Profile
James Dodson
CFO / COO / CTO
Thank you for taking the time to review my career highlights. I have served in the roles of Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Financial Officer.
I have been working with non-profits, funders, and donors for over 20 years. The roles I have been fortunate enough to contribute to include:
- Administration and oversight
- Data and technology infrastructure and development
- Federal and state regulatory compliance
- Financial and accounting development and oversight
- Federal, state, and private audits
- Fund development and funder relations
- Expertise and experience in other subject matter
I have a robust and thoughtful approach to leadership that prioritizes transparency, adaptability, and effective communication. I focus on understanding the core elements of an organization—its business, people, and culture. I am committed to strategies and execution that produce mission results.
It's essential to convey that leadership is one key component of the overall role. I believe that the skillset required to lead an organization through its opportunities, challenges, successes, and failures necessitates a leader who is capable of cultivating people and always being present to lend a hand of support. This leader should engage people to strive for success.
Career years as a leader for business operations and information technology
Goals in Life — Family Well-being, In Good Health, Be Present
Domains with Expertise — Strategy, Leadership, Management, Innovation, Financial & Accounting, Data & Information, Human Resources, and Information Technology
Skillset
Achievement Highlights
Financial System
Unified and standardized all accounting and financial data systems for 80 nonprofit organizations across North Carolina to eliminate inconsistencies, errors, and significantly enhance fiscal accountability.
Learning Management
Spearheaded a learning management initiative to assist local organizations with online education and training. Work included course development and accreditation.
VP / CTO
Experience in technology strategy and systems integration, particularly in defining technology roadmaps that align with mission-critical outcomes and organizational objectives. Hands-on expertise in implementing financial systems, analytics dashboards, CRM integrations, and cloud platforms to improve data-driven decision-making. Overseen digital transformation projects that include vendor selection, system rollouts, cybersecurity oversight, and staff training, all aimed at ensuring seamless adoption and scalability.
Capacity Building
Scaled statewide technology capacity to adopt standardized processes and systems for finance, contract, budget, payroll, and reporting to insure long-term sustainability.
Knowledge Management
Developed unique knowledge management system that captured anecdotal and quantitative data as a reference for present and historical decision making practices and to inform future decision making.
VP / CFO
Experienced financial professional with extensive background in CFO roles, where I've managed budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and board reporting for both nonprofits and corporations. Focused on enhancing financial planning, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring audit readiness. Collaborates closely with mission-driven teams to improve their understanding of financial positions and increase operational efficiency—sharing practical insights that support their daily operations and long-term success.
CRM / ERP
Developed bi-directional statewide CRM / ERP that enhanced understanding of county-level data, budgets, expenditure KPI, program KPI, and reporting for improved data-driven decision making.
Employee Compensation Studies
Directed multiple reviews and assessments of employee compensation, job roles, and salary scales.
VP / COO
Experienced leader with a focus on operational planning and process improvement. Over the years, streamline workflows and strengthen relationships with both clients and vendors. Managed complex projects—from integrating third-party systems to upgrading financial and IT infrastructure—always with a focus on staying on time and on budget. A practical approach to aligning day-to-day operations with big-picture goals, combining clear project management with a flexible leadership style.
Process & Workflow Optimization with Cloud Applications
At Millstone Group Partners, we believe that many nonprofits already have the tools they need—what's missing is a clear strategy for using them effectively. Platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce can transform day-to-day operations, but only if processes and workflows are aligned with how people actually work.
Our approach blends technical expertise with human understanding. We work closely with your staff to review, redesign, and optimize workflows using the tools you already own—reducing costs, improving efficiency, and ensuring every solution fits your culture and capacity.
Comprehensive Process Reviews
We begin by examining your current processes in detail:
- Mapping how tasks and information flow across departments.
- Identifying bottlenecks, redundancies, and manual workarounds.
- Assessing where existing cloud applications are underutilized or misaligned.
- Documenting staff perspectives to ensure we capture the "real-world" workflow, not just what's on paper.
Optimizing and Modernizing Existing Cloud Services
Our advisors specialize in unlocking the full potential of leading nonprofit cloud platforms:
- Microsoft 365 – Streamline collaboration with Teams and SharePoint, automate approvals with Power Automate, and enhance reporting with Power BI.
- Google Workspace – Improve productivity with shared Drives, Google Forms, and integrated workflows for real-time collaboration.
- Salesforce & CRM Platforms – Tailor donor, client, or participant tracking processes to eliminate manual entry and strengthen impact reporting.
- Other Tools – We also integrate platforms like Zoho, Tableau, Slack, Zoom, or project management tools into unified, user-friendly workflows.
Practical, People-Focused Solutions
Process improvements succeed only when staff are comfortable and confident using them. That's why we prioritize a human-centered approach:
- Collaborative Design – We co-create solutions with staff, ensuring their insights guide every change.
- Respect for Organizational Culture – We design solutions that align with existing practices and language, making adoption smooth and natural.
- Training & Support – Our team provides hands-on coaching, user guides, and follow-up check-ins to build long-term confidence.
- Amicable Change Management – We implement improvements gradually and collaboratively, minimizing resistance and maximizing buy-in.
Workflow Automation & Efficiency Gains
When processes are aligned with cloud tools, organizations gain:
- Save time – Automate routine tasks and free staff for mission-driven work.
- Reduce costs – Avoid purchasing unnecessary software or duplicating systems.
- Strengthen compliance – Ensure documentation, approvals, and reporting are consistent and audit-ready.
- Boost staff morale – Create workflows that make daily tasks easier, not harder.
At Millstone Group, we don't just implement systems—we partner with your team to create solutions that last.
History
Millstone Group Partners LLC
2021 – PresentPrincipal and Partner
- Established a consulting firm specializing in strategic financial and technology advisory services, driving innovation and fostering strategic growth.
- Advise and support nonprofit organizations and NGOs in developing comprehensive solutions in financial and accounting practices, information technology, human resources, contracts management, grants management, data collection, and leadership.
- Guide NPOs and NGOs in navigating federal, state, and private funding streams, grants, and regulatory requirements.
- Serve as Interim or fractional COO, CFO, and CTO for both corporate and nonprofit clients.
The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. (Smart Start)
1999 – 2021Operations and Administration · Finance and Accounting · Information Technology
- Directed strategic finance and operations for an entity exceeding $180 million, aligning fiscal plans with organizational goals. Implemented funding methodologies, identified economies of scale, and collected and analyzed KPIs to foster continuous process improvement.
- Oversaw financial operations, ensuring adherence to accounting and auditing standards and regulatory compliance. Updated accounting and HR procedures including payroll, benefits, job roles, performance metrics, and compensation policies, and managed the 401(k) retirement plan.
- Pioneered the development and implementation of a statewide system to consolidate data silos—unifying financial and accounting data, standardizing program output and outcomes reporting, and expanding technology and Internet access statewide.
- Led IT projects encompassing infrastructure, networking, software development, data system development, and cloud services (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics, Google, Nutanix, and Cisco).
- Developed a statewide CRM system improving management of customer, contract, budget, program, and report data. Provided comprehensive operational and financial guidance to staff at all levels.
- Spearheaded an e-Learning and Knowledge Management initiative for local nonprofits.
Other Roles
Pre-1999- Project manager — communications platform integration
- Project manager — financial software integration with proprietary banking system
- IT Manager — network and infrastructure development and implementation
- Sales — financial and banking services
