About stephanie small, president & chief synergist

Stephanie loves to make the world a better place. Working with a wide range of organizations in the arts, social justice, human services, education, foundations and associations, Stephanie strives to bring a balance of solid business practices with a deep understanding of nonprofit culture and a passion for helping people and organizations succeed.

Stephanie has a Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration from Shenandoah University, a Masters of Business Administration from the Eller School of Management at the University of Arizona and over 30 years of practical experience in the nonprofit sector. 

Having served for nearly 15 years as the founding executive director of Free Arts of Arizona, a nonprofit organization that provides the healing effects of the arts to abused children, she recognizes the opportunities and challenges that face organizational leaders and ensures her approach is based in reality, not simply theory.

Stephanie previously held posts as director of operations & education at the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra in Alexandria, Virginia;  as campaign associate at Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix, where she raised $1.6 million;  and as a capital campaign consultant at Powers Young & Company.

As a Lifecycles Certified Capacity Consultant through the Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute, Stephanie has provided in-depth organizational assessments, business planning and technical assistance to arts and social service organizations in both the ATLAS and AGILE capacity building programs with the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

She is a Certified Governance Trainer with BoardSource, and her advanced training through National Arts Strategies and the Stanford University Nonprofit Leaders – Arts programs have given her  a cadre of best practices and practical tools.  

Stephanie currently volunteers with Phoenix Conservatory of Music and is a Precinct Committeeperson with the Legislative District 28 Democrats. As a volunteer with Canine Companions for Independence, she was puppy raiser to Nanna, a rambunctious Lab who refused to pass the service dog tests. Nanna is now Couch-Dog and Chief Snack Officer at Synergy Partners Consulting.

An avid traveler, Stephanie believes that exploring new places, interacting with diverse people, discovering arts and culture, and eating all kinds of local foods makes for a rich life and an inclusive outlook on the world. She has traveled outside the U.S. to Japan, China, Scotland, England, France, (so far) and continues to explore North America.