About
Ryan Smedes
20+ years inside nonprofits. I know what it's like when resources are tight, teams are stretched, and every decision has real stakes.
The Work Behind the Work
I've spent two decades inside the kind of organizations you lead—navigating limited resources, complex change, and the weight of doing work that matters.
I've lived in Latin America for a decade, supported dozens of program sectors, worked across 30+ countries, designed 100+ Theories of Change, and held senior roles at Compassion International and Food for the Hungry.
I know what it's like when every decision has real stakes. I know what it's like when teams are stretched thin and "doing more with less" isn't a cliché—it's Tuesday. I know what it's like to lead when the old way of doing things doesn't work anymore and you need to figure out what's next.
Now I work with nonprofits as a fractional executive, strategic consultant, and team coach. I help leaders cut through overwhelm, clarify impact, and build teams that can lead without burning out.
20+
Years Experience
30+
Countries
100+
Theories of Change
Education
MPA in International Development, Policy & Management
University of Washington
Ryan Smedes
Principal Consultant
Orange Sky Initiatives, LLC
20+ Years · 5 Continents · Countless Organizations
Aligning Teams Across the World
I've been helping nonprofits find clarity for over two decades.
