Partnerships That Meet You Where You Are
Whether you need guidance, hands-on help, or a trusted partner to manage the details, CMAC offers three flexible ways to work together:
Strategic Guidance
Energize your pipeline with CMACâs GPS Framework â helping annual giving programs grow into dynamic donor development engines that support both short-term wins and long-term growth.
Implementation Support
Gain clarity with our Engagement Constellation Report (ECR). Visualize connections, uncover opportunities, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Managed Services
Set your team up for success with coaching, training, and interim leadership support that meets the moment âespecially during transitions or times of change.
What Our Clients Say About Us
âCMAC knows the alumni engagement business better than anyone else in the industry. The team brings a wealth of applicable experience to bear when working with colleges and universities. He has provided consulting and guidance to scores of alumni operations, nationwide, large and small, including for my institution. The counsel CMAC provided to me, and my team has been invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our program.â
Matt Winston, Executive Director for Alumni Engagement
UTEP alumni communications greatly benefited from a partnership with CMAC. With Ryan Catherwoodâs guidance, our team critically evaluated the purpose and effectiveness of our messaging and leaned into a more balanced strategy beyond âthe ask.â Our new alumni content creators program has led to increased communications engagements, the ability to highlight a broader array of stories, and a strong foundation for digital community-building.â
Sydney Bertram, Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications & Engagement at UTEP
âWe brought CMAC in to speak candidly about out key stakeholders, assess what we were doing, make recommendations, and then develop a roadmap for where we needed to go to build a modern advancement program. His work left a lasting impression, and more importantly, has helped us establish a culture that will benefit us for years to come.â
Maureen Madden, Head of School, Seabury Hall
âChris Marshall simply is the best. He is an experienced, eloquent listener who knows how to help institutions engage their constituents better. His approach leave those involved better informed and more inspired to lead. Ultimately, his reports and recommendations provide a measurable and purposeful path forward.â
JT Forbes, President and CEO of the Indiana University Foundation.
âOver the course of our work together, Chris became a trusted partner. He provided TCU with a thorough, detailed, and data-driven assessment of our alumni relations program. The recommendations we received serve as our roadmap for refining our strategy and increasing alumni engagement.â
Don Whelan, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at TCU
âCMACâs work with UCLA was transformational. He provided a research-based and constituent informed report that served as a strategic plan for three years. Game changer!â
Julia Sina, Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Affairs at UCLA
âA thought leader in the field, Chris was instrumental in guiding our alumni board through the creation of their strategic plan. He is a true resource to any institution.
Mary Neuenschwander, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement at Lafayette College
At CMAC, we believe advancementâwhen grounded in values and driven by visionâcan do more than raise funds; it can transform the future of higher education.
