Featuring: Karin Ogden, CEO
The Challenge
When Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana faced an unexpected leadership vacancy in their development department, CEO Karin Ogden found herself juggling too many responsibilities.
“The last thing we needed was a consultant who’d just come in, tell us what to do, and leave,” said Karin. “We needed someone who would roll up their sleeves and help us do the work.”
Karin turned to Loring, Sternberg & Associates (LSA), one of the only firms she knew that provided interim leadership support. On the recommendation of a trusted friend, Karin connected with LSA Senior Consultant Annette Flickinger – and felt immediate relief that she had found the right partner.
Why LSA?
From the very first meeting, Annette made an impression.
- Simplifying the Complex: Karin had a clear sense of what needed to get done, but Annette helped break it down and simplify the path forward.
- Trusted Reputation: With LSA’s strong community reputation and a personal recommendation from a colleague, Karin knew LSA would deliver.
- A “Get-It-Done” Approach: Annette brought both accountability and energy—rallying the team, refusing excuses, and helping Karin and her staff move forward with confidence.
“The best thing Annette has done has been to challenge us to do more, and then rolls up her sleeves to help us get it done.” – Karin Ogden
The Approach
LSA quickly identified three immediate goals with Karin and her team, then set about tackling them head-on:
- Streamlined Systems: Consolidated multiple applications, pulled agreements together, and integrated tools with Raiser’s Edge to strengthen reporting and efficiency.
- Staff Empowerment: Helped Karin lead development team meetings, giving staff clarity, confidence, and early wins.
- Strategic Execution: Balanced long-term strategy with immediate action—so progress was visible and motivating right from the start.
The collaboration went so well that Karin extended Annette’s contract to also support the marketing team.
A “Wow” Moment
At a development committee meeting, Annette delivered a polished, professional report that combined clean design, sharp data, and clear insights.
“It was beautiful—so simple, so professional,” Karin recalled. “Board members received the data they had been truly wanting to see. They were so appreciative.”
Annette’s ability to merge fundraising expertise, marketing savvy, data analysis, and design continues to surprise and impress the team.
The Results
With LSA’s partnership, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana has:
- Streamlined and improved their fundraising systems.
- Increased clarity and confidence among development staff.
- Created professional, data-driven tools to support strategy and board engagement, and to show donor impact.
- Extended LSA’s role into marketing to further strengthen the organization.
Final Thoughts + Impact
Karin couldn’t be happier with the partnership:
“I don’t know that I could have done it in a better way. I feel lucky and blessed to have found them. I’m so glad to be working with LSA—and I love working with Annette.”
For RMHC of Central Indiana, LSA provided more than just interim leadership—they became a trusted partner in execution, strategy, and growth.
About the Organization
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Indiana provides a supportive home away from home for families of children receiving medical care at Riley Children’s Health and other area hospitals.
When families have a sick child, the organization provides comfort, care and kindness when they need it most. The House provides all the comforts of home, plus a community of support, and Family Rooms are places for families to rest during the long days of testing or treatment.
Learn more about RMHC and its work here.
