Melanie Schmidt

Principal
Timpano Consulting


Melanie Schmidt, an experienced strategist with a passion for helping organizations and individuals become more effective. 

Described as a "whole-brained problem solver," Melanie delivers an integrated skill set to help people discover where they want to go, define how they are going to get there, and develop how they are going to talk about it. She is skilled at fostering dialogue, discerning data and delivering practical results – with a flair for infusing creativity and fun into the process.

Clients benefit from her unique background, which includes over 20 years of experience in delivering on strategy, policy and communications to forge common ground, shape organizational behavior and represent diverse interests. Prior to establishing her independent consultancy, Melanie worked in state government, for an international utility, and at an award-winning marketing and advertising agency.

Melanie specializes in the nuances of nonprofits and is a frequent speaker on topics including governance, branding, effectiveness, creativity and strategy. She is known for getting to the core of issues and then framing the actions necessary to move things forward. Melanie helps leaders orchestrate action and achieve sustainable success for their organizations. 

Melanie also serves as a Board member for Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) and is affiliated with TEMPO-Madison, Madison Area Business Consultants and the UW Center for Nonprofits. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her dog and preparing multi-course meals.

About Timpano Consulting
Timpano Consulting helps people refocus and recharge through an engaging approach to strategic thinking, practical planning and intentional communications. The firm specializes in organizations facing change, thrives in complex situations, and has extensive experience with nonprofits. Discover how clarity, curiosity, commitment and communication can be your cornerstones for making sustainable progress.

Specialties include:

  • Branding
  • Communications strategy
  • Consultative coaching
  • Facilitation
  • Governance
  • Management consulting
  • Momentum management
  • Organizational assessments
  • Project mapping
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Strategic planning
  • Transformation/turn-around