Lindsey Wilson is the Founder and Principal of Lift & Line, where she partners with mission-driven organizations to build the operational and strategic infrastructure they need to scale impact, manage complexity, and thrive. With nearly 20 years of experience in the philanthropic, nonprofit, and advocacy sectors, Lindsey brings a unique blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on execution to every engagement.

Her work has included advancing marriage equality across the South, managing operations and outreach in swing congressional districts, curating partnerships with global brands like the NBA, developing evaluative frameworks to guide institutional decision-making, and scaling collaborative initiatives that span sectors and geographies. Whether leading from within or behind the scenes, Lindsey is known for translating vision into strategy—and strategy into systems that work.

Through Lift & Line, Lindsey provides consulting services aligned with the scope and impact of a Chief Operating Officer or Chief of Staff. She specializes in strengthening core operations—from compliance and cross-entity coordination to financial systems and strategic planning. Her expertise includes navigating fiscal sponsorship, launching and integrating 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities, and managing complex initiatives across multiple organizational partners. She brings a steady, strategic presence grounded in clarity, trust, and results.

Lindsey lives in the mountains of North Carolina, where she serves as Vice Chair of the Board for MANNA Food Bank. She has also held executive volunteer leadership roles with the YWCA of Asheville and the City of Asheville’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. She is known for her integrity, high EQ, and ability to lead organizations through growth, transition, and transformation.

Resume at a Glance

Founder & Principal, Lift & Line
2025–present

• Provides operational and strategic consulting for philanthropic and nonprofit organizations

• Offers services aligned with a Chief Operating Officer or Chief of Staff role

• Specializes in fiscal sponsorship, financial systems, and 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) integration

• Supported over $70 million in grants received and grants made across client organizations in the past year

Partnerships & Strategy Lead, Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation
2023–2024

• Curated strategic partnerships with global brands, including a PSA with the NBA reaching 78 million people

• Led stakeholder outreach and relationship management on behalf of the founder

Senior Advisor, Strategic Partnerships, Tides
2021–2023

• Consulted with major donors, foundations, and corporate clients on social impact initiatives

• Developed a vetting framework to strengthen partner alignment and improve operational efficiency

• Supported cross-sector philanthropic initiatives from design through implementation

Chief of Staff & Vice President, Rural Support Partners
2018–2021

• Oversaw internal operations, contract negotiations, budgeting, and team systems

• Designed and implemented an organizational culture and retention strategy

• Provided consulting services to funders, foundations, and nonprofit collaboratives

Managing Consultant & Acting Executive Director, Appalachia Funders Network
2018–2021

• Scaled the network’s revenue by 340% and deepened cross-issue funder collaboration

• Managed budgeting, strategy, and board relationships for a 60-member funding coalition

• Led initiatives to align philanthropic investments across the Appalachian region

Director of Engagement & Operations, Campaign for Southern Equality
2011–2018

• Led budgeting, staffing, compliance, and event execution for a growing advocacy organization

• Advanced marriage equality through public campaigns, strategic communications, and community mobilization

• Built internal systems to support rapid organizational expansion

Campaign Operations & Field Director, Heath Shuler for Congress
2010–2011

• Directed operations and outreach across a swing congressional district of 750,000+ constituents

• Managed staff and volunteers in a high-stakes political environment

• Delivered a successful win during a year of historic Democratic losses