President

As a business psychologist, International speaker, professor, and award-winning best-selling author, I bring a unique combination of academic expertise and real-world experience to my clients and readers. My services are designed to help individuals and organizations improve their performance and achieve their goals through a better understanding of the science of human behavior.

As a professor, I teach courses on topics such as organizational behavior, management, and leadership, helping my students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. As an author, I write books, articles, and blog posts on topics related to business psychology, leadership, and personal development, sharing my knowledge and experience with readers around the world.

My work is dedicated to making a positive impact in the world, helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential.

Grants Specialist

Melissa J. Pond is a seasoned expert in grant writing and strategy. With over 15 years of dedicated service in the public sector and a master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University, Melissa has a proven track record of securing funding for various projects and initiatives.

Her strategic insight and ability to uncover community engagement's potential, impact, and challenges have resulted in tangible improvements in diverse settings. Melissa's commitment to public service is exemplified by her past involvement on the executive or advisory boards of 14 organizations.

Beyond her professional achievements, Melissa is deeply committed to personal and professional growth, continuously seeking opportunities to improve herself and contribute positively to her community. Her expertise, dedication, and leadership make her a valuable asset in grant writing and strategic planning.

Nonprofit Board Specialist, Strategist, and Leadership Developer

Scott is the Owner and Chief Consultant of Northern Edge Consulting LLC, which specializes in providing Board Development and Operations Training to Non-Profit Organizations as well as expertise in Strategic Planning Facilitation, Staff Development Workshops, Executive Coaching and Organizational Management. Originally from Traverse City Michigan, and now living in Petoskey, Scott is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University and a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Purdue University Global.

Scott has worked as a Non-Profit Executive for over 20 years for multiple Non-Profit Membership Organizations and Professional Trade Associations, including the Boy Scouts of America, the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan. From 2016 – 2021, Scott was Executive Director of the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau in Cheboygan Michigan, where he led the chamber to be recognized in 2018 as the “Most Outstanding Chamber in Michigan” for that year.

In addition to his education and professional credentials, Scott also has extensive professional development training including studying at The Center for Professional Development in Westlake, Texas; Institute for Organizational Management in Phoenix, Arizona; and Association Leadership Institute in St Louis, Missouri.

A self-proclaimed geek about membership organizations, Scott is the author of “The 5 M’s of Non-Profit Administration and Association Management©” and in November 2019 he was honored to be profiled in that month’s issue of Association Impact Magazine, in the article titled, “Great Scotts! How Two MSAE Members Turned Around Struggling Associations.”

Scott has been a guest lecturer and instructor with the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals, Michigan Society of Association Executives, North Central Michigan College, and serves as a Faculty Member for the US Chamber of Commerce, Institute for Organization Management.

Scott has been married to his wife the Hon. Angela J Lasher for eleven years and they have one son, Bennett, who is a very active 9 year old, sports enthusiast. Scott currently serves on the Emmet County Planning Commission, and holds memberships with the Michigan Society of Association Executives, American Society of Association Executives, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Association of Planning, and is a stock holder and part owner of the Green Bay Packers, Inc.