About Valerie Yates
Strategic partner for conservation organizations building sustainable impact
About Valerie Yates
I'm a results-oriented Organization Strategy and Transformation Consultant with extensive experience advising C-level executives and partnering with senior leaders to tackle business-critical challenges. As a Certified Organization Design Professional, I specialize in designing organizations, optimizing operating models, and managing large-scale organizational changes that drive significant outcomes.
My work includes developing organization strategy and designing governance structures for non-profit organizations, helping them create lasting impact. I've partnered with conservation organizations, land trusts, and environmental nonprofits to build the internal capacity needed to support their vital missions for generations to come.
Complementing my professional work, I'm a dedicated environmental advocate involved in the collective efforts of tribal nations, scientists, and grassroots activists in support of endangered salmon and orca recovery. I believe that healthy ecosystems and healthy organizations share the same foundation: resilient, interconnected systems built for the long term.
Doctorate in Business Administration
Deep academic foundation in organization theory and strategic management
Certified Organization Design Professional
Advanced certification in organization design methodologies and best practices
Premier Consulting Experience
Leadership roles at Accenture, Deloitte, and PwC serving Fortune 500 clients
Professional Experience
Throughout my career with leading consulting firms including Accenture, Deloitte, and PwC, I've advised Fortune 500 companies and mission-driven organizations on complex transformation initiatives.
My approach combines rigorous analytical frameworks with deep empathy for the human side of change. I believe that sustainable transformation requires both the "plumbing" (structures, processes, governance) and the "poetry" (culture, purpose, meaning) to work in harmony.
Environmental Advocacy
Beyond my consulting work, I'm deeply committed to the health of Pacific Northwest ecosystems. I actively support efforts to restore salmon runs and protect endangered orcas—work that requires the same systems thinking and collaborative approach I bring to organizational design.
I'm involved in the collective effort of tribal nations, scientists, filmmakers, and grassroots activists pushing for the breach of the four lower Snake River dams to restore salmon runs vital to orca survival. This work reminds me daily that resilience—whether in ecosystems or organizations—requires long-term vision, diverse partnerships, and the courage to make bold changes.
My Approach
I partner with organizations to develop sustainable strategies, manage environmental impact, and achieve long-term conservation goals through data-driven insights and expert guidance. My approach ensures resilience and positive outcomes for both organizations and the ecosystems they serve.
Collaborative
Working alongside your team, not prescribing from outside
Systems-Focused
Understanding interconnections and long-term impacts
Mission-Driven
Keeping your purpose at the center of every decision