Our Team
We’re a team of passionate professionals dedicated to building a community where consultants and coaches in higher education can thrive.
Our founders bring decades of experience, strategic vision, and a shared commitment to creating a space where professionals can connect, grow, and lead with confidence.
Each bringing a different strength to the table—whether it’s visioning, strategy, business development, or community-building—but together, we make AHECC the welcoming and forward-thinking association it is.
Our Story
A Need for Something More
Individually, we had each carved out successful careers in higher education consulting and coaching. We had built expertise in strategy, leadership, operations, learning, marketing, and professional development. But despite our experience, we found ourselves navigating our field largely alone—without the infrastructure, shared resources, or peer community that so many professionals in other sectors enjoyed.
What started as casual conversations among colleagues—frustrations about working in isolation, the lack of structured professional development, the need for better networking—quickly turned into a vision for something bigger. We combined our diverse skills to create the professional association we wished had existed.
AHECC is a place where higher education consultants and coaches come together—not as competitors, but as collaborators. A place where our work is understood, supported, and celebrated.
Like many great ideas, AHECC was born out of a simple but powerful realization: there was no professional home for us.
As higher education consultants and coaches, we saw firsthand how institutions were evolving—facing increasing complexity, heightened expectations, and the need for specialized expertise. We knew our work was making a difference. But something was missing.
Consultants and coaches in higher education lacked a dedicated space to connect, collaborate, and grow. There was no community built specifically for us—no place that understood the unique challenges of working independently or running a consulting business in this industry.
Meet the Founders
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Dr. Josie Ahlquist
The Community Experience & Brand Builder
Dr. Josie Ahlquist is the creative force behind AHECC’s brand, member experience, and sense of community. She ensures that from the moment someone engages with AHECC, they feel welcomed, supported, and part of something bigger. She’s passionate about creating a seamless, engaging, and valuable member experience—whether through branding, messaging, or the thoughtful design of programs and events.
📌 What she brings to AHECC: Brand strategy, marketing, and community-building—crafting an experience that makes AHECC feel like home for its members.
If there’s a way to enhance engagement and create a sense of belonging, Josie is already working on it. She’s also known for keeping the vibe strong and the energy high.
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Dr. Claire Brady
The Partnership & Governance Strategist
Dr. Claire Brady is a driving force behind AHECC’s growth, outreach, and financial sustainability. She leads efforts to expand membership, forge strategic partnerships, and position AHECC as the go-to professional network for higher education consultants and coaches. With expertise in finance, governance, and operations, Claire ensures AHECC remains both mission-driven and financially sound.
📌 What she brings to AHECC: Membership growth, strategic partnerships, financial sustainability, governance, compliance, and operational strategy.
Fun fact? Claire’s unbeatable at Wordle.
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Dr. Meghan Grace
The Strategic & Operational Powerhouse
Meghan is the engine that keeps AHECC running smoothly. With a sharp focus on strategy and execution, she ensures that big ideas turn into actionable plans. From operational planning to project management, Meghan thrives on bringing structure to vision, coordinating details, and making sure everything stays on track. She’s also deeply invested in member experience, ensuring AHECC delivers meaningful engagement and value.
📌 What she brings to AHECC: Strategic operations, project management, long-term planning, and execution.
If there’s a complex process to simplify, Meghan is on it—probably with snacks in hand.
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Dr. Carrie Lovelace Petr
The Growth & Outreach Champion
Dr. Carrie Lovelace Petr is the voice and energy behind AHECC’s growth. Whether she’s sharing the organization’s vision, forging new relationships, or welcoming new members, she thrives on building connections and spreading the word about AHECC’s impact. With a deep passion for expanding AHECC’s reach, Carrie leads efforts in membership growth, outreach, and promotion. She’s always looking for opportunities to bring more consultants and coaches into the fold, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger.
📌 What she brings to AHECC: Membership growth, outreach, visioning, and promoting AHECC to the world.
And if you ever need a dose of joy? Carrie’s dog, Felix, is always ready to steal the show.
AHECC is built on the belief that together, we can elevate our profession. For ourselves, for our clients, and for the future of higher education.