Seasoned Talent 

501 Consultants, Inc. is a balanced team of core talent and contracted partners. We have developed strong connections with select brand, marketing, design, direct mail, and organizational development consultants to better serve our clients. Our partners are engaged on an as-needed basis based on project scope, style, and requirements.

In-house Team

Vicky Scharlau, President/CEO

Vicky has 40 years of experience developing and managing organizations, projects, programs and people across the U.S. and Mexico. Her skills include non-profit association and project management, non-profit Board training, facilitation, strategic planning, organization and project budgeting, grant writing and managing, marketing, and communications. She has demonstrated an ability to implement projects and programs using sound and effective management practices on time and on budget. Vicky has a successful track record because she takes the time to identify and understand goals and expectations—and she is an expert planner and facilitator. Her strong organizational skills separate her from others who do similar work. Her range and depth of professional experience has earned Vicky a reputation as a leader, strategic-thinker, advisor, and communications specialist. Vicky has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and Masters of Public Administration from the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.  She is also an AgForestry Class 10 graduate.

 

Sara Higgins,
Vice President/COO

Sara has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector – including as an executive director – with a focus on planning, building infrastructure, program and project management, community outreach, and advocacy. She has grown a fledgling community organization from $250,000 in revenue to $1 million in under eight years. She manages policy issues at the state and federal level, and regularly engages in consulting and facilitation work with nonprofit boards, leadership teams, and staff. Sara listens to understand, and her ability to ask clarifying questions has repeatedly helped clients focus problem-solving energies on their most pressing issues.  Additionally, Sara has experience in the broadcasting industry and stage management and was a Marshall Memorial Fellowship finalist. She earned her BA from Seattle University (Magna Cum Laude) and is a member of AgForestry Class 42.

 

Colleen Frei, General Legal Counsel/COO

Colleen has practiced law for over 18 years and has also served as a Board and committee member and volunteer for numerous nonprofits ranging in size and budget. Her hands-on experience in nonprofit governance and operations informs her thoughtful approach to ensuring the implementation of best practices and a collaborative approach. Her legal background includes business and structure, succession planning, and organizational and fiscal management. Colleen is passionate about what she does and the people she interacts with, fully committed to being part of the team to help organizations be successful. Colleen earned her BS in Natural Resources Ecology and Conservation and her JD in Law from the University of Idaho.

 

Jenn Brunner,
Program Manager/COO

Jenn has more than 11 years of experience in the wine industry, with a focus on winery and tasting room management. As a partner in 501, Jenn offers a well-rounded perspective in event planning, hosting, and executing – from small gatherings to multiple-day-long conferences. Behind everything Jenn does is intentional strategic planning, with intensive attention to details and deadlines. Jenn strives to deliver not only the best experience to event attendees, but also the most seamless planning and execution process to all related parties as well. She graduated from Quincy High School, spent her entire life in Central Washington, and eventually chose to call Cashmere her home.

 

Debbie Sands,
Business Manager

Debbie adeptly oversees client accounting and meticulous record-keeping with a seasoned touch. Her expertise shines in crafting and executing tailored systems for non-profit entities. She diligently generates comprehensive monthly financial documentation for our managed clientele, adeptly handles day-to-day accounting requisites, collaborates seamlessly with a CPA for precise IRS tax reporting, and maintains a vigilant watch over regulatory adherence and ethical insurance practices. Debbie's commitment extends to keeping our team and clients abreast of cutting-edge business management and accounting methodologies.

 

Kari Smasne,
Program Manager

Kari received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Economics in 2000 and then in Viticulture and Enology in 2006, both from WSU. She honed both skill sets at Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, where she held various positions for 17 years. Starting as an intern, Kari was vineyard manager of the 600-acre Canoe Ridge site by the time she left, where she oversaw all operations from pruning, cultivation, spray program, new plantings, and hand labor with four full-time management staff, an equipment team as well as hand labor, totaling up to 30 staff. She also worked closely with WSU researchers on special projects and research plots. Kari is a graduate of the Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation’s Leadership Class 36. She lives in Prosser with her husband and two active teenage sons. She also works as a personal trainer and seeks warm locales on vacation.

 

Tiffany Brine-Davies,
Fiscal Analyst Specialist

Tiffany is a central Washington native. Tiffany began her career in public accounting and after five years began working for private companies as an accountant, controller, and CFO. Gaining business experience led her to begin working as a consultant with client companies providing services in finance, marketing, and online media. She has a heart for community service and has consulted with and served on multiple non-profit boards. Tiffany's role with 501 Consultants is to help in serving internal and external clients with projects involving finance, analysis, and public administration. She graduated from Wenatchee High School and Central Washington University with her BA in Accounting. 

 

Gavin Pielow,
Director of Government Affairs

Gavin Pielow serves as our Director of Government Affairs, bringing extensive expertise in policy advocacy on both state and federal levels. Holding degrees from WSU, UW, and Harvard, Gavin's educational background reflects his commitment to excellence. With a proven track record of successful policy advocacy, Gavin navigates complex regulatory landscapes with precision. He is dedicated to advancing our clients' interests through strategic government engagement. Gavin's passion for public service drives his work, aligning seamlessly with 501 Consultants' mission to empower nonprofits. He embodies our commitment to excellence, innovation, and client-centered solutions.

 

Nathanial Helligso
Operations Specialist

Nathanial serves as our Operations Specialist drawing from over a decade of unwavering operational excellence, Nathanial is a seasoned leader with a distinct focus on organizational management. Fortified by a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Management, Nathanial has orchestrated the seamless realization of over 200 diverse film projects. Spanning supervising cross-functional teams, Nathanial shines by guiding the refinement of logistical intricacies and stewarding budgets and projects to completion. His adeptness guarantees not only streamlined operations but also the pinnacle of efficiency. His unwavering dedication to propelling outcomes through meticulous strategic forethought and harmonious collaboration encapsulates his philosophy toward every undertaking.

 

Allison Williams,
Data Specialist

Allison is a Data Specialist at 501 Consultants, with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a background that spans diverse roles in accounting, consulting, and school administration. Over her 14-year career, Allison has honed her skills in Excel-heavy spreadsheet management and reporting. Notably, her experience as a school registrar has provided a valuable foundation for managing client databases at 501. Now based in Wenatchee, WA, she brings her passion for data-driven insights and her love for outdoor recreation to her role, helping clients make informed decisions through strategic data analysis.

 

Kristian Mattson,
Operations Strategist

Kristian is a retired Navy Officer leveraging 25 years of proven experience in Project and Program Management. He is adept at leading teams through fast-paced, critical environments to complete projects on time and budget. Kristian possesses a comprehensive background in Rapid Response Staff Planning, Regulatory Compliance Implementation, Policy Training, Integration, and Organizational Development, allowing him to thoughtfully guide clients through typical and crisis operations. Aided by a Master of Arts in International Relations from American Military University and a Lean-Six Sigma Green Belt, Kristian applies strategic thinking to solve complex operational problems. Earlier in his career, and following his enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps, Kristian returned home to Central Washington to complete a degree in Political Science at Washington State University. During his undergraduate studies, he fought wildland fire with the Chelan Initial Attack and Entiat Hotshot crews. After graduation, Kristian returned to service as a Naval Staff Intelligence Officer. His Saturdays are spent either playing rugby for Spokane or camping with family.