Cari Hanrahan, M.A. Leadership
Founder & Principal, Signal & Trust
Organizational consultant and leadership coach with 15 years’ experience working across nonprofit leadership, higher education, startup environments, and healthcare. Known for helping mission-driven teams identify gaps in efficiency, build trust, and align around purpose.
Colorado Springs, CO (available nationally)
Why Signal & Trust
We believe mission-driven organizations deserve more than generic advice and off-the-shelf solutions. They need thought partners who listen deeply, ask the right questions, and help unlock clarity in complexity.
Signal & Trust exists to support the people who do the good work — Executive Directors, founders, boards, and leadership teams — as they navigate transitions, scale impact, and strengthen their foundations. We don't pretend to be experts in your domain. Instead, we bring expertise in process, leadership, and systems — helping you make sense of what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next. We offer solutions and support you in implementing them.
Our name reflects our approach: we help you cut through the noise to find the signal — and we earn your trust by walking alongside you with transparency, insight, and care.
Hannah Brannan
Founder, Gather Flora
“Cari is a strategic thinker and devoted problem-solver who will turn challenges that feel insurmountable—or lofty goals that lack clarity—into clear, executable plans of action. I've never before seen someone lead to so much achievement while also cultivating such gratitude and love from an entire team.”
Becca Warner
Director of Product Experience
“Cari quickly becomes irreplaceable. Talent shines under her leadership with her keen ability to empower and support a team. She is quick on her feet, adaptable, and always iterating as the landscape changes. She’s an incredible consultant who will drive any company or organization forward with empathy, power, and strategy.”
Olivia Berlin-Mulcahy
Director Narrative Development, LogicPrep
“Cari is extremely motivated, deeply mission-driven, and thrives on complex problem-solving. She brings relentless energy, positivity, and curiosity to her interactions with staff and clients alike. She deeply values and supports each member of any team she leads, fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and open communication.”
Eduardo Báez
Co-Founder, Career Pipe; Sr Acct Exec, Gartner
“With Cari, no task was ever too great or insurmountable. She helped us build our executive team, our board, and academic relationships that changed lives permanently and positively.”
Alexandir Tunell
Senior Account Executive, Benevity
“Cari was and continues to be an absolute joy to partner with. She has fresh and exciting ideas combined with the career excellence to bring them to life. She approaches every day ready to give 100% and leaves every day better than she found it.”