ELSIE DURLAND: Director Organization Development

Quote:
“My work is helping organizations fulfill their mission as effectively as possible while serving as an advocate for the staff. That’s a hard balance, but that’s how I look at what I do.”

Mantra/Philosophy:
“Listen and make a difference.”

Accreditations/Affiliations: Senior Professional in Human Resources

Elsie is ASI’s dedicated expert on organizational culture.

Since joining the firm in 2000, Elsie has deployed her award-winning organization development skills to propel even the most intractable organizations into needed change. A three-decade veteran of both the non-profit and corporate worlds, she wields custom techniques that create efficiencies and healthy work environments across diverse organizations.

One of Elsie’s most powerful tools is her signature 360-degree review process, which she often combines with management, staff and policy audits depending on the client’s needs. Developed during her seven years at the 130,000-member American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Elsie’s methodology helped transform this leading not-for-profit from a stagnant hierarchy into a dynamic, team-based institution. The rejuvenated ASHA’s new culture of feedback, developmental planning and merit increases helped it become the first non-profit to win Washingtonian magazine’s coveted “Great Places to Work” award.

Which is no coincidence. Thirteen years with hospitality giant Marriott International, Inc. taught Elsie to focus on the bottom line, a strategy increasingly applied by many of today’s most successful not-for-profits. It also taught her that when your staff is happy, your customers – or members – are happy, too. As a senior manager, Elsie helped create Marriott’s groundbreaking Work and Family Life Department, which is still recognized as an industry leader for its childcare resource program, work-life management training and other innovations.

Elsie, a Registered Nurse, also holds a degree in business administration from St. Joseph’s College in Maine.