About US
Strategic Solutions. Measurable Impact. Lasting Change.
At McGowan Impact Consulting, we partner with school districts, education organizations, and nonprofits to design, implement, and measure programs that create real, sustainable impact. With 20+ years of experience in education strategy and program evaluation, we help leaders turn vision into action—ensuring that initiatives are intentional, effective, and aligned with long-term goals.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At McGowan Impact Consulting, we believe strategy isn’t a static plan—it’s a dynamic, people-centered process. Our work blends adaptive leadership, systems thinking, and on-the-ground experience to help schools move from ideas to action—and measure what truly matters along the way.
Our Mission
We believe that every school district, program, and initiative should be built on strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and meaningful evaluation. Our work ensures that districts not only launch successful programs but also have the tools to measure and sustain their success over time.
Our SIGNATURE FRAMEWORKS
At McGowan Impact Consulting, we don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our work is grounded in two proprietary frameworks that help school districts and education organizations move from ideas to meaningful, measurable impact.
McGowan Impact Evaluation Model (MIEM)™
The McGowan Impact Evaluation Model is a practical, people-centered process that helps districts define success, measure progress, and adjust in real time.
This model is built around five key phases:
Mindset Check-In – Aligning vision and priorities before action begins
Impact Baseline – Establishing where you are and what data exists
Co-Created Strategy Design – Designing with, not for, those closest to the work
Implementation Support – Helping teams stay aligned and focused
Measurement & Growth – Tracking outcomes and using findings to improve
The MIEM™ guides the way we approach all program evaluations—ensuring your team can confidently measure what matters.
McGowan School Culture Development Framework (MSCDF)™
A thriving school culture doesn’t happen by chance—it’s shaped by intentional strategy, shared values, and continuous feedback.
The McGowan School Culture Development Framework helps districts and schools assess the health of their culture and implement practical, inclusive strategies to strengthen it.
The process includes:
Culture perception audits (students, staff, families)
Strengths-based leadership interviews
Alignment with district-wide priorities
Action planning and implementation coaching
The MSCDF™ empowers educational leaders to build environments where people feel seen, valued, and engaged—and where both student and staff success can take root.
Meet Heather McGowan, Founder
Heather McGowan
Strategic Advisor | Education Consultant | Former School PR Leader
Heather McGowan is the founder of McGowan Impact Consulting, where she partners with school districts and education-focused organizations to help them plan, build, and measure programs that drive meaningful, sustainable impact.
With nearly 30 years of experience in education, communications, and strategic leadership, Heather brings a unique lens to her consulting work—rooted in both systems thinking and real-world school experience. Prior to launching her consulting practice, Heather served as a longtime public information officer and communication strategist for K-12 school districts, where she led messaging for bond campaigns, managed community engagement during periods of change, and elevated storytelling around district success.
Her PR background informs every aspect of her approach—helping school leaders not just communicate, but ensure what they’re communicating is grounded in clarity, strategy, and authentic results. At McGowan Impact Consulting, she specializes in program impact evaluation, school and district culture development, strategic planning, and partner engagement.
Heather holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and is accredited in public relations (APR). She is a past CalSPRA board member and remains an active member of both CalSPRA and NSPRA, where she continues to support communications professionals across the state and country.
Whether she’s guiding a district through an impact study or helping a leadership team align around a shared strategy, Heather brings empathy, insight, and a deep commitment to helping education systems thrive.
How We Help
We specialize in:
Program Impact Evaluation & Measurement – Ensuring initiatives deliver real, data-driven results.
Strategic Planning & Organizational Development – Aligning programs with district goals for long-term success.
School & District Culture Assessment – Strengthening student engagement, staff morale, and overall school climate.
Community & Partner Engagement Strategy – Bridging the gap between schools, families, and community partners.
Why Work With Us?
✔ 20+ Years of Experience in education consulting and program evaluation
✔ Data-Driven Approach to ensure measurable impact and continuous improvement
✔ Tailored Strategies that align with each district’s unique goals and challenges
✔ Committed to Sustainable Change that extends beyond short-term success
Let’s Create Meaningful Impact Together
We’re passionate about helping schools, educators, and leaders build programs that make a difference. Whether you’re looking to evaluate an existing initiative, develop a new strategy, or strengthen school culture, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation today!
Contact us
Let’s Work Together to Strengthen Your Impact
Whether you’re looking to evaluate a program, improve school culture, or align initiatives with strategic goals, McGowan Impact Consulting is here to help. Let’s start a conversation about how we can support your district or organization in creating sustainable, measurable change.
Get in Touch
Fill out the form to the right or reach out directly—we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email: heather@mcgowanimpact.com
📞 Phone: 916.673.8868
Let’s Connect
Have questions or want to discuss your needs? Schedule a consultation today!