
Our Team

Maria J. Posey
Maria J. Posey is an experienced organizational management professional specializing in aligning organizational strategy, operations, business development, and programs to optimize impact. With a robust background in change management and a deep commitment to social impact, Maria founded Viking Impact to help organizations get from where they are today to where they want to go. The firms’ name is an homage to her Swedish heritage.
Prior to founding Viking Impact, Maria served as Managing Director with Third Sector Capital Partners, a non-profit consulting firm advising government agencies on ways to transform programs, contracts, data, internal culture, external partnerships, and policy to better serve constituents and communities. In this role she led the partnership and project development team, served as Senior Director on client projects in the economic mobility practice area, and worked closely with operations and communications departments to create and improve internal processes and standard operating procedures. Prior to Third Sector, Maria worked for various international development organizations leading federal contracting pursuits in the areas of economic mobility, workforce development, governance, education, and peacebuilding. Maria holds an M.A. in Peace and Conflict Research from Uppsala University and a B.A. in International Relations - Political Science from Wellesley College. As an advocate for women, children and working families, she serves in leadership roles in several local organizations including the League of Women Voters Virginia, Vecinos Unidos, and Burke Advocacy Moms. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and three children.
Affiliates and Advisors
AffiliateMeredith Muller
Meredith is an experienced project manager with expertise in program design, implementation, and evaluation. She has led needs assessments, strategic planning, and qualitative research in the workforce development and early childhood spaces.
AffiliateEmma Yourd
Emma has dedicated her career to increasing access to education and workforce development for under-resourced communities. She is a skilled planner, project manager, and grants writer. She is also an elected member of the Pittsburgh Public School board.
AffiliateJohn Schlatter
John is a workforce development strategist specializing in employer-responsive training programs and workforce system alignment. He brings expertise in WIOA technical assistance, business engagement, and developing tools that support data-informed decision-making.
AffiliateKris Stadelman
Kris has been a leader in workforce development for three decades. She has worked for a community organization in rural Ohio, the Governor’s office in Colorado, the state workforce board in Washington, and several local workforce boards in California.
AffiliateShereen Williams
Shereen is a public education expert, with deep expertise in strategic planning, board governance and facilitation. She has worked with schools, associations, and community organizations to improve how parties work together towards common and clearly stated goals.
AffiliateAndy Hall
Andy is a seasoned economic mobility expert who specializes in helping clients build a more inclusive, resilient, and competitive American workforce through workforce innovations in finance, business services, outcomes contracting, and coalition-building.
AffiliateLara Zawacki
Lara is a nonprofit grant strategist and program development professional with extensive experience leading funding strategy, proposal development, and cross-sector partnerships that expand access to services and opportunities for underserved populations.
AdvisorBrooke Valle
Brooke is a workforce development leader with deep expertise in job quality, equity, WIOA Policy, immigrant services, and systems change. She has advised and created tools for workforce agencies and community organizations nationwide.

Get in Touch
Let’s explore how we can help you optimize impact!
3221 M Street NW
Washington DC 20007
info@vikingimpact.com