About
Hi, I'm Courtney.
(she/her)
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I've been in your shoes—and I started Yeager Strategy because I care deeply about helping nonprofit leaders make the most of the people, time, and resources they have.
Every nonprofit has more great ideas than time, staff, or resources.
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After more than 14 years working inside nonprofit organizations—including serving in nearly every role along the way—I've seen how often passionate leaders are held back not by a lack of vision, but by limited capacity and competing priorities. That's why I started Yeager Strategy: to help nonprofits make the most of the people and resources they already have so they can create greater impact.
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I'm Courtney Yeager, founder of Yeager Strategy and a nonprofit CEO with experience leading strategy, fundraising, and organizational transformation. For the past seven years, I've served as President & CEO of United Way of Kennebec Valley, leading growth and system-level change in a resource-constrained environment where execution isn't optional.
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One of my favorite parts of being a nonprofit CEO has always been working with other leaders to solve hard problems. Whether it's a board challenge, a fundraising question, or an important strategic decision, I genuinely enjoy serving as a thought partner. No CEO is expected to have all the answers—and I believe every leader deserves to have someone who's a phone call away.
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Proof Points
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In my career, I’ve:
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Grown annual campaign revenue by 35%+ in a declining market
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Developed and executed strategic plans with 90%+ completion of annual goals
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Launched a 10-year, cross-sector strategic initiative aligning 115+ community partners
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Strengthened revenue collection practices, reducing uncollectible pledges by 63%
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Led the integration of a neighboring United Way's service area, increasing population reach by 60%+
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Increased sponsorship/event revenue by 150%+
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Built a planned giving program from 5 to 50 donors
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Built organizational culture through intentional onboarding and support of staff and board
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Advised nonprofit leaders across the region on fundraising, strategy, and board governance
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These results came from building the right systems—not just better ideas.
What Makes My Work Different
I've spent my career inside mission-based nonprofit organizations, so I understand what it's like to lead with limited staff, limited time, and unlimited expectations.
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That's why I don't offer a one-size-fits-all process. Before recommending solutions, I take the time to understand your organization's culture, priorities, and strengths so we can build systems your team will actually use. I make space for dialogue and powerful questions so you can move your mission forward with confidence and cohesion.
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Much of my leadership experience has been within the United Way network, where success depends on aligning boards, staff, volunteers, funders, businesses, and community partners around shared goals. That experience taught me that lasting change isn't created by strategy alone—it's built through relationships, alignment, and consistent execution.
Whether I'm facilitating a strategic plan, strengthening governance, or supporting organizational change, my goal is always the same: build practical systems that help your organization move forward with confidence.
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Every organization is different. Let's figure out what we can accomplish with the people, resources, and strengths you already have.
My Background
Before becoming CEO, I led fundraising, marketing, and communications across nonprofit and public sector organizations—building campaigns, launching initiatives, and strengthening community engagement.
I hold a Master’s in Policy, Planning & Management (Nonprofit Management) from the University of Southern Maine and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Colby College.
In addition to my executive leadership experience, I've served on nonprofit boards at the regional and statewide level, including 211 Maine (Board President), United Ways of Maine (Board Chair), MaineGeneral Health, Maine Philanthropy Center, and Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (Board Treasurer). Leading organizations while also governing them has given me a practical understanding of where strategy, governance, and execution come together—and where they most often break down.
When I’m not out in the community, I’m usually cooking, planning my next trip, or outside with my husband and two sons—where the pace is faster and the expectations are just as high.