About Us – The Blue Squirrel

You help people. We help you.

At The Blue Squirrel, your mission to make a difference is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to equip nonprofits with strategies to elevate their leadership, fuel their funding efforts and streamline their operations so they can effectively accomplish their mission. Together, we can create meaningful change… one connection at a time.

The Squirrel Code

Champion

We will walk alongside you every step of the way. We thrive on the challenges and rewards that come with nonprofit work, and become a champion for your cause!

Purpose-Driven

Your mission is our mission, and we’re committed to understanding your values and ensuring they show up in your work.

Feisty

We bring the fire—and the fun. We challenge the status quo, think way outside the box and go after what matters. Feisty means fearless, creative and not taking no for an answer when it comes to making good things happen.

Visionary

It’s hard to look ahead when your energy is focused on day-to-day operations, and that’s okay, because we already are. By aiming high and doing it right the first time, we ensure you’ll continue to benefit from our work for years to come.

Flexible

We know the nonprofit world is dynamic and demanding, with no two days the same. We bring a level of flexibility and understanding that’s impossible to match.

Our Story

The story of The Blue Squirrel begins with Genna Carlisle, a spirited entrepreneur and Montana native who launched her first venture over 30 years ago. From the outset, Genna wove purpose into the fabric of her business strategy, setting a tone of impact-driven leadership that continues today.

After relocating to Wisconsin in 2001, Genna’s creative spark ignited once again. She founded Waunakee Neighborhood Connection (WNC)—a nonprofit designed to meet the tangible needs of her neighbors and build a stronger, more connected community. Simply put, serving is in Genna’s blood!

With a background rooted in determination, boundless energy and intentionality, Genna thrives on building relationships and helping others grow. Those who know her recognize how deeply she invests in people and places. Her Christian faith plays a central role in her leadership, guiding her decisions and fueling her commitment to serve with humility, compassion and integrity. Inspired by her father, Herman Ratcliff—a pioneering businessman, mentor and U.S. Air Force veteran—Genna continues to lead with heart and vision.

Through her ability to spot people’s strengths and her philosophy of plugging them in “one fish at a time,” Genna led WNC from a small initiative to a sustainable, half-million-dollar organization that engaged and empowered a wide array of stakeholders: volunteers, clients, donors, businesses, students and families alike.

In 2021, The Blue Squirrel was born—an evolution of Genna’s passion to serve. Today, it exists to support and equip nonprofit leaders with the confidence, clarity, and courage to lead boldly.

Our Team

The Blue Squirrel Team is experienced, energized and eager to help!

Genna Carlisle

Founder / CEO / Visionary-in-Chief

For over three decades, Genna’s entrepreneurial spirit has been unstoppable—launching businesses and even founding a nonprofit straight from her garage! Now, she channels that passion into helping nonprofits thrive through mentorship, fund development, strategic planning and a lot more. She’s the driving force behind big ideas and making them happen – and boy, does she bring the fun factor!

When she’s not busy being the nonprofit champion, you’ll find her rocking out at a Newsboys concert, hanging with her kids and grandson, or joy-riding in her trusty blue Jeep (during important meetings with our CMO), living life one adventure at a time!

Lindsey Wood

Genna Whisperer

Lindsey is all about handling the behind-the-scenes magic to make sure nonprofit missions go from “great idea” to “wow, we actually did that!”

Over the past few years, she’s spent her time in countries like Ethiopia, Bolivia and Pakistan, becoming a pro at making things happen (even if the Wi-Fi is questionable). If you need something done, no problem— no matter where in the world she’s calling from.

Journey

CMO (Chief Morale Officer)

Journey specializes in enforcing break and meal times. Always keeping us smiling, he is the most important part of the team! We’re just glad Journey hasn’t figured out that The Blue Squirrel is something he’s supposed to chase—though he’s definitely a top squirrel-spotter during walks!