When the environment shifts fast, you need advisors who've been there before. CSS is a women-led consultancy with decades of direct experience supporting nonprofits and civic actors in the world's most challenging environments, and we're bringing those lessons to organizations across the U.S.

Our team,
Change Makers.

Our Team

Laura McKechnie
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Principal Consultant

Laura has had 20 years of experience in management and strategy as well as program management and engagement with civil society, funders and key stakeholders. She also has proven experience in partnership building, strategic initiatives, and capacity building. Laura’s regional focus has been in Latin America and Asia, where she lived for ten years in Ecuador, Vietnam and Paraguay.

Digital illustration of a smiling woman with straight brown hair wearing a beige shirt.

Kellie Burk
Chief Operating Officer & Partnerships Director (COO)

Kellie brings over two decades of experience managing programs and research and developing policies, strategies, and initiatives for international development. She has expertise in the areas of strengthening civil society organizations, advancing governance and human rights issues, and promoting the roles of women and youth, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

Digital illustration of a woman with long brown hair, smiling, wearing a light green blazer and a silver necklace, against a white background.

Eileen Lawless
Chief of Programs & Engagement (CPE)

Eileen is a senior international and community development leader who has spent more than 20 years advancing democracy, human rights, and governance across the Middle East and North Africa, Southern Africa, East Timor, and Azerbaijan. She is also a skilled facilitator, learning designer,  and coalition builder who has developed and led global networks and communities of practice.

A cartoon illustration of a woman with long blonde hair, green glasses, and a white top with blue embroidery, smiling.

Erin McCarthy
Chief Technical Officer (CTO)

Erin is a senior U.S. Government expert with 16+ years of experience in strategic leadership, democratic development and policy development. Erin is a trusted advisor on democratic and civil society development, known for designing and managing multilateral, high impact initiatives as well as mobilizing private foundations and congressional support in the Europe and Eurasia region.

A digital illustration of a woman with long, wavy brown hair, smiling, wearing a dark green top.