Why Work With Us

Hold Fast Leadership Partners can support you in navigating some of the most critical transitions, challenges, changes, and opportunities your organization will ever face. We bring an unparalleled depth of expertise: from the classroom to the boardroom, we understand the unique complexities of mission-driven organizations.

OUR VISION

Communities thrive for generations to come because social-impact organizations provide enduring, sustainable resources and support.

OUR MISSION

We guide education, nonprofit, and philanthropic leaders as they navigate challenges and change with clarity and confidence, ensuring their organizations remain resilient, impactful, and aligned toward their vision.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

HOLD FAST, STAY TRUE

The term “Hold Fast” comes from a centuries-old maritime tradition, where sailors gripped the ship’s rigging tightly in the face of a storm to keep the vessel on course. This concept represents our approach, helping you stand firm in your mission, guiding you through both calm and stormy waters.

"Stay True" was used as a call-and-response between sailors to ensure that the ship's course was correctly maintained. The navigator — responsible for keeping the ship on course — would call out "stay true," and the crew would respond to confirm that they were aligned and on course, both literally and figuratively.

This call-and-response served not just as a practical navigation tool, but as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, focus, and integrity in the face of disruptions. At Hold Fast Leadership Partners, "Hold Fast, Stay True" underscores our commitment to authenticity and integrity in leadership. In every project we undertake, we ensure that our strategies and solutions are not just effective but also align with the core identity of your organization. We help you "stay true" to your mission and values, guiding you in a way that reflects who you are at the deepest level, while also positioning you for future success.

CORE VALUES

  • We believe that stability is the foundation for long-term success, keeping organizations grounded in their mission through periods of uncertainty.

  • We believe that clarity in purpose and communication is essential for aligning teams and driving meaningful, collective action.

  • We believe that confident leadership inspires trust and empowers organizations to take bold steps toward achieving their vision.

  • We believe in building strategies that ensure the lasting impact of today’s work, so communities continue to benefit for generations.

  • We believe that resilience enables organizations to adapt and grow stronger through adversity, ensuring continuity in their impact.Item description.

  • We believe that agility allows organizations to pivot quickly and effectively, staying responsive and dynamic in the face of change.

FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL
Tom Clark

Tom brings two decades of experience in nonprofit, education, and philanthropic leadership to Hold Fast Leadership Partners. His career spans from hands-on work as a chief of staff, fundraiser, recruiter, and strategist to being an executive leader and board member. Throughout his career at KIPP DC Public Schools, Teach For America, and other education and nonprofit institutions, Tom has anchored his beliefs and perspectives in his experience as a teacher, neighbor, and advocate for equity, always focused on building sustainable systems that uplift students, families, and communities.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Strategic & Annual Planning

  • Marketing & Brand Management

  • Fundraising

  • Recruitment

  • Communications

  • Crisis Response & PR

  • Coaching & Management

  • Executive Teams

  • Board Governance

  • Change Leadership

  • Equity & Engagement

  • Organizational Culture

Ready to navigate the future?

Let's chart a course together.