--- title: About Us | Breakthrough Leadership Consulting description: Meet the team behind Breakthrough — a values-driven consulting firm founded by former public servants committed to building stronger leaders, organizations, and communities. --- [Skip to content](https://www.bktlead.com/about#main-content) [![](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Breakthrough-Leadership-Consulting%20Logo-3.jpg?width=1280&height=640&name=Breakthrough-Leadership-Consulting%20Logo-3.jpg)](https://bktlead.com?hsLang=en) - [Who We Are](https://www.bktlead.com/about) - Who We Serve - [State and Local Governments](https://www.bktlead.com/government-consulting-services) - [Education Leaders](https://www.bktlead.com/education) - [Non-Profits](https://www.bktlead.com/nonprofits) - [Private Sector Partnerships](https://www.bktlead.com/private-sector-partnerships) - [Information Hub](https://www.bktlead.com/bkt-information-hub) - [How We Serve](https://www.bktlead.com/services) - [Contact Us](https://www.bktlead.com/connect) Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. [Get Started](https://www.bktlead.com/connect?hsLang=en) Who We Are # Your Partners in Strategic Leadership This isn't corporate consulting. It's public service. We work alongside government, education, and nonprofit leaders to build the capacity, systems, and strategies that move communities forward. ![Screen Shot 2024-08-26 at 6.15.52 PM](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Redesign/Screen%20Shot%202024-08-26%20at%206.15.52%20PM.png?height=1700&name=Screen%20Shot%202024-08-26%20at%206.15.52%20PM.png) ### We build *research-backed systems* that deliver results communities can feel. [View Our Services](https://www.bktlead.com/services?hsLang=en) How Do You Work with Education Systems? Breakthrough partners with K-12 districts and education agencies to: - Strengthen leadership - Align stakeholders - Build strategic plans that translate into real change in schools and classrooms We support superintendents and school leaders with facilitated planning sessions, community engagement, and workforce development, helping education teams move from vision to implementation. [Learn More](https://www.bktlead.com/education?hsLang=en)   How Do You Work with Governments? We work with state and local government agencies to: - Navigate complex initiatives - Engage communities - Build internal capacity From strategic planning and cross-department alignment to public outreach and workforce training, Breakthrough Leadership Consulting helps government teams cut through bureaucracy and deliver results constituents can see and feel. [Learn More](https://www.bktlead.com/government-consulting-services?hsLang=en) How Do You Work with Non-Profits? Breakthrough helps non-profit organizations sharpen their strategy, engage their stakeholders, and strengthen the teams doing the work. Whether you're scaling a program, navigating a leadership transition, or building community trust, we bring the structure and support to help your mission move forward. [Learn More](https://www.bktlead.com/nonprofits?hsLang=en) How Do You Work with Private Sector Partners? Working alongside government and community partners, we help private sector organizations align strategy, build relationships with public stakeholders, and navigate the unique dynamics of public-private collaboration. If your work impacts communities, we help make sure it lands well. [Learn More](https://www.bktlead.com/private-sector-partnerships?hsLang=en) Who We Are We partner with public-serving institutions to build leadership, systems, and cultures that honor public trust and work in service of people and communities. ##### We are Humble We listen first and lead with respect. ##### We are Practical We focus on solutions that work in the real world. ##### We are Faith-Filled We are grounded in service and purpose. ##### We are Inclusive We believe better decisions come from diverse perspectives. ##### We are Professional We honor the trust placed in public institutions. ##### We are Research-Informed We ground our work in evidence-based practice. Who We Are #### Breakthrough Leadership Consulting exists to help public-serving organizations navigate complexity with clarity, care, and accountability. We work alongside leaders and partners to align people, systems, and strategies, so good intentions turn into results that communities can feel. ##### What Makes Us Unique? Who We Are ## Meet Our Team Our team brings more than 25 years of experience working alongside public-serving institutions—listening carefully, understanding context, and helping leaders guide meaningful change. 0+ Leaders & Professionals Developed 0 Stakeholder & Community Engagements 0+ District & City/State Partnerships 0 States Served ![Square Photo Resize (400x400) (4)](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Square%20Photo%20Resize%20(400x400)%20(4).png?width=400&height=400&name=Square%20Photo%20Resize%20(400x400)%20(4).png) ##### Deb Hanmer Founder & CEO Read Bio ![Square Photo Resize (400x400) (1)](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Square%20Photo%20Resize%20(400x400)%20(1).png?width=400&height=400&name=Square%20Photo%20Resize%20(400x400)%20(1).png) ##### Steven Hanmer, MPA, CMP Managing Partner Read Bio ![Square Photo Resize (400x400) (6)](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Square%20Photo%20Resize%20(400x400)%20(6).png?width=402&height=402&name=Square%20Photo%20Resize%20(400x400)%20(6).png) ##### Deborah Mohlenhoff Strategic Partner, State and Local Government Read Bio ![Square Photo Resize (400x400) (5)](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Square%20Photo%20Resize%20(400x400)%20(5).png?width=410&height=410&name=Square%20Photo%20Resize%20(400x400)%20(5).png) ##### Kenji Graham Operations & Communications Director Read Bio ### Working *with* us is easy. Together, we will create the best plan for whatever goals you're looking to achieve. Explore answers to our most common questions. [Get Started](https://www.bktlead.com/connect?hsLang=en) Step 1: Discover 20% Step 2: Design 50% Step 3: Build 75% Step 4: Implement & Sustain 100% What types of organizations does Breakthrough work with? Breakthrough partners with: - State and local government agencies - School systems (district, charter, and independent) - Nonprofits - Mission-driven organizations We also collaborate with private-sector clients through B2B services and subcontracting partnerships aligned to our core competencies. Most of our clients are navigating growth, leadership transition, system redesign, or increased complexity. What are Breakthrough’s core competencies? Our three primary areas of specialization are: - **Strategic Planning** - **Stakeholder Engagement** - **Workforce Training and Leadership Development** These competencies are adapted to each sector we serve. How does Breakthrough approach engagements? We operate through a structured, phased model that begins with discovery and diagnosis, moves through strategy design and alignment, and extends into implementation support and capacity building. Our focus is not only delivering recommendations, but equipping organizations to execute and sustain results. What outcomes can clients expect? Clients can expect: - Clearer strategic alignment - Stronger governance and leadership structures - Improved stakeholder engagement processes - Practical implementation roadmaps tied to measurable outcomes Where does Breakthrough operate? Breakthrough is headquartered in **Rochester, New York,** with additional offices in **Washington, D.C.** We serve clients across the United States through in-person, virtual, and hybrid engagements. ![City of Greenley Logo](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/City%20of%20Greenley%20Logo.png?width=818&height=471&name=City%20of%20Greenley%20Logo.png) ![GCSD Logo](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GCSD%20Logo.jpg?width=815&height=306&name=GCSD%20Logo.jpg) ![cjcc logo](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cjcc%20logo.webp?width=1028&height=256&name=cjcc%20logo.webp) ![eala-logo](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Redesign/eala-logo.png?width=1200&height=1200&name=eala-logo.png) - “Working with Breakthrough Leadership Consulting was a great experience. Deb and Steve provided a welcoming and engaging approach that created space for authentic dialogue and feedback. Through these collaborative conversations, we were able to achieve well-informed analysis, insights, and recommendations for strategic planning. ” ###### Erica Hernandez Director of Neighborhood Service Centers, City of Rochester - “Deb has served as a vital partner in the creation and development of a leadership program for faculty, staff, and administrators at our school. Deb’s presence and professionalism combined with her keen insight into people and organizations all explain why she has received rave reviews from our community year after year. She listens carefully and collaborates wholeheartedly in addressing institutional and individual needs and steering teams toward collective impact." ###### Eric Roland Director of Partnership Tangs Institute, Philips Andover Academy - “Working with the team at Breakthrough has been instrumental in advancing the Police Accountability Board’s strategic planning efforts. Their ability to translate complex ideas into accessible, meaningful strategies has strengthened the Board’s internal direction and external messaging. Breakthrough’s partnership ensured that the PAB’s work is not only clear and actionable but also aligned with its mission to promote accountability, transparency, and community trust.” ###### Dr. Lesli Myers-Small Executive Director, Rochester Police Accountability Board City of Rochester - “Thank you for facilitating such a meaningful retreat today. Your thoughtful approach to creating an environment that balanced information sharing, hands-on application, and group discussion really enhanced our learning experience.The activities you designed gave us valuable opportunities to reflect on organizational growth and learn from each other in a supportive, non-judgmental space.Thank you again for your time, expertise, and the care you put into making this such a worthwhile experience for all of us. I look forward to staying in touch.” ###### Aileen Mokuria Director of Youth Programming ![IMG\_3781](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Redesign/IMG_3781.jpg?height=1700&name=IMG_3781.jpg) [![bkt google logo](https://www.bktlead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Redesign/bkt%20google%20logo.webp?width=100&height=52&name=bkt%20google%20logo.webp "bkt google logo")](https://bktlead.com?hsLang=en) #### Developing Leaders Who Deliver Lasting Results [Home](https://www.bktlead.com?hsLang=en) [Who We Are](https://www.bktlead.com/about) [How We Serve](https://www.bktlead.com/services?hsLang=en) [Contact Us](https://www.bktlead.com/connect?hsLang=en) --- -Rochester Office- 1580 Elmwood Ave #2G, Rochester, NY 14620, USA (585) 201-8261 M-F: 8 AM - 5 PM EST -Washington D.C. Office- 609 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA (585) 201-8261 M-F: 8 AM - 5 PM EST   [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.linkedin.com/company/breakthrough-leadership-consulting/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.facebook.com/bktlead) © 2025 Breakthrough Leadership Consulting. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://www.bktlead.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en) — [Terms of Use](https://www.bktlead.com/terms-of-use?hsLang=en)- [Cookie Policy](https://www.bktlead.com/cookie-policy?hsLang=en)