Nancy Cook is a Project Manager with Washburn McGoldrick, where she has been a member of the firm since November 2022.

In her role, she partners with colleges and universities across the country to support feasibility studies, campaign planning, and advancement initiatives. Her work includes project management, client coordination, and the development and delivery of the firm’s Perfect Your Pitch program—providing training, coaching, and evaluation for advancement professionals. Nancy has contributed to projects for a range of institutions, including liberal arts colleges and public universities, supporting both lead consultants and broader project teams.

Nancy’s expertise includes feasibility studies, advancement communications, and training development. She brings strength in helping advancement professionals articulate compelling cases for support, combining structure, storytelling, and real-time coaching. She is also highly experienced in event planning and execution, managing logistics for client conferences, leadership retreats, and advancement-focused convenings.

Prior to joining Washburn McGoldrick, Nancy built a diverse career spanning nonprofit engagement, coaching, and leadership development. Her work has consistently focused on helping individuals and organizations perform at a high level—whether in fundraising, communication, or personal achievement.

Outside of her consulting work, Nancy is a nationally recognized endurance athlete and coach. She is a multiple-time world champion in indoor rowing and currently holds several world and American records. A lifelong athlete, she is also a competitive runner and triathlete, as well as a professional ski instructor with more than 25 years of experience. Nancy is actively involved in Toastmasters International, where she is pursuing advanced leadership and communication training with the goal of delivering a future TED-style talk focused on resilience and performance.

Nancy is also the author of the children’s book Skiing is Believing, inspired by her passion for skiing and sharing the joy of the sport with others. Known for her energy, discipline, and mindset, she brings a unique combination of grit, creativity, and encouragement to both her professional and personal pursuits.