When long-time Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA) supporter and board member Heather Andersen and her husband, Phillip, first attended a CISWA gala with their friend and CISWA board member James, they were immediately drawn to the organization’s mission. Through that introduction, Heather became a dedicated member of the CISWA Board, and together, the Andersen’s have been giving philanthropically for the past five years. Phillip, a Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in Seattle, soon recognized an opportunity to deepen their impact. His connection ultimately brought about a statewide systems change partnership, leading to CISWA being named BCG Seattle’s 2025 Nonprofit Partner of the Year—an engagement that includes more than 70 hours of in-kind strategic consultation and marks the beginning of a transformative journey.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
At its core, Communities In Schools exists to ensure that every student has the resources, relationships, and support to unlock their full potential. BCG, a global consulting firm with a strong Pacific Northwest presence, shares that belief in unlocking potential—whether for corporations, communities, or the young people who will shape our future.
“Unlocking potential’ is at the heart of all we do at BCG. Partnering with CISWA gave us the opportunity to apply the best of BCG to help communities across Washington thrive. We’re proud to help open doors for students and ensure they have the support they need to reach their full potential,” remarked Philip Andersen, Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG.
Building Systems for Lasting Change
Over the course of the several months, a dedicated BCG team collaborated with CISWA Board Members and leadership team to examine three priority areas to strengthen CISWA’s systems within the organization and support long-term impact.
These efforts went beyond tactical fixes. The goal was systems change: equipping CISWA with tools and models to build statewide capacity, ensure governance clarity, and increase the organization’s ability to respond to evolving funding landscapes. Importantly, these governance and fundraising shifts ultimately translate into more consistent supports for students, whether access to food, counseling, or digital tools, ensuring that structural improvements lead directly to stronger student outcomes.
“CISWA is navigating major challenges, but from the start, we knew our partnership needed to look beyond today. Together, we set out not only to solve pressing issues but to build lasting capabilities that prepare CISWA for the future” shared Ben Meunier, Consultant, BCG.
The Momentum of Partnership
In June 2024, CISWA’s Board of Directors and leadership team reviewed BCG’s findings and began taking steps to put their recommendations into practice. This work continues as CISWA refines fundraising strategies, updates governance expectations, and advanced the search for a new State Executive Director.
This summer, CISWA welcomed Gwynth Nelson as the new State Executive Director, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Working alongside the Development Director, Gwynth is helping shape the next phase of fundraising strategies.
The work ahead is already in motion. CISWA’s leadership team continues to refine processes and efficiencies, and as the new State Executive Director role evolves, the team is experimenting with clear decision-making structures, fine-tuning performance measures, and gathering input from affiliates to strengthen the statewide model.
Community, Commitment, and Shared Impact
Beyond strategy sessions, BCG’s involvement has extended into the community. Team members have attended CISWA events, including the Backyard Barbecue in May, where BCG also served as a sponsor. Their presence reflects a commitment that goes deeper than consulting — it’s about showing up, listening, and investing in the communities where they live and work.
What makes BCG unique is its deeply held commitment to being a strong partner in the Pacific Northwest. By working with CISWA, BCG is helping strengthen the systems that support students across the state, reinforcing the idea that community impact and organizational success go hand in hand.
The work between CISWA and BCG is just getting started. It has sparked momentum that both teams are excited to keep building on. Looking ahead, they are focused on scaling supports to more schools, expanding partnerships across Washington, and advocating for a dedicated line item in the statewide budget to support Integrated Student Supports (ISS). Together, they’re working toward a vision where communities across the state are stronger, more connected, and equipped with the resources and support students need to thrive.
“Serving on the CISWA Board has given me a front-row seat to the impact that strong partnerships can have on students’ lives. What excites me about BCG’s work with CISWA is the focus on lasting change—building systems that give every student the chance to thrive, no matter where they live” commented Heather Andersen, CISWA Board of Directors.
CISWA is grateful to the Andersen family and BCG for investing in the systems that will sustain student success for years to come. We invite other partners to join us in building systems that give every student the opportunity to thrive.
