Why We’re Different
What makes us different from other consultants—and from small nonprofits that only have the budget to hire one person to do everything—is that we don’t ask anyone to be a two-headed purple unicorn that stands on its head while whistling and juggling.
Nonprofit staff and leaders are almost always asked to wear about 12 different hats. Out of those, they’re really great at 3 or 4, decent at another 3 or 4, and the rest? Those are the ones they either don’t like or aren’t good at—yet somehow, those are the very areas boards seem to focus on when reviewing the executive director.
The MaxStrat approach changes this model. Instead of expecting one person to do it all, we bring a team. We divide the work into smaller chunks and assign specific subject-matter experts to each part. This way, nonprofits get the right expertise at the right time—without blowing the budget. The result? The same investment, but better outcomes, less burnout, and a stronger, more effective organization.
Our Team
Chris Maxwell, CEO
Chris is the Founder, CEO, and unapologetic Chief of Optimism at MaxStrat (previously known as Maxwell Strategies). With over two decades of experience zigzagging through startups, nonprofits, government gigs, and entrepreneurial adventures, Chris is the go-to guy for organizations ready to think bigger, move faster, and zero in on what really matters.
He’s the brain behind the Momentum Model—a no-fluff approach to strategic planning that combines bold vision, intentional action, and the radical idea that even tough challenges come with hidden opportunities (if you know where to look).
Hailing from Parkston, South Dakota, Chris brings big-picture thinking wrapped in small-town sensibility. He earned his business chops at Mount Marty University and leveled up with an MBA from USD. But perhaps his biggest life lesson didn’t come from a textbook.
In 2019, Chris faced the fight of his life when Guillain-Barré Syndrome left him completely paralyzed. Months on a ventilator, grueling rehab, and one seriously stubborn spirit later—he came back stronger, with a mission to help others move forward, no matter the odds.
Today, you’ll find Chris in Pierre/Fort Pierre with his wife Molly and their four kids—balancing soccer games, strategy sessions, and an endless supply of optimism. Whether he’s leading a high-energy workshop, dropping knowledge from a keynote stage, or coaching from the sidelines, Chris brings one thing above all else: momentum.
Contact Chris at Chris.Maxwell@max-strat.com
Excellence & Strategy Commander by title, community superhero by reputation, Laurie brings a powerhouse blend of public service, strategic vision, and heart to everything she does. With a resume that reads like a civic action novel—nine years as a City Commissioner in Pierre, three terms as Pierre's Mayor, and a Cabinet Member for not one but two governors—she’s no stranger to leading bold initiatives and building thriving communities. Before joining the consulting world, she also brought order and compassion to the frontlines as a clinic administrator and lent her expertise to countless community boards as a dedicated volunteer.
At the firm, she’s our go-to guru for mission-driven strategy, helping clients chart ambitious paths toward impact and excellence. Off the clock, you’ll find her collecting passport stamps with her husband, soaking in family time, or dancing her heart out at live concerts—proof that commanding excellence doesn’t stop her from enjoying the encore.
Contact Laurie at Laurie.Gill@max-strat.com
Laurie Gill, Client Executive
Dr. Rhea Waldman, Client Executive
Rhea is MaxStrat’s resident Happiness and Innovation Architect, where she blends strategy, science, and just the right amount of sparkle to help organizations thrive. With over 8 years of experience turning big ideas into real-world impact, Rhea is a master of guiding teams through growth spurts, operational transformations, and community-powered change.
Equal parts scientist and strategist, she brings a research-informed mindset to every brainstorm and boardroom, crafting smart solutions with heart. Whether she’s building client relationships or plotting out visionary plans, Rhea’s mission is simple: help people and organizations become the best versions of themselves.
Before joining MaxStrat, she led the South Dakota Discovery Center as Executive Director, where she steered the ship through exciting transformations and helped expand its role as a beloved hub for curiosity and learning.
When she’s not architecting happiness at work, you’ll find Rhea exploring the great outdoors—hiking across prairies, paddling down rivers, and chasing the kind of inspiration only wilderness can offer. She’s a lifelong learner, enthusiastic educator, and passionate believer in the power of joyful leadership.
Contact Rhea at Rhea.Waldman@max-strat.com
Kristen Campbell, Marketing Manager
Part strategist, part wordsmith, and all heart, Kristen thrives at the intersection of creativity and purpose. As the Impact Instigator & Storyteller at MaxStrat, she brings big ideas to life—leading marketing efforts, crafting compelling grant narratives, and jumping in wherever impact needs a boost.
Before joining the consulting world, Kristen spent several years working in state government and several more in the nonprofit sector, giving her a deep understanding of how change really happens. Whether she’s building a brand, writing a grant that gets funded, or simply helping connect the dots for a client, her compass is always set to one true north: helping people.
Fueled by peppermint tea, compassion, and her faith, Kristen believes in the power of good stories, bold missions, and doing a little bit of everything if it means making the world a little bit better. When she’s not making magic at work, you’ll find her baking sweet treats, reading a great novel, or happily cooking for the people she loves most—family and friends.
Contact Kristen at Kristen.Campbell@max-strat.com
Alexis Schoenefeld, Finance Manager
Alexis is MaxStrat’s Multitasking & Money Mastermind, she brings over a decade of experience in the banking industry, where she mastered the art of financial management, client service, and operational efficiency—all while keeping people and purpose at the heart of her work.
Motivated by a desire to align her career with her values, she made a meaningful pivot to the nonprofit world. Now, she not only ensures the numbers add up but also makes sure they drive impact. From overseeing finances to coordinating administrative staff and jumping in wherever needed, she’s the go-to problem solver who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
When she’s not balancing budgets and juggling tasks like a pro, she’s lifting up her community, enjoying quality time with family and friends, getting lost in a good book, or relaxing with her favorite playlist. She’s proof that with the right mindset—and maybe a spreadsheet or two—anything is possible.
Contact Alexis at Alexis.Schoenefeld@max-strat.com