Leadership

Dr. Buchan fell in love with volunteerism and board governance in high school as the president of a community service group. While working at a domestic violence shelter in college she decided to focus her career in the nonprofit sector. With 20+ years of experience, Ivy founded Helix Strategies, LLC in 2017. Helix works with nonprofits to develop strategic solutions to fundraising and leadership challenges. Her team specializes in fundraising/engagement strategies, board development, strategic planning, evaluation, membership-based organizations, and foundations.

Professional Certifications and Membership
Ivy is a Standards for Excellence® Licensed Consultant (legal and ethical standards for nonprofit management) through the Standards for Excellence Institute (national licensure) and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations. She is also a Master Trainer through the Association of Fundraising Professionals, one of 260 in the world.

Helix is a member of Association of Fundraising Professionals, Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, Carlisle Chamber of Commerce, The Chamber of Gettysburg and Adams County, and the Susquehanna Valley Council of Charitable Gift Planners.

Education
Ivy earned her Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Administration and Leadership Studies in the Nonprofit Sector. Her research focused on multidisciplinary team collaboration and engagement, which comes in handy when working with boards. Ivy completed her Master’s Degree from Shippensburg University and a Bachelor’s Degree from York College of Pennsylvania. She also edited three nonprofit textbooks and serves as an adjunct professor at West Chester University in their Master of Public Administration program.

Community Involvement
Ivy co-founded two nonprofits and currently serves on several community boards including the Chair of the United Way Bridges Society, West Shore Young Professionals Advisory Board (Founder and President Emeritus), York College Alumni Board, Lancaster County Career & Technology Foundation Advisory Board, Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation, and Susquehanna Valley Council of Charitable Gift Planners.

Awards/Honors

• 2021 Winner of Shippensburg University’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award
• 2020 Winner of YWCA of Greater Harrisburg’s Tribute to Women of Excellence
• 2018 Winner of the Central Penn Business Journal’s (CPBJ)’s Women of Influence Community Achievement Award
• 2018 Winner of Leadership Harrisburg Area’s The Extra Mile Award
• 2018 Finalist of the Conference for Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2018 Graduate of the Leadership Harrisburg Area
• 2017 Winner of CPBJ’s Forty Under 40
• 2017 Winner of City State PA’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars

During her free time, Ivy enjoys reading, making assemblage art, kayaking, exploring new cities, yoga, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Over 10 years ago, Alicia shifted from a career in marketing and sales to a career in fundraising and nonprofit leadership. She loves working with nonprofits because each day in unique and inspiring. Alicia feels fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside others who care deeply about their mission and making a positive impact on the community.

Education
Alicia earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from the University of Pittsburgh.

Professional Certifications
Alicia is a Standards for Excellence® Licensed Consultant (legal and ethical standards for nonprofit management) through the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

Community Involvement
Alicia serves on the board at The Chamber of Gettysburg and Adams County.

During her free time, Alicia enjoys attending concerts, spending time outdoors, going to the beach, trying new restaurants, spoiling her niece and nephew, and making memories with her friends and family.

Awards/Honors

• 2024 Winner of the Central Penn Business Journal (CPBJ) Women of Influence Award

Helix Strategies, LLC is an ancillary business of McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC. Our extended staff includes administrative support, research, marketing, government relations, human resources, public relations, and legal experts.