Orr Associates, Inc.

The Importance of Bringing Together a Talented Team

As many nonprofits can attest, hiring the right people to fill key positions is a challenging and time-consuming task. With an average timeframe of six to nine months to fill many senior level positions, nonprofits often struggle to maintain their day-to-day functions, let alone undertake major shifts in development strategy or execute fundraising events.

OAI's highly accomplished staff has the ability to complement groups that face hiring challenges. Many members of our staff have amassed extensive experience in development, strategy, nonprofit management and administration, and event management at some of the leading local and national nonprofit organizations.

By bringing together experienced staff in each of these areas, OAI is able to provide a breadth of services to many different causes and support a variety of key organizational functions. The quality of our staff is a major asset, not only to OAI, but to each and every one of our clients.

– Carol C. Orr
Partner & Producer

Building Renovations: OAI Grows at 2801 M Street

OAI's offices at 2801 M Street were recently expanded to include space on the building's second floor. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on March 7 to celebrate the opening of the second floor space. OAI's historic "Production Room" has moved to this new space enabling our staff to further expand. The former production room has been renamed "Development Central." Make sure to stop by and visit our new space the next time you are in Georgetown!

Meet Our New Leadership

Richard Gelula - Managing Director,
Senior Consultant

We are excited to announce Richard Gelula's return to OAI as of January 2008. Richard previously served as a Managing Director at OAI from 1995 to 1998. After serving as the CEO for the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) for nine years, he returned to OAI to share what he has learned about strategic development and operating nonprofits with many other organizations. His expertise resides in integrating key nonprofit organizational components, such as Board and staff functions, fundraising and research initiatives with community outreach.

In addition to leading NSF, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving public safety by achieving greater awareness of the need for sleep and the effects of sleep disorders, Richard has garnered nonprofit management, fundraising, and communications experience through his work with the National Osteoporosis Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago Hearing Society and the Travelers Aid Association.

In a philanthropic environment where finding ways to effectively raise net funds is a continuing challenge for nonprofits, Richard believes OAI not only provides services to help its clients succeed, but also has an impressive history of tightly focusing on strategy and leadership, and then rolling out effective campaigns and events. This effective approach guarantees that all pieces are in place to ensure our clients launch successful fundraising campaigns.

John Bauser - Department Head,
Strategy and Development

In November 2007, John Bauser joined OAI as the Department Head for Strategy and Development. When asked what motivated him to continue his career at OAI, John pointed to the unique business model and team-oriented culture. He chose to be a part of this successful company and to share his experiences with OAI's many nonprofit clients.

Prior to joining OAI, John amassed over 25 years of experience with nonprofit management, strategic planning, feasibility studies and capital campaign implementation with numerous arts, historical, and higher education institutions. John's administrative experience culminated with the Buffalo Philharmonic, where he developed and implemented the landmark business plan that reversed decades of decline in funding for the orchestra.

Through these experiences, John recognizes that the breadth of services OAI provides is unique in the nonprofit consulting field: "From nonprofit management to annual fundraising to special events, OAI is able to assist an organization with nearly all its needs." More importantly, John indicated that a growing challenge for nonprofits nationwide is the need to generate unrestricted operating support. "More and more donors are funding specific programs in order to know exactly where their money is going. Through OAI's creative and strategic counsel, we are able to help organizations meet their annual fundraising needs while responding to the needs of the donor community."

What our Clients are Saying About Us!

"We've worked with OAI for many years now, and the longevity of our partnership is no accident. OAI staff consistently provide a level of effort and excellence that, year after year, yields outstanding events. Of course lots of organizations deliver when things are going well; OAI is at their best on those rare occasions when something goes wrong. They immediately take responsibility, pull together and set things right — usually before the customer is even aware of the glitch. Staff at OAI share the Marriott Foundation's uncompromising passion for quality, and we value their place on our team."
- Mark Donovan, Vice Chairman, Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities

"OAI has helped Youth, I.N.C. to run soundly and efficiently, better enabling us to achieve our mission and vision. As a result of OAI's outstanding nonprofit management services that have greatly benefited our organization, Youth, I.N.C. has grown from a tiny, start-up nonprofit to the multi-million dollar organization it is today."
- Rick Schifter, Board of Directors, Youth, I.N.C.

New Clients

AABB - Strategy and Development