I have worked closely with Gordon in a variety of different collaborative settings that involved consulting with NPOs. His knowledge and insights have had deep effect and lasting impact on those organizations. He is a man of faith and integrity and that shines through in how he instructs and influences organizations!
Alan Cerro
Chairman Tri-Valley Seek and Save
I’ve had the privilege of engaging Gordon several times over the past six years to serve as a trainer & coach for Ripple Effect, Citygate Network’s program to train the Boards of Gospel Rescue Missions. Gordon is pro-active. A man of integrity, he goes above and beyond what’s expected. He genuinely cares about the organizations he serves. He keeps his commitments. These boards become more effective after Gordon engages with them. Because of Gordon’s training and facilitation, one CEO, new to his role, said that the Board set aside destructive patterns that would have derailed his tenure. He credits Gordon with empowering him and the Board to succeed.
Reid Lehman, Assistant Director, Ripple Effect.
"Gordon is known in the community as an individual of integrity and high ethical standards. With a strong business mind, he presents a tangible vision of success that people can embrace. Gordon is excellent at clearly presenting and articulating business goals and objectives. He is a respected leader and has the ability to bring teams together to reach defined goals and drive results. Communication is one of Gordon’s greatest strengths, and he connects well with people." | David Van Dyke, Sr. Financial Advisor - Redding, CA
Gordon has been an experienced guide to me and my board. As the new CEO at Bread of Life Mission, finding alignment with the board on policies and procedures and our direction was vital. Gordon was a calm voice, asking questions, advising on best practices, and offering clarification as we found our way to becoming a unified team. We now have a track to run on and we all agree on where we are going. We are a stronger organization because of the time Gordon spent with us.
Kim Cook, President & CEO - Bread of Life Mission - Seattle, WA
"Gordon Flinn from GoForth Consulting led our team through a very comprehensive strategic planning process in a limited amount of time. He was positive, flexible, and sensitive to the group dynamic, focused on the task at hand, and took the time to understand our business. The process was professional and provided good value." Donnell Ewert, MPH - Health and Human Services Agency Director
"Gordon Flinn is an experienced, accomplished professional, having been in an executive role for many years and experiencing the ups and downs of leadership first hand. Gordon is a man of impeccable character and integrity, you can count on him to deliver on what he says he will deliver. Whether in the areas of resource development, non-profit board governance or organizational leadership, Gordon has the experience, training and talent to provide great counsel". | Brad Williams, Former Executive Vice President, Simpson University
Gordon connected with us for a two-day building exercise and his responsive and flexible approach was helpful. He is also a great leader, listener, and facilitator. I highly recommend others to work with Gordon and GoForth Consulting in any aspect of leadership development or team building.
Abe Mendoza, Director
Gordon has been a great asset in working with Today’s Youth Matter, initially in working with our board on several matters relating to effective governance, communication and organization. We also engaged Gordon to assist our ministry in preparing a three to five-year plan. In both roles, Gordon brought a wealth of experience, an ability to see and understand impactful issues, a willingness to listen and reconcile differing opinions and the persistence and patience to so accomplish. Gordon is a strategic thinker, a skilled coach, a person of integrity and a pleasure to work with. We highly recommend Gordon for any organization interested in improving their effectiveness.” Bob Rodde, Board Chair, Today’s Youth Matter
“Gordon never ceases to impress me with his ability to contextualize and simplify complex business matters quickly, even when discussing a market which is new to him. I usually walk away from a conversation with Gordon with a new insight and highly recommend his services to anyone looking to improve their organization.” | Ryan Cuenca, President/CEO, LifeHelp
“Gordon’s experience, skill, and humor inspired our leadership team to create a unified vision for our agency!"
Cathy Wyatt, LCSW, Executive Director
"Gordon was a thoughtful and responsive facilitator for a recent Women's Fund event with 30 community leaders. He took time to understand our objectives for the event and made well-placed suggestions to ensure a successful event. Great follow-through and a pleasure to work with."
Rachel Hatch, Women's Fund Education Committee Event Chair
"I am extraordinarily impressed with the professionalism, expertise, and innovation from Gordon Flinn. Regardless of the size, type of project, organizational complexity or the timeline, he delivers sustainable solutions. I highly recommend connecting with Gordon to grow your organization, while increasing value." | Roger Janis, Retired Banker, Past Chairman, Redding Chamber of Commerce
"Gordon is a leader's leader, someone who builds almost instant trust and can bring teams together and help leader's reach new heights. We engaged GoForth Consulting at Apex to help us clarify our vision during a particularly transformational season of our growth as a company and to help unify a leadership team that was highly functional as individuals, but not functioning well as a team. Gordon brought our team together, helped us unify around a clear vision and mission, and helped us accomplish over the course of a weekend and a few follow up sessions what would have taken us years otherwise."
Scott Putnam, President/CEO
Gordon Flinn is a profoundly gifted leader able to bring out the best in individuals and organizations. Gordon is both quick to perceive opportunities for growth and discerning regarding how to tailor tools and strategies to best serve a specific group. Gordon’s humor and engaging manner make even difficult discussions accessible and fruitful. His extraordinary expertise, preparation and follow-through make him an invaluable leadership asset.
Sheryl Balthrop, Executive Director, Eugene Mission
"Emotional intelligence: beyond the business drivers, Gordon a keen sense of what motivates others to get something done. I’m a firm believer that 98% of decision making is emotional despite what people think or say. Gordon naturally understands and communicates what is going on in the heads and hearts of the people at the table. More importantly, he mobilizes the human capital and other resources to create win/win solutions." | Scott Lomas, Vice President of University Partnerships, Keypath Education - Portland, OR
Gordon is a talented and qualified facilitator and coach. He is thoroughly knowledgeable in all aspects of board governance and nonprofit management. He leads boards and staff leaders to articulate and cast a vision while equipping them to collaborate and execute to achieve that vision. Our time with Gordon was incredibly well spent and our board and I truly enjoy and appreciate working with him.
Ken Brissa | CEO, Phoenix Rescue Mission
“The most effective leaders are servant leaders. Individuals who focus on the needs of others with the heart to partner with them to discover their "Why" and provide customized leadership development that supports their why. Gordon Flinn "IS" a servant leader. His career path includes successful leadership experience, across multiple industries. His business skill set and leadership are enhanced by his high emotional intelligence. Gordon has my highest recommendation for any individual or organization that is in the market for leadership training.” | Gina Bullis, CSBA, Former Assistant Superintendent, Othello School District (WA)
"Gordon is a visionary leader, who inspires others through innovative and strategic thinking, creative problem solving, excellent communication and strong team building. He has a passion for big picture solutions that last." | Tonya Moore, Director, Child Support Services for Tehama County - Red Bluff, CA
“My experience is that Gordon is genuinely intentional in exploring and delivering results for organizations and individuals seeking purposeful growth. Gordon’s prowess as a coach is evidenced by his legacy of lives touched resulting in dreams realized.” | Suzanne Birch, Vice President/Marketing Director, Cornerstone Bank
"Gordon has the ability to look at the "bigger picture" and incrementally set the stepping stones in place to arrive at the destination. His contagious personality draws people together for a common purpose and then inspires them with beliefs and convictions that nurture movement in the intended direction. Knowing full well that buy in and ownership are critical to the overall mission and effectiveness of any organization." | Patty Taylor, ASPIRE Dean, Retired
"I have worked with Gordon in varying capacities spanning decades of time. His organizational skills go far beyond traditional levels as they are continually infused with larger picture visions. Sessions with Gordon are marked with “razor” quickness and recall. However, the most relevant aspects are the sense of humanity and integrity". | Henry Cuenca, Founder and Chairman of the Board, LifeHelp
"My father often shared Lee Iaccoa's advice to "surround yourself with upbeat people". Subscribing to that counsel has been meaningful in my personal and professional life. Gordon is one of those upbeat people. He has the unique ability to tap into strengths that you didn't know you carried and devotes himself to help develop those strengths to their full potential. One conversation can make a difference." | Courtney McElvain, MBA, Investment Advisor, 2016 Chamber Board Chair [Elect]
"The elders at Neighborhood Church of Anderson/Cottonwood were looking for someone outside our congregation to helps us see beyond our “blind spots” in a way that could help us get “unstuck" on several major issues. Gordon graciously accepted our challenge and immediately began investigating who we were as a church. We were so impressed with the work he did well beyond the scope we hired him for. Gordon was a great asset in helping us focus on the right priorities and therefore, give the appropriate time and resources to prevent being “stuck”. We are thankful how God used Gordon to indirectly serve His church."
Doug Deese for the elders of NCACT
"I had the pleasure of working with Gordon simultaneously on two Strategic Plans. Gordon shepherded both non-profit organizations through the process smoothly. He has a unique way of managing the process that allows collaboration and open sharing of ideas – while still moving forward to successfully complete the plan on a timely basis. I highly recommend Gordon to assist in development and implementation of a Strategic Plan."
Keith Hunting, Partner
"Gordon was very helpful in assisting SHN with developing our internal leadership training program. He worked with us to understand our company culture before developing and delivering our training program".
Mike Foget, PE, LEED AP, Civil Engineering Principal
Gordon’s delivery was engaging and inspiring. The step-by-step Strengths Finder development seminar he led our team through has resulted in greater confidence, connectivity and productivity. We highly recommend GoForth Consulting!” Heather Tremblay, Community Development, Redding L.I.F.E.
“Gordon is an inspiring leader who has a passion for sharing with others and helping them excel. He is committed to bring out the best in others as well as in himself. I benefited greatly from serving with Gordon on the Redding Chamber of Commerce board where he made me feel valued and an important part of the team.” | Nicki Crandall
Gordon worked closely with us to develop strategies that place high value on achieving our short term goals while also positioning for the long term. Ken White, Former Director of Development
I've had the privilege of working with Gordon in client services and major donor development for universities. Gordon a high caliber professional who grasps the culture of Christian higher education. He's relationally savvy, competent, systematic, and diligent in his service and is a delight to work with. I've enthusiastically recommended Gordon and his services to others and will continue to do so. Ron Forseth, Vice President for Development
Gordon is a valuable partner in advancing the Association of Gospel Mission’s Ripple Effect initiative to strengthen rescue missions by strengthening their governing boards. He is an effective coach who advocates effectively for the missions he coaches. Gordon thinks well about their needs and goes above and beyond what is expected in his service to them.
Reid Lehman, Coaching Facilitator (Ripple Effect)
Gordon has added significant value to our University. He has brought a rich and diverse background in a relational and effective fashion while serving in a senior interim role. Our executive and operational teams have all been strengthened by his presence and by his knowledge and I heartily recommend him for your consideration.
Dr. John Jackson, President William Jessup University
Gordon Flinn developed a feasibility study for our Grow Back Stronger capital campaign to rebuild
His knowledge, well-regarded professionalism, and connections to local resources have been invaluable to us. He is an astute strategist, a good and genuinely kind person, and has been generous in every way to our nonprofit and the Redding community. We would not be where we are today without him.
I enjoyed working with Gordon through two strategic planning projects. Early on, I was impressed by his ability to connect with a diverse group of people and harness their passion into a cohesive, integrated plan. Gordon’s reputation for honesty and integrity preceded him. He delivered considerable value and provided guidance through planning processes that would have taken much more time and likely been of less worth without his assistance. Gordon has a diverse background and a depth of knowledge. His contributions are greatly appreciated and he continues to be a tremendous resource.
Paul Kassis, President WIT/WBC Group
Gordon has an ability to bring clarity, insight and strategic thinking into the most complex of situations. Yet, he also has a unique gift with allowing leaders within an organization to help direct their own path to solutions by simply asking questions. The relational equity he has with so many companies and organizations in our community has been a valuable asset as well for our board of directors and local partners. We are incredibly grateful for his wisdom and guidance as a developing organization which relies heavily on collaboration among multiple existing agencies.”
Kimberly Johnson, CEO Children’s Legacy Center
Gordon was extremely helpful in giving my team some insight into our strengths, how we can utilize them together and then where we needed to adjust. This process was done respectfully, even when difficult conversations had to occur with team members! We are still utilizing the skills Gordon introduced and taught. Wendy Dickens, Executive Director
Gordon Flinn at GoForth Consulting guided the launch of California Soccer Park's studies and strategic plan for the future. His ability to identify solutions to difficult challenges, while absorbing industry data and building community participation has been, and will continue to be, invaluable for the park and those we serve." Chad New, Executive Director
"I am truly thankful for Gordon's wisdom, direction and coaching of both myself and my leadership team. I would highly recommend Gordon Flinn and GoForth Consulting to any organization looking to achieve better results, unify a team, or develop a meaningful strategic plan."
Scott Putnam, President/CEO
Gordon connected with the CEO and Board Chair of Rescue Mission Alliance. Relationship is not a commodity to be purchased. It is rather a product that grows from interactions based on honesty and integrity. Gordon not only planted the seeds of relationship but nurtured them through the growth that comes from the testy examination of future planning and policy creation. He made a difference for RMA, the Executive Team and the Board of Directors and to those we serve. James A. Owens, President
Gordon provided excellent support and advice for us this year in a couple of major events. One was to help me as Board Chair draft and get approved our first ever Board Policy Manual. It was an intimating undertaking but was made so much easier (not easy but easier) through Gordon’s help by supplying BPM’s from other Missions and a boilerplate BPM from Citygate. He did a thorough review of our draft and made several helpful suggestions. His experience in our space was really beneficial. He recently conducted a webinar on governance for our Board. It was dreaded for a few reasons…one it was a big commitment of time…3.5-4 yours, it was on Zoom and we’re all fatigued with that plus we had a governance seminar a few years ago that was just awful. But Gordon performed admirably and added value to our Board. The level of engagement was much higher, more interesting and more helpful. His relevant and winsome style overcame all the prior objections. It was a productive and useful experience for all who attended. Jim Watkins, Board President
Each year, Leadership Redding has a class of 30 individuals embark on an educational journey together to become more active, engaged citizens. GoForth Consulting has added substantial value in helping to create a solid foundation for each class by identifying and exploring individual and team strengths at the start of their program year; a foundation that fosters self-awareness, personal growth, and authentic reflections on how each individual is able to contribute positively to the team and to our community. Liz Crain, Steering Committee Chair
Gordon Flinn served as a Consultant for our Board at the Eugene Mission in 2020. I found Gordon to be insightful, practical, and flexible. He took the time to look closely at our organization by attending Board meetings via Zoom, by looking at our by-laws and organizational structure, and by conducting personal interviews. His input allowed us to see areas we could improve upon and also pointed out areas of strength that we found encouraging. I found Gordon's recommendations particularly helpful because they were not dogmatic and allowed us to stay within achievable guidelines for our style of operation. Gordon adapted to schedule changes with ease and professional consideration. His access to national peers and leaders gave us a much bigger picture of homelessness issues and best practices that are being applied to help address them.
Rodger Terrall, Board President
Gordon’s ability to get to the heart of the weaknesses of our board, and effectively train us through Godly counsel and instruction, gave us the tools to make needed changes. He then coached us with practical guidance so that we can now more effectively take our passion for our ministry and funnel it into effective leadership. In addition, he encouraged us throughout his training by pointing out areas of strength, and in doing so, encouraged us to keep striving toward excellence.”
Kristen N. Jones
Chairman, Long Beach Rescue Mission Board of Directors
Gordon has been a great brainstorming and networking buddy for many years now. He has served my organization as both a consultant and trusted friend! Jim Blake, Executive Director
Gordon was very helpful in moving our board forward towards a Carver model of governance. His experience and expertise was valuable in giving us direction. Randy Kinnison, Board Chairman
