The Atrómitos Way

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Oct 2026

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Welcome to The Atrómitos Way Podcast, where we candidly discuss the everyday challenges facing safety net health and human service providers, government agencies, philanthropies, and advocates. Our podcast will offer practical, easy-to-implement solutions to long-standing and emerging problems and highlight innovative ideas from fearless thought leaders nationwide.

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October 30, 2026Episode 6042 min

#060: Paperwork, Not Work: What the First Work Requirement States Are Telling Us

In this episode, host Michelle Gady once again helms the mic to discuss the implications of Medicaid work requirements we have already begun to witness in Nebraska and Montana. Who will lose coverage when 40 more states run the same process this coming January—and will they lose their coverage because they don’t meet the requirements, or because they didn’t answer the mail? Michealle explores the preparations being made in Washington, North Carolina, and Connecticut for these massive upcoming changes. Sources Atrómitos, "A Bad Penny Always Turns Up," Michealle Gady, May 2, 2023. https://www.atromitosconsulting.com/bad-penny/ KFF, "Early Medicaid Work Requirement Insights From Nebraska". https://www.kff.org/medicaid/early-medicaid-work-requirement-insights-from-nebraska/ KFF Health News, "Confusion and Angst Follow State’s Early Rollout of Medicaid Work Rules" (Montana). https://kffhealthnews.org/medicaid/medicaid-work-rules-requirements-worries-dropped-coverage-montana/ Washington State Health Care Authority, Apple Health work requirements. https://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/i-need-medical-dental-or-vision-care/apple-health-medicaid-work-requirements NC Medicaid, "Medicaid is Changing in 2026-27". https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/medicaid-is-changing Connecticut Department of Social Services, HR1 work rule changes. https://portal.ct.gov/dss/all-programs/dss-benefits-and-hr1/hr1-for-members/hr1-work-rule-changes Massachusetts Attorney General, multistate lawsuit over the Medicaid work requirements rule. https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-campbell-sues-trump-administration-over-unlawful-medicaid-work-requirements-rule The Current GA, "Georgia’s Medicaid work requirement program spent twice as much on administrative costs as on health care, GAO says," September 24, 2025. https://thecurrentga.org/2025/09/24/georgia-pathways-medicaid-work-requirement-gao- report/ Washington State Health Care Authority, “Client notices about federal work requirements are coming soon,” September 3, 2026. https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/WAHCA-427fa12 Becker’s Payer Issues, “5 governors push HHS to delay Medicaid work requirements,” October 2, 2026. https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/medicaid/5-governors-push-hhs-to-delay-medicaid-work-requirements/ Georgetown University Health Care Litigation Tracker, Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Oz. https://litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/litigation/commonwealth-of-massachusetts-et-al-v-oz-et-al/ KFF, “Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Medicaid Work Requirements.” https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-work-requirements-tracker-overview/ Resources for Listeners If you have Medicaid in Washington (Apple Health) Washington State Health Care Authority, Apple Health work requirements, including a short survey to see whether you need to take action. Apple Health customer service, 1-800-562-3022. https://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/i-need-medical-dental-or-vision-care/apple-health-medicaid-work-requirements Washington Healthplanfinder, to update your contact information, report changes, and find free in-person help. 1-855-923-4633. https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org Northwest Justice Project, Apple Health (Medicaid) work requirements guide on Washington Law Help. For free civil legal help, call the CLEAR hotline, 1-888-201-1014 (outside King County; in King County, dial 2-1-1). https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/apple-health-medicaid-work-requirements If you have Medicaid in North Carolina NC Medicaid, The Work and Community Engagement Requirement, with a step-by-step guide to exemptions and what counts. NC Medicaid Contact Center, 888-245-0179. https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/impact-hr-1-and-federal-changes-medicaid/nc-medicaid-work-and-community-engagement-requirements NC Medicaid Ombudsman, free help understanding notices and resolving problems. 1-877-201-3750. https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/about-nc-medicaid/nc-medicaid-ombudsman Legal Aid of North Carolina, Medicaid Rights clinic series. For help with a Medicaid denial or reduction, call the Legal Aid Helpline, 1-866-219-5262. https://legalaidnc.org/clinic/medicaid-managed-care/ If you have Medicaid in Connecticut (HUSKY D) Connecticut Department of Social Services, HR1 work rule changes, with a prescreener and member toolkit. https://portal.ct.gov/dss/all-programs/dss-benefits-and-hr1/hr1-for-members/hr1-work-rule-changes Connecticut Association for Community Action, the statewide association of community action agencies. (860) 832-9438. https://www.cafca.org HUSKY Health Member Services, for questions about your benefits and finding a provider. 1-800-859-9889. https://portal.ct.gov/HUSKY/Welcome Anywhere in the country Dial 2-1-1 for local referrals to health coverage help, or contact your state Medicaid agency using the number on your Medicaid card or notices. https://www.211.org For state agencies, providers, community organizations, and funders National Health Law Program, Recommendations for State Reporting of Work Requirement Outcomes, on what states should report about coverage losses under work requirements. https://healthlaw.org/resource/recommendations-for-state-reporting-of-work-requirement-outcomes-dos-and-donts/ Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, Tracking State Readiness to Implement HR 1, including state call center wait times and abandonment rates. https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/08/28/tracking-state-readiness-to-implement-hr-1/ American College of Physicians, Toolkit on Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirements for physicians and advocates. https://www.acponline.org/advocacy/state-health-policy/toolkit-medicaid-work-and-community-engagement-requirements KFF, “Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Medicaid Work Requirements,” with states’ reported implementation plans. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-work-requirements-tracker-overview Atrómitos Knowledge Hub Promo -- This podcast is a production of Atrómitos, a woman-owned boutique consulting firm creating a better way for our health and human services provider clients to achieve their goals by strengthening internal operations, enhancing financial stability and evaluating public policies. Want to know more about the firm behind the podcast? Atrómitos, LLC Website : https://atromitosconsulting.com Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/atromitos-llc/ Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@atromitosllc Get Emails : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/#subscriber In addition to our podcast, we've developed additional resources to improve your understanding of both long-standing and emerging issues important to leaders in the health and human service provider, government and philanthropic sectors. Our articles, policy briefs and infographics provide you with information you can use to reach your organization’s goals. Atrómitos Way Podcast Website : www.atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way Follow us on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-atrómitos-way Articles : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/progress/ White Papers : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/unlocking/

September 10, 202635 min

#059: Fundraising Is Not a Staffing Problem: Why a Culture of Philanthropy Has to Come Before the Hire

In this episode of The Atrómitos Way, Michealle Gady speaks with Atrómitos principal Kate McNulty about why nonprofit fundraising challenges are often misdiagnosed as staffing problems. All too often, organizations assume that what they need is a better development director, stronger board contacts, or simply to finally “get around to” developing their fundraising program. Kate’s view, however, is that these solutions may not address the underlying issue: the absence of a shared culture of philanthropy. Key Takeaways A culture of philanthropy extends beyond the idea that “fundraising is everyone’s job.” It includes leadership modeling, board alignment, staff members who can communicate the mission effectively, community partnership, and shared ownership of donor relationships. In organizations with this culture, executive leaders understand their major donors, board members make introductions naturally, and program staff feel confident discussing the organization’s impact. Grants vs. individual giving. Grants generally follow defined timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements, while donor relationships depend on trust, ongoing communication, and a genuine understanding of shared interests. This is particularly important for health and human services organizations that rely heavily on a small number of government contracts or foundation grants. Without additional funding relationships developing alongside those sources, an organization may become highly vulnerable when a contract changes or is not renewed. What to do before hiring again . Leaders should determine whether they are facing a capacity gap, a culture gap, or both, and then identify the organizational changes needed to build more sustainable philanthropy. The episode offers a practical starting point for nonprofit executives, board members, and fundraising professionals seeking to create shared responsibility for mission-driven support. Read Kate’s article here: https://www.atromitosconsulting.com/fundraising-is-not-a-staffing-problem/ Atrómitos Knowledge Hub Promo -- This podcast is a production of Atrómitos, a woman-owned boutique consulting firm creating a better way for our health and human services provider clients to achieve their goals by strengthening internal operations, enhancing financial stability and evaluating public policies. Want to know more about the firm behind the podcast? Atrómitos, LLC Website : https://atromitosconsulting.com Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/atromitos-llc/ Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@atromitosllc Get Emails : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/#subscriber In addition to our podcast, we've developed additional resources to improve your understanding of both long-standing and emerging issues important to leaders in the health and human service provider, government and philanthropic sectors. Our articles, policy briefs and infographics provide you with information you can use to reach your organization’s goals. Atrómitos Way Podcast Website : www.atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way Follow us on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-atrómitos-way Articles : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/progress/ White Papers : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/unlocking/

July 29, 2026Episode 5835 min

#058: The Missing Layer: Why We Keep Rebuilding Social Care and Never Finish It

We’ve seen it before, and we will probably see it again: using state and federal dollars, we fund a social care program for five years, it works, and despite robust results, one budget cycle takes it out. But it doesn’t have to be this way. What if, rather than a rolling series of demonstrations that can disappear with a waiver, a rule change, or a vote, integrated health and social care could be hardened into infrastructure? On today’s episode, Atrómitos founder, president, and CEO Michealle Gady does a solo deep dive on precisely that topic. She explores the challenges and opportunities in integrating health and social care in the United States, with insights informed by her decade working alongside the state agencies, health systems, payers, funders, and community organizations building the programs that connect health care to the housing, food, transportation, and support that actually determine whether people stay well. Key Takeaways The other 80%. Clinical care accounts for roughly twenty percent of your health, while the other 80% occurs outside the health care system. How do we address a person’s need for food, or housing, or a ride to the doctor with the same seriousness we’d bring to a diagnosis of diabetes or heart disease? Learning from experience. What can we learn from those previous demonstrations? Where has the patchwork fallen short in the past, and how do we avoid those pitfalls in the future? What factors, other than cost savings, should be considered as metrics for success of these programs? For further reading, we encourage our viewers to visit our website, where you can find a blog post on this topic: https://www.atromitosconsulting.com/the-missing-layer-social-care-infrastructure/ As well as a paper we published in July, with all the evidence and the financing model laid out: https://www.atromitosconsulting.com/reports/integrating-health-and-social-care/ Atrómitos Knowledge Hub Promo -- This podcast is a production of Atrómitos, a woman-owned boutique consulting firm creating a better way for our health and human services provider clients to achieve their goals by strengthening internal operations, enhancing financial stability and evaluating public policies. Want to know more about the firm behind the podcast? Atrómitos, LLC Website : https://atromitosconsulting.com Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/atromitos-llc/ Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@atromitosllc Get Emails : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/#subscriber In addition to our podcast, we've developed additional resources to improve your understanding of both long-standing and emerging issues important to leaders in the health and human service provider, government and philanthropic sectors. Our articles, policy briefs and infographics provide you with information you can use to reach your organization’s goals. Atrómitos Way Podcast Website : www.atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way Follow us on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-atrómitos-way Articles : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/progress/ White Papers : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/unlocking/

June 30, 2026Episode 5747 min

#057: When the Safety Net Frays: What HR1 Means for Behavioral Health Access in Washington

Signed on July 4, 2025, H.R.1 cut roughly $1 trillion in federal Medicaid spending over ten years, in the largest restructuring of Medicaid financing in a generation. Because Medicaid funds about a quarter of all U.S. mental health and substance use treatment, the cuts fall disproportionately on behavioral health. Almost one year after its signing, Michealle Gady sat down with Joan Miller to discuss what the law does, the work-requirement paradox, provider finances, and what to do next. Joan Miller is CEO of the Washington Council for Behavioral Health, the statewide association of community behavioral health agencies, the state’s behavioral health safety net. She guides the Council’s strategic vision and builds partnerships that promote system improvement, and can speak to both the mechanics of the law and what a cut means in a clinic. Crucially, as Washington is a Medicaid expansion state, she offers key insight into how these deep cuts will directly impact our most vulnerable populations. Key Takeaways The impact of H.R.1 on Medicaid and behavioral health services . Medicaid serves as the largest payer for behavioral health services in the U.S., covering a wide range of treatments from crisis services to recovery support. Many behavioral health services are considered “optional,” meaning that during budget cuts, these are often the first to be considered for elimination. Compounding this issue, the new work-reporting rules fall hardest on people whose symptoms make paperwork most difficult to complete. Cost shift, not reduction . Supporters of H.R.1 argue that it reduces costs and gives states more flexibility. In actuality, any cost reduction has not come from tackling fraud, waste, and abuse, but rather from vulnerable people losing their coverage and from the financial burden shifting to other sources of spending. States will also be required to implement new technological infrastructure to handle the upcoming administrative requirements. The importance of immediate attention . One of the more concerning aspects of HR1 is the phased implementation of its provisions, some of which won’t take effect until 2027 or later. The delayed implementation could lead to complacency about the repercussions of the bill, which are designed to unfold gradually. By being proactive, advocates and providers can develop strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of HR1, ensuring that as many individuals as possible remain insured and can access necessary care. Atrómitos Knowledge Hub Promo -- This podcast is a production of Atrómitos, a woman-owned boutique consulting firm creating a better way for our health and human services provider clients to achieve their goals by strengthening internal operations, enhancing financial stability and evaluating public policies. Want to know more about the firm behind the podcast? Atrómitos, LLC Website : https://atromitosconsulting.com Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/atromitos-llc/ Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@atromitosllc Get Emails : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/#subscriber In addition to our podcast, we've developed additional resources to improve your understanding of both long-standing and emerging issues important to leaders in the health and human service provider, government and philanthropic sectors. Our articles, policy briefs and infographics provide you with information you can use to reach your organization’s goals. Atrómitos Way Podcast Website : www.atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way Follow us on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-atrómitos-way Articles : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/progress/ White Papers : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/unlocking/

May 29, 2026Episode 5644 min

#056: Understanding Stressors and the Nervous System [Rebroadcast]

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re rebroadcasting one of the most popular episodes of The Atrómitos Way Podcast. Back in May of 2024, we sat down with Sharon Stultz, a dedicated educator and mental health professional with over 30 years of experience, to discuss the science behind mental health and effective therapeutic interventions. Key Takeaways Trauma brain explained. How does continuous exposure to stress influence our neurological responses — and how do fight-flight-freeze mechanisms affect a child's capacity for learning and social interaction? Practical stress reset tools . Effective therapy focuses first on lowering stress and building distress tolerance. Sharon outlined practical regulation strategies such as mapping daily stress patterns, expanding calm moments, walking, and even practicing genuine eye contact. Co-regulation and connection . Political, social, and economic pressures during the COVID pandemic amplified chronic stress, leaving kids dysregulated and their caregivers hypervigilant. Families can build safety through simple, predictable routines — shared meals, consistent activities, and reliable rhythms. Atrómitos Knowledge Hub Promo -- This podcast is a production of Atrómitos, a woman-owned boutique consulting firm creating a better way for our health and human services provider clients to achieve their goals by strengthening internal operations, enhancing financial stability and evaluating public policies. Want to know more about the firm behind the podcast? Atrómitos, LLC Website : https://atromitosconsulting.com Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/atromitos-llc/ Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@atromitosllc Get Emails : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/#subscriber In addition to our podcast, we've developed additional resources to improve your understanding of both long-standing and emerging issues important to leaders in the health and human service provider, government and philanthropic sectors. Our articles, policy briefs and infographics provide you with information you can use to reach your organization’s goals. Atrómitos Way Podcast Website : www.atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way Follow us on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-atrómitos-way Articles : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/progress/ White Papers : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/unlocking/

May 6, 2026Episode 5544 min

#055: Rural Health Transformation in Washington State and Beyond

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is the largest federal investment in rural health in a generation: $50 billion over five years, distributed to all 50 states. Washington State received $181 million in year-one funding, with $5.43 million designated for The Rural Collaborative . In this conversation, Michealle Gady sits down with The Rural Collaborative Executive Director, Elya Prystowsky , to cut through the noise about one of the most consequential rural health investments in years. They cover the stakes, the strategy and what comes next: How has The Rural Collaborative helped Washington hold on to its rural hospital footprint while hospitals elsewhere have closed at alarming rates? What are Washington state’s specific goals for these funds, and how were they chosen? What do rural providers need to do before the 2030 deadline to ensure lasting impact? Elya Prystowsky has led The Rural Collaborative — a nonprofit serving 31 rural, independent hospitals in Washington State — for seven years. She brings 11 years of applied epidemiology and biostatistics and 15 years in healthcare, with a track record of translating research into practice. Key Takeaways Shared ownership over maintaining access . The RHTP’s $50 billion does not offset the loss of $137 billion in Medicaid funding — but organizations like The Rural Collaborative are pursuing every available avenue to help people maintain coverage and get the care they need. In Elya’s own words, “If one rural hospital closes in Washington, then we all collectively fail.” Collaboration takes energy and effort . Washington’s rural hospitals are already making strides: leveraging shared services, strengthening networks, and focusing on sustainability. Their principle— “Independence Through Interdependence” — is both the method and the proof of concept. Atrómitos Knowledge Hub Promo -- This podcast is a production of Atrómitos, a woman-owned boutique consulting firm creating a better way for our health and human services provider clients to achieve their goals by strengthening internal operations, enhancing financial stability and evaluating public policies. Want to know more about the firm behind the podcast? Atrómitos, LLC Website : https://atromitosconsulting.com Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/atromitos-llc/ Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@atromitosllc Get Emails : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/#subscriber In addition to our podcast, we've developed additional resources to improve your understanding of both long-standing and emerging issues important to leaders in the health and human service provider, government and philanthropic sectors. Our articles, policy briefs and infographics provide you with information you can use to reach your organization’s goals. Atrómitos Way Podcast Website : www.atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way Follow us on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-atrómitos-way Articles : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/progress/ White Papers : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/unlocking/

February 27, 202653 min

#054: Innovations on the Ground: Building a Social Care Network

Healthcare often focuses on clinical symptoms and medical treatments, while many patients lack essential support for non-medical factors which greatly affect health outcomes. Social care networks aim to connect healthcare providers with community-based organizations to address the social determinants of health, such as housing stability, food security, transportation, and access to medical care. From early 2022 to mid 2025, Community Care Lower Cape Fear (or CCLCF) saw firsthand what coordinated care can accomplish—and what happens when funding disappears overnight. On today’s episode, Atrómitos president, founder, and CEO Michealle Gady speaks with two leaders at CCLCF who are driving the efforts to build a robust and sustainable social care network with a new grant from the New Hanover Community Endowment. Michealle Gady has more than 20 years of experience helping health and human service providers, government agencies, advocates, and philanthropies create lasting community change. Sarah Ridout, MBA, SPHR is the Director of Community Programs for Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear (CCLCF) where she focuses on planning, implementation and program oversight of community programs within southeastern NC. Dr. Michelle Jones has practiced Family Medicine in the Wilmington, NC area for over 26 years. She is a Past President of the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians and has served as Medical Director of Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear for the last 5 years. Key Takeaways What happened? From pure cost savings, to a reduction in emergency department visits, to improved health outcomes, the HOP pilot had significant positive outcomes. Who benefited? Those outcomes weren’t limited to direct recipients. Every member served by the HOP pilot touched at least two lives, and most services supported whole households. What’s next? As CCLCF looks to the future to build a new social care network—one which aims to outlast any single funding source—what lessons can be learned from the HOP pilot? Want to learn more about CCLCF and the Social Care Network Initiative? Visit their website at carelcf.org . If you're interested in supporting this work, reach out to CCLCF directly at info@carelcf.org. Atrómitos Knowledge Hub Promo -- This podcast is a production of Atrómitos, a woman-owned boutique consulting firm creating a better way for our health and human services provider clients to achieve their goals by strengthening internal operations, enhancing financial stability and evaluating public policies. Want to know more about the firm behind the podcast? Atrómitos, LLC Website : https://atromitosconsulting.com Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/atromitos-llc/ Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@atromitosllc Get Emails : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/#subscriber In addition to our podcast, we've developed additional resources to improve your understanding of both long-standing and emerging issues important to leaders in the health and human service provider, government and philanthropic sectors. Our articles, policy briefs and infographics provide you with information you can use to reach your organization’s goals. Atrómitos Way Podcast Website : www.atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way Follow us on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-atrómitos-way Articles : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/progress/ White Papers : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/unlocking/

January 21, 2026Episode 5347 min

#053: Mergers, Acquisitions & Strategic Options for Nonprofits in Uncertain Times (Part 2)

In part one of this conversation, our panel of experts discussed legal, regulatory, and financial concerns during transitions in the nonprofit sector. Today, on part two, the discussion shifts towards organizational culture and communication. Michealle Gady , Founder, President & CEO of Atrómitos, LLC, has more than 20 years of experience helping health and human service providers, government agencies, advocates, and philanthropies create lasting community change. Jacob Ferrari is a partner at The Apex Law Group, PLLC, and works with nonprofits at every growth stage including formation, application for tax exemption, board governance, and corporate exit plans. Michaela Kay is a CPA who serves as the practice leader for BDO's Seattle office, focusing on single audits, program specific audits, and financial statements audits for those in the life sciences, social services and housing industries. Julie Morris currently serves as Interim Executive Director at Wellspring Family Services in Seattle. As a professional interim leader, she specializes in helping organizations navigate periods of change and transition. Key Takeaways Without for-profit shareholders, the traditional metrics for valuation don’t necessarily apply in the nonprofit sector. How should a nonprofit, and its assets, be valued during a merger or acquisition? When it comes to finding complementary organizations, what does the “dating process” look like for nonprofits, and what can be expected during and after the “honeymoon” phase? Where do organizations stumble once the ink is dry? What is the best way to navigate staff concerns during a transition? When should the conversation expand beyond board members to include staff—especially leadership—without kicking the rumor mill into high gear? Whether your organization is considering a merger, acquisition, or asset transfer, keep in mind that these decisions involve legal, financial, and operational complexity that most organizations don't navigate every day. Leaders striving for a smooth transition need to know when to bring in outside expertise, act from a position of strength rather than crisis, and recognize the human element of organizational change. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with your board, leadership team, or a colleague who might be wrestling with these questions. Atrómitos Knowledge Hub Promo -- This podcast is a production of Atrómitos, a woman-owned boutique consulting firm creating a better way for our health and human services provider clients to achieve their goals by strengthening internal operations, enhancing financial stability and evaluating public policies. Want to know more about the firm behind the podcast? Atrómitos, LLC Website : https://atromitosconsulting.com Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/atromitos-llc/ Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@atromitosllc Get Emails : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/#subscriber In addition to our podcast, we've developed additional resources to improve your understanding of both long-standing and emerging issues important to leaders in the health and human service provider, government and philanthropic sectors. Our articles, policy briefs and infographics provide you with information you can use to reach your organization’s goals. Atrómitos Way Podcast Website : www.atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way Follow us on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-atrómitos-way Articles : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/progress/ White Papers : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/unlocking/

December 30, 2025Episode 5259 min

052: Mergers, Acquisitions & Strategic Options for Nonprofits in Uncertain Times (Part 1)

With many nonprofits facing existential threats due to revenue loss, federal funding freezes, and policy shifts, organizations are forced to operate on reserves while waiting for clarity that may never come. Now more than ever, it is crucial that nonprofits reframe their views on mergers and acquisitions—as well as the many alternatives. On today’s episode, Atrómitos president, founder, and CEO Michealle Gady is joined once more by Michaela Kay of BDO and Jacob Ferrari of Apex Law Group. Julie Morris, interim executive director of Wellspring Family Services, rounds out our panel of experts to discuss the complexities of nonprofit mergers and structural changes in the current challenging landscape. Want a refresher on Michealle, Jacob, and Michaela and their conversation detailing the report on the sustainability of human services contracting in Washington state? Listen (and read) here . Julie Morris is the Interim Executive Director at Wellspring Family Services in Seattle, WA. As a professional interim leader, she specializes in helping organizations navigate periods of change and transition. Julie has practical experience leading a nonprofit through a program and asset transfer and is deeply committed to solutions that prioritize community impact and long-term sustainability over organizational ego. Key Takeaways What are our experts seeing right now in terms of organizational stability and financial health in the nonprofit sector, and when should a nonprofit leader start considering structural changes rather than weathering the storm? What's the difference between a merger, an acquisition, and an asset transfer in the nonprofit context? When do the alternatives—such as fiscal sponsorship, management services agreements, collaborative partnerships—make the most sense? What does financial due diligence look like for nonprofit transactions? How do restricted funds and grant obligations complicate these transactions? This episode is part one of a two part deep-dive, so be sure to tune in next month to hear the rest of this conversation. If you’re an executive director listening to this episode and thinking, “This might be us,” you won’t want to miss it. Atrómitos Knowledge Hub Promo -- This podcast is a production of Atrómitos, a woman-owned boutique consulting firm creating a better way for our health and human services provider clients to achieve their goals by strengthening internal operations, enhancing financial stability and evaluating public policies. Want to know more about the firm behind the podcast? Atrómitos, LLC Website : https://atromitosconsulting.com Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/atromitos-llc/ Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@atromitosllc Get Emails : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/#subscriber In addition to our podcast, we've developed additional resources to improve your understanding of both long-standing and emerging issues important to leaders in the health and human service provider, government and philanthropic sectors. Our articles, policy briefs and infographics provide you with information you can use to reach your organization’s goals. Atrómitos Way Podcast Website : www.atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way Follow us on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-atrómitos-way Articles : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/progress/ White Papers : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/unlocking/

October 31, 2025Episode 511 hr 10 min

#051: From Crisis to Sustainability: Reforming Human Services Contracting in Washington State

In 2024, the Department of Commerce contracted with Atrómitos to answer a critical question: are the contracting structures in Washington state sustainable for human service providers? The findings of that nine-month study are sobering, and today’s episode of the Atrómitos Way is a deep dive into not just the contents of the report, but the wider implications for communities and a potential path forward for human service providers of Washington state. Michealle Gady , Founder, President & CEO of Atrómitos, LLC, is a policy strategist with over 20 years of experience driving systemic change in health equity, social justice, and community empowerment. Michaela Kay is a CPA who serves as the practice leader for the BDO Seattle office, focusing on single audits, program specific audits, and financial statements audits for those in the life sciences, social services and housing industries. Her two years working for World Vision as a lead senior accountant provide her with the ability to understand and relate to her clients on a practical level. Jacob Ferrari is a partner at The Apex Law Group , PLLC. His primary practice works with nonprofits at every growth stage including formation, application for tax exemption, board governance, and corporate exit plans. He regularly speaks and serves on committees effecting the nonprofit community and works to better the nonprofit regulatory environment. Jacob’s goal is to care for his clients as much as his clients care for the community around them. Key Takeaways Financial crisis : Cost-based reimbursement, inadequate indirect cost rates, and delayed payments create a "starvation cycle" that prevents providers from investing in staff, infrastructure, or building financial reserves. Structural barriers : Complex applications, inconsistent requirements across agencies, limited negotiation opportunities, and extensive compliance burdens disproportionately impact smaller, community-based organizations. Human impact : These systemic issues result in high staff turnover, barriers for "by-and-for" organizations serving marginalized communities, and the risk that qualified providers cannot afford to contract with the state despite clear community need. The full report is available on the Washington State Department of Commerce website and at atromitosconsulting.com . Whether you’re a human services provider, a legislator or policymaker, or just a concerned member of your community, please reach out to your elected representatives and let them know these issues matter. Atrómitos Knowledge Hub Promo -- This podcast is a production of Atrómitos, a woman-owned boutique consulting firm creating a better way for our health and human services provider clients to achieve their goals by strengthening internal operations, enhancing financial stability and evaluating public policies. Want to know more about the firm behind the podcast? Atrómitos, LLC Website : https://atromitosconsulting.com Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/atromitos-llc/ Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@atromitosllc Get Emails : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/#subscriber In addition to our podcast, we've developed additional resources to improve your understanding of both long-standing and emerging issues important to leaders in the health and human service provider, government and philanthropic sectors. Our articles, policy briefs and infographics provide you with information you can use to reach your organization’s goals. Atrómitos Way Podcast Website : www.atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way Follow us on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-atrómitos-way Articles : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/progress/ White Papers : https://atromitosconsulting.com/atromitos-way/unlocking/