Elizabeth Runkle

Senior Consultant

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth has advised a wide range of nonprofits on strategy and business models, leveraging her expertise in the areas of social enterprise, business planning for nonprofit organizations and small businesses, strategic planning, grant management, feasibility studies, data management and technology systems, and market research.

Elizabeth has worked with and on behalf of low-wealth and marginalized populations to create a positive social impact over the last 12 years. She possesses a unique background, having both generated and implemented innovative and breakthrough ideas in the social sector for dozens of nonprofits and small businesses. Elizabeth holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where she was a CASE (Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship) Scholar. She has written several research and policy reports and presented at national and state-wide conferences.

Prior to her role at GCN, Elizabeth was the Director of Finance and Administration at Covenant House Georgia, where she oversaw the acquisition and renovation of a $2.3 million, 7 acre, 61,000 square foot property. Prior to that, Elizabeth was Care Coordinator at Pathways Community Network, a technology-based social enterprise that operates Georgia’s Homeless Management Information System. She began her career in Washington D.C., working with leaders from Congress, the Federal Government, and the private sector on policy issues related to women and girls.

Elizabeth lives in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys gardening.

Areas of Expertise

  • Business and strategic planning
  • Social enterprise development
  • Market research and feasibility studies
  • Collective impact
  • Data management and technology systems

Clients Include

  • St. Marys United Methodist Church Foundation
  • MedBank Foundation
  • Concerted Services
  • Morningstar Children and Family Services
  • Glynn Community Crisis Center
  • Camden Family Connection
  • Art Rise Savannah
  • Deep Center
  • Telfair Museums
  • Safe Harbor Center
  • Goodwill of North Georgia
  • United Way of Coastal Georgia