Who We Are
Matt Hackler
Matt Hackler never thought he’d be a non-profit professional, and even after joining the sector, he never imagined he’d be a fundraiser. Young Matt was destined for the stage, with star turn roles -according to his parents at least - in South Louisiana community theater hinting at a future under the lights of Broadway. But like so many Southern idealists, Matt got the notion in college that he could change the world with the right turn of phrase and elbow grease, so he abandoned one dream for another. In grassroots organizations, mid-sized non-profits, and in large institutions in education, the arts, and human services, Matt found himself with more responsibility than he was ready for and learning faster than he or his ego liked. He promised himself that he’d always help other non-profit folks avoid at least a few unnecessary pitfalls, learn and grow in supportive environments, and dream big, even and especially when there seems to be every reason to hold the line.
Mark Buettner
Mark Buettner spent his early years in the raisin capital of the world with a head full of wavy hair, punk rock lyrics for his band, and a desire to make a difference. In college, he exchanged angsty lyrics for philosophical principles, falling in love with the ordered thinking and the opportunity to play with ideas that his philosophy studies provided. Mark applied his curiosity to a diverse array of work that met his appetite for a challenge – work with refugees, within Chicago public schools, inside anti-money laundering investigations, and in emergency hunger relief. Along the way, Mark didn’t find data and analytics so much as it found him. He was taken by how data married his love of empirical evidence and affinity for compelling storytelling. Mark loves to be part of mission-driven teams with people who collaborate, raise each other’s sights, and show up to the work with courage and humility. These days, he keeps his mind continuously sharpened by his two young sons, truly the best philosophers he knows.
Hackler Buettner
