Lynn Debilzen

About Lynn Debilzen

I’m someone who’s always been drawn to the hard, hopeful work of making the world a better place.At first, I believed the solution was simply being willing to help.With more experience, I thought the answer was scale: We know what works? Let’s get it everywhere.Then I realized it was systems change—especially when it’s led by people doing the best they can inside structures not built for them.But over time, I’ve come to believe this too:Without kindness, connection, and personal growth, we won’t get there.That belief shapes everything I do.I work with place-based collaboratives, backbone teams, and systems leaders who are navigating complexity while holding onto what matters most. My role often sits at the intersection of strategy, culture, and care—helping organizations clarify where they’re going, how they work together, and what it takes to sustain the long game of transformation.Through The Collective Shift Co, I support cross-sector teams during moments of change, momentum, or transition. That might look like designing adaptive strategies, strengthening team infrastructure, stepping in for interim network facilitation, or leading retreats that help reset culture and renew collective energy.At FutureGood, I help organizations become future-ready—especially when the path forward is uncertain. Whether through scenario planning or long-term visioning, I support leaders in naming the future they’re working toward and shaping strategies that can evolve as that future unfolds. No more plans that sit on a shelf.I’m known for bringing both big-picture thinking and grounded presence. My work is shaped by two decades across the nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors—and by lived experience as a sensitive, systems-oriented leader navigating invisible disability and nonlinear paths to impact.Areas of focus: Organizational culture + team development Strategic planning rooted in adaptive leadership Cross-generational dynamics and workplace change Facilitation for collaboratives + multi-org partnerships Scenario planning + long-term visioning Infrastructure design for place-based systems workI work best with people who care deeply, think long-term, and still have a sense of humor. If that’s you—hi. Let’s chat.

Experience

1. Visioning Strategist

   Futuregood

   Jun 2025 — Present

Education

• Boston College Carroll School of Management

  MBA - Women & Leadership

  2012 — 2012

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

  B.S., Social Work

  2005 — 2007

• Marquette University

  Civil Engineering

  2002 — 2004

• University of Montana

  M.A., Intercultural Youth and Family Development

  2007 — 2010

• The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University

  MBA, Social Impact Management

  2011 — 2012

Skills

• Impact Assessment
• Data Analysis
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Non-Profit Development
• Social Entrepreneurship
• International Development
• Program Management
• Interviewing Skills
• Nonprofits
• Project Planning
• Intercultural Communication
• Fundraising
• Training Programme Design
• Public Relations
• Proposal Writing
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Department Budget Management
• Training Delivery
• Early Childhood Education
• Volunteer Management
• Grant Writing
• Building Relationships
• Workshop Facilitation
• Recruiting
• Financial Accounting
• Non-Profits
• Strategic Planning
• Grants
• Marketing Communications
• Intercultural Relations
• Hiv/Aids Prevention
• Youth Development
• Gender
• Public Speaking
• Team Facilitation