Gagen MacDonald Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1998 by Maril MacDonald, Gagen MacDonald is a Chicago-based strategy execution consulting firm specializing in employee engagement, culture change, and leadership development. The firm collaborates with organizations to align employees with corporate vision and strategy, aiming to transform companies and drive business results. Over the years, Gagen MacDonald has partnered with prominent clients such as United Airlines, Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and General Electric.

Key Strategic Focus

Gagen MacDonald's strategic focus encompasses:

Change & Transformation: Guiding organizations through complex change initiatives to achieve desired outcomes.

Purpose: Helping companies define and articulate their core purpose to inspire and engage employees.

Culture: Shaping organizational cultures that align with business objectives and values.

Communication: Developing effective communication strategies to foster transparency and trust.

Employee Engagement: Implementing programs to enhance employee commitment and performance.

Leadership & Talent: Cultivating leadership capabilities and managing talent to drive organizational success.

Experience Design & Creative Consulting: Designing experiences that resonate with employees and stakeholders.

These areas of expertise enable Gagen MacDonald to support clients across various industries, including energy, financial services, consumer products, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.

Financials and Funding

As of January 2025, Gagen MacDonald reported annual revenue of approximately $15 million. The firm has raised a total of $2.3 million in funding over two rounds.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Gagen MacDonald leverages a suite of technologies to enhance its consulting services, including:

HubSpot Analytics: For data-driven insights and performance tracking.

Microsoft SharePoint: Facilitating collaboration and document management.

OneTrust: Ensuring compliance and data privacy.

Tailwind CSS: For efficient and responsive web design.

These tools support the firm's commitment to delivering innovative and effective solutions to clients.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at Gagen MacDonald includes:

Maril MacDonald: Founder & Chief Executive Officer.

Molly Rauzi: Managing Director & Chief Technology Officer.

Jennifer Allison: Managing Director.

John Bock III: Controller, Finance.

Scott Hendricks: Director of Finance & Accounting.

In January 2023, Steve Kakos joined the firm as Managing Director, bringing over 25 years of experience in leadership, organizational development, change, and culture.

Leadership Changes

In March 2023, Gagen MacDonald was acquired by APCO Worldwide, a global advisory and advocacy consultancy. Following the acquisition, Maril MacDonald continued as CEO of Gagen MacDonald and joined APCO's Global Leadership Team and Board of Directors.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

The management consulting industry is highly competitive, with firms offering a range of services from strategy development to organizational transformation. The demand for human-centered transformation and employee engagement services has been increasing as organizations recognize the importance of aligning internal culture with business objectives.

Competitor Analysis:

Gagen MacDonald's competitors include:

NAS: A business administration services provider.

Aeyon: Offers digital transformation services to the defense industry.

T.C. Defense: Provides marine engineering and management consulting services.

FrontLine Support Solutions: Operates as a diverse federal contractor.

These companies offer various consulting services, but Gagen MacDonald's focus on human-centered transformation and employee engagement differentiates it in the market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In March 2023, Gagen MacDonald was acquired by APCO Worldwide, enhancing its capabilities in external communications and public affairs. This partnership allows Gagen MacDonald to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to clients, integrating internal culture transformation with external communication strategies.

Operational Insights

Gagen MacDonald's integration with APCO Worldwide positions it to leverage combined expertise in internal and external communications, providing clients with holistic solutions for organizational transformation. The firm's focus on human-centered approaches and deep experience in employee engagement and culture change serve as distinct competitive advantages.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

As part of APCO Worldwide, Gagen MacDonald is poised to expand its service offerings and global reach. The firm aims to continue pioneering human-focused transformation consulting, helping organizations navigate complex changes and achieve sustainable success.