Fractional COO support for nonprofits and purpose-driven businesses in Los Angeles and nationwide that need real operational leadership. We also write grants, and we're good at it.
What we do
Our core work is fractional COO support: bringing structure, accountability, and leadership to organizations that are ready to grow. We also coach nonprofit leaders through a measurable capacity-building engagement, and write grants for clients who need it.
Fractional COO support that brings structure, accountability, and clear leadership to teams that are ready to grow, without the overhead of a full-time hire.
More than writing: we identify the right opportunities, shape your narrative, and manage the full grant cycle. Over $7 million secured and still counting.
Assessment-driven coaching for nonprofit leaders. We score your organization across six capacity domains, pick focus areas together, and measure the growth from baseline to finish.
By the numbers
We didn't start in a boardroom. We built this practice at a nonprofit serving justice-impacted youth, handling operations, compliance, team development, and funding. The discipline of running a real organization, not just advising on one, is what we bring to every client.
Our story
The C.O.O. Consultant grew from real work at Just Us 4 Youth, a nonprofit mentoring organization serving underserved and justice-impacted youth. Over four years, our founding team built the operational systems, hiring practices, compliance infrastructure, and board development processes that helped that mission scale.
We also secured over $7 million in grant funding along the way, not as the core of the work, but as one part of running a well-built organization. That experience is what makes our grant services different: we write from the inside out, not just the narrative up.
We work with organizations that need a real operational partner: someone who can sit in the room, make decisions, and build systems that hold. Grant writing is available as a standalone service for those who need it.
Meet the teamThe team
Paul Hudak is the founder of The C.O.O. Consultant and works with organizations as a fractional COO, helping them work through their operational needs. On grant projects, Paul is the point of contact for the firm's contract writers, helps clients weigh funding opportunities, builds budgets, and supports reporting. Before founding the firm, Paul spent more than six years at Just Us 4 Youth, most recently as Director of Operations and Community Development. Paul's proudest result is growing an organization's annual budget from $70,000 to over $9 million in five years. Paul holds a B.A. in Religion from Wabash College and is completing an MBA at Cal Poly Pomona. Paul's favorite clients are the ones who love what they do and know their mission and vision well. Born and raised in Southern California, Paul loves being in and around the water.
Samantha Vacko supports clients through the full grant cycle, from research and application development to writing, editing, and reporting. In more than five years in the nonprofit sector, including roles at Just Us 4 Youth, Girls Inc. of Orange County, and Public Law Center, Samantha has secured over $7 million in public and private funding. Writing and reporting for foundations is a particular favorite. Samantha holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from California State University, San Bernardino, an M.A. in Legal and Forensic Psychology from the University of California, Irvine, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Program Evaluation from Portland State University's Nonprofit Institute. Based in Orange County, California, Samantha enjoys traveling, being outdoors, playing pickleball, and spending time with family, friends, and a dog named Winnie.
What clients say
I found Paul to be dependable, responsive, and easy to work with. His assistance was valuable to our organization's fundraising and reporting efforts. I would confidently recommend Paul and The C.O.O. Consultant to any organization seeking grant writing and reporting services.
Ready?
A 30-minute call is all it takes to figure out if we're the right fit. No pressure, no pitch deck. Just an honest conversation about your goals and where we can help.
Schedule Your Free CallNo commitment required.
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Tell us a little about your organization and what you're working through. We read every message and reply within two business days.
