Strategic Communications. Stronger School Communities.

McGowan Impact Consulting partners with school districts, education organizations, and nonprofits to strengthen how they communicate, engage, and lead—especially in moments of change. With deep roots in school public relations, leadership, and systems thinking, we help you connect strategy, communication, and culture so your work can take root and deliver measurable results.

OUR STORY: FROM SOUNDING BOARD TO MCGOWAN IMPACT

For many years, I led Sounding Board Marketing & Communications, a practice grounded in strategic communication, storytelling, and trusted partnership with education leaders. Over time, the work expanded beyond communications support into broader education consulting—helping leaders navigate change, align stakeholders, build organizational clarity, and strengthen the conditions for long-term success.

Earlier this year, Sounding Board Marketing & Communications rebranded to McGowan Impact Consulting to better reflect the depth and focus of the work: not just communicating initiatives, but helping school systems plan, lead, and implement them in ways that build trust and improve outcomes. The name changed to reflect what clients have long relied on—clear strategy, thoughtful communication, and practical tools that help teams move forward with confidence.

Today, McGowan Impact Consulting builds on that legacy to help school systems communicate clearly, navigate change, and build cultures where students and staff thrive.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Strategy isn’t a static document—it’s a people-centered, dynamic process. Our work blends strategic communications, adaptive leadership, and real-world K–12 experience to help school systems move from ideas to action with integrity and purpose.

We focus on three questions:

• Are we clear about what we’re doing and why?
  

• Are we communicating that clearly and consistently to those it affects?
  

• Are we listening and adjusting based on what we’re hearing?

When communication, engagement, and culture are aligned, districts are better equipped to support students, staff, and families—even when things get hard.

Our Mission

We believe every district initiative—whether it’s a strategic priority, a facilities plan, or a challenging decision—should be built on clear strategy, thoughtful communication, and authentic engagement. We help school systems:

• Communicate with clarity, consistency, and care

• Engage their communities in meaningful, manageable ways

• Build cultures where students and staff feel seen, supported, and valued

Our Approach

Strategy and communication go hand in hand.

At McGowan Impact Consulting, we don’t offer one-size-fits-all plans or rigid frameworks. Instead, we bring a flexible, collaborative approach that centers your district’s context and capacity.

Our work is grounded in:

• Strategic communications – Clear, accessible language and messaging that meet families and staff where they are.
  

• Education expertise – Nearly three decades in school PR, leadership, and consulting, with a strong understanding of how districts, COEs, and boards really operate.
  

• Thoughtful stakeholder engagement – Listening sessions, surveys, and facilitation that invite people into the process and close the loop on feedback.
  

• Practical implementation support – Coaching and tools that make it easier for leaders and teams to communicate consistently over time.

Our goal is simple: to help you build communication and engagement practices that feel authentic, sustainable, and aligned with your values.