Doug Kinsinger, Principal

I began my career in this field at the age of nineteen as a college intern at the Waterloo, Iowa Chamber of Commerce. I have had the opportunity over my career to work with top level leaders from Fortune 500s to one-person entrepreneur startups. I observed the power and value of developing a consensus in an organization and in a community. Over time, I gained an understanding that "it did not have to be my idea, it did not have to be your idea, it needed to be the best idea."

As I gained experience, I learned how to how to develop consensus from people of different backgrounds and interests. I recognized that the more people had input into a plan, the more ownership they took and the more commitment they would make to see it implemented. If they helped write the plan, they would help underwrite the plan. Once I understood this simple concept, the communities and organizations I served excelled at a pace, and to levels, I never dreamed possible.

I am now proud to be part of an organization staffed by professionals who have extensive years of combined campaign fundraising experience and private sector leadership. This dual experience allows us to partner effectively with your organization's staff and community leaders. We understand the importance and dynamics of these relationships because we’ve been on both the public and private sector sides. And we know how they work together.

My passion is helping organizations and communities develop a truly shared vision and then raising the resources to fuel those visions to implementation. Guiding organizations and its leaders to unlock their true potential and to observe what happens when they have the right plan, the right resources and the proper implementation is a joyous thing to observe. 

Contact Doug

(785) 554-8785
kinsinger@opportunityfunding.net

Jerry Hinson, Principal

My grandfather ran a country store in rural South Carolina. As I look back, it was there that I got some of my most valuable lessons in life. His country store was more than a place to buy things, it was the community center that brought people together from all walks of life.

It did not matter what their ethnic background was, or whether they were rich or poor. When they walked through his door and sat down, everyone was equal. Many of the community’s issues were discussed and in many cases, problems were solved by hearing the opinions of all.

Now I realize that is where I obtained my ability to build relationships with a diverse population and the importance of building consensus. These are the basic principles that I used in founding Opportunity Funding.

Many times communities and organizations cannot move forward because people often have conflicting opinions about what is needed in order to have a successful outcome. I have been able to bring people and communities together by simply asking the question “…what is that we can agree on for the good of all?”

When you build consensus, resources will follow that are necessary to move the community or organization forward.

Contact Jerry

(803) 379-6006
hinson@opportunityfunding.net

Mick Fleming

Prior to becoming CEO of ACCE, the primary national association for chambers of commerce, Mick Fleming ran the Manufacturers Association of Central New York.  Previously, he had served 15 years in senior management at the Business Council of New York.  The business associations in which he served for more than 25 years have benefitted from numerous, multi-year strategic plans and funding campaigns, crafted with the thorough engagement of volunteer leaders. Beyond having expanded the organizations where he was employed, Fleming has provided planning, consulting, and coach to hundreds of chambers and associations of all sizes. 

For the last three years, his Chamber Counselor LLC firm has deepened his knowledge of regional organization operations, finances, governance, and impact. This consultancy works on leadership transition, strategic planning, and capital campaigns

Mick's Cornell University degree, Duke University's "Six Domains" executive leadership program, and Aspen Institute immersion program gives him a solid scholarly background in the art and science of organizational success. Success in fundraising includes five campaigns in his own organizations, as well as direct funding roles through Chamber Counselor.  In 2006, he created the Regional Sustainable Development Fellowship, funded by the Ford Foundation, to advance chamber and development leaders' expertise and confidence.  In 2011, he worked with a West Coast foundation to launch and secure funding for the multimillion-dollar Alliance for Education Attainment, an ongoing program for communities seeking to grow their talent.  While at ACCE, Fleming launched a major initiative to increase diversity and inclusion in the chamber world – a cause he continues to champion across the nation.  

Mick was a 15-year member of the US Chamber's Committee of 100 and the Council of State Chambers. He has been named a Life Member of ACCE and was presented with the Pillar of the Chamber Profession."

Mick also has considerable experience on the other side of the aisle, having been an elected officer in two local chambers and other non-profit organizations. During eight years of service as Vice Chairman of the World Chambers Federation, he worked on collaborative projects with chambers in the world's largest cities and nations.

His writings include Making Your Chamber Make a Difference, Heresies Worth Discussing, and the Horizon Initiative, as well as numerous white papers, practical handbooks, curriculum content, and articles.

His network of highly-skilled, proven advisors and colleagues is limitless and available to assist in setting new courses for organizations of any size.

(703) 216-5525
mick@mckfleming.com