“After 26 years in business, Cashmere-based 501 Consultants, Inc. introduced a new member to its executive team and ownership structure.”
Sara Higgins will serve as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of 501 Consultants, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for the past 10 years, starting in May 2010, when she arrived at 501 Consultants after nearly eight years as executive director of the Numerica Performing Arts Center in Wenatchee.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Higgins has helped grow 501 Consultants aided by a multifaceted skill set in areas such as planning, building infrastructure, program and project management, community outreach, and advocacy.
With experience from both the staff and consultant perspective, Higgins has proven herself as a dedicated leader in the nonprofit sector. Working with nonprofit boards, staff, and committees, Higgins has managed state and federal policy issues, coordinated educational programming, administered fundraising events, facilitated strategic planning, assessed and analyzed operations, led board trainings, and guided nonprofit start-ups and closures.
The value she places on clarity and good governance prioritizes inquiry, listening, intentionality, and best practices across all her client work. Higgins is a graduate of Seattle University, a member of AgForestry Class 42, and a finalist of the prestigious Marshall Memorial Fellowship.
“Sara’s knowledge and leadership are a tremendous asset,” 501 Consultants CEO and President Vicky Scharlau said in a statement. “In particular during turbulent times like these, Sara’s steady leadership has improved every aspect of 501’s work.”
Scharlau founded 501 Consultants Inc. in 1994, and this is the first time the firm has changed the executive team.
The firm continues to offer full-management services as well as project-based consulting for trade associations, various nonprofits, and other organizations including state and federal agencies. With a core team of 11 people, 501 Consultants manages three nonprofit organizations (the Washington Winegrowers, Columbia Basin Development League, and Washington Wine Industry Foundation), and continues to engage in consulting projects throughout the nation.
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