Changing the world,

one project at a time

Project management

Change leadership

Business consulting and analysis

FirstRule Group is a small, woman-owned business and management consulting firm headquartered in Olympia, WA.

We are a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) in Washington and Oregon and nationally through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). We have a proven track record of successfully partnering with state agencies, boards, commissions, and non-profits to deliver high quality outcomes. 

FirstRule Group is deeply committed to the success of our clients, the well-being of our team, and the positive impact we have in our communities. We would love to be of service to you.

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Kim Isenberg

Consultant & Team Builder

Education and Certifications

B.S. in Accounting, University of South Carolina

Project Management Professional (PMP)

 

Function and Specialization

Kim is a program and project manager with 25+ years of experience leading large-scale, global technology and transformation programs. Her background spans enterprise HR systems transformation for national retail brands including Nordstrom, Costco, and Starbucks.

About Kim

Kim is a passionate traveler and self-described museum nerd, always seeking out great art, architecture, and culture wherever she goes – and making sure to sample the local food scene along the way.

Kyra Wiens

Consultant and Impact Designer

Education and Certifications  
Master’s of Public Administration; Associated Certified Coach, IFC; Project Management Professional (PMP); SAFe Practice Consultant; Prosci Change Practitioner

 

Function and Specialization  
Kyra is a seasoned consultant with significant experience in organizational transformation, change management and project leadership. She specializes in designing solutions that deliver measurable impact, from multi-million dollar technology implementations to executive-level strategy development. 

 

About Kyra
Kyra is a former professional Ironman triathlete, who twice represented the USA at World Championships, and an internationally certified life and executive coach. Her diverse background reflects a commitment to performance and helping people and organizations thrive.

John Pabst Jr.

Consultant & Data Management Leader

Education and Certifications
Master‘s in Business Administration specializing in Information Systems and Finance, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and Certified Data Management Professional

 

Function and Specialization
John is a dynamic data management leader adept at aligning business objectives with cutting-edge technology solutions. He specializes in data quality, governance, and modernization.

 

About John

​John enjoys a diverse array of audiobooks and podcasts. When the weather is favorable, he loves to merge his passion for amateur radio with hiking across Washington’s beautiful landscapes through Summits on the Air (SOTA).

Eric Stout

Consultant and Technical Make-It-happener

Education and Certifications
Associate’s degree in Computer Science; Black Belt Candidate; Microsoft Product Specialist 

 

Function and Specialization
Eric is an accomplished consultant with deep technical knowledge. He specializes in cross-business partnerships, IT transformations, and program management.

 

About Eric

Eric is a father, musician, snow boarder, and boat captain.

Steve Smith

director of strategy & alchemist-in-residence

Education and Certifications
​Masters in Business Administration 

 

Function and Specialization
Steve is a distinguished consultant with experience in human services delivery, financing, policy development, and executive leadership in the government and non-profit sectors. He specializes in “How did he do that?” problem solving outcomes. 

 

About 

In addition to his standing as a top-ranked volleyball dad, Steve is known for his commitment to his fellow veterans, especially as an advocate for expanded veteran housing options. He is a member of the Orlando Housing Authority board of commissioners and the managing board of the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida.

Lindsey Phillips

Consultant and Intuituve Facilitator

Education and Certifications
Associates of Art’s in Liberal Arts & Sciences 

 

Function and Specialization
Lindsey is an experienced and versatile project coordinator known for her adept management and relationship-building skills. She specializes in spearheading projects, optimizing operational productivity, and providing excellent client service. 

 

About Lindsey

​Lindsey enjoys spending time with her wonderful family and two dogs, as well as expanding her skills through gardening, pottery classes, and other creative pursuits.​ 

Shawn Milligan

Consultant and Project Manager

Education and Certifications
Doctorate in Business Administration; Project Management Professional certification; ScrumMaster certification

 

Function and Specialization
Shawn is an accomplished project manager with extensive business experience. She specializes in bringing people together to make things better. 

 

About Shawn

Shawn is an avid international traveler and has visited all seven continents. She is also a nature and travel photographer.

Stacy Middleton

Consultant and Heart-Centered Leader

Education and Certifications
Master’s in Public Administration; Project Management Professional, Prosci, and Scrum Master certifications; Six Sigma – Yellow Belt 

 

Function and Specialization
Stacy is a project manager, program manager, portfolio manager, and change manager. She specializes in getting things done through others by maximizing relationships and resources.​ 

 

About ​Stacy
​Stacy shares her home with her husband, two children, two black cats, and a dog. She loves traveling with her husband to new places and, in her spare time, tap dancing!

Karen Langehough

people & culture leader & force multiplier

Education and Certifications
Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in psychology; Certified Master Project Manager; Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources; Certified Prosci Change Practitioner

 

Function and Specialization
Karen is an accomplished senior leader and business-focused practitioner. She specializes in human resources consulting, change management, coaching, and development.


About Karen

Karen enjoys cooking, gardening, coffee, watching Seattle Mariners and Seahawks games, volunteering through her church, and spending time with friends and family.

Malcolm Hooper

Consultant and Trusted advisor

Education and Certifications
Master’s in Education; Bachelor’s in Economics

 

Function and Specialization
Malcolm is an accomplished consultant with many years of experience managing operations, IT, and cybersecurity. He specializes in partnering with senior leadership to advise, develop, and implement strategic and effective IT initiatives.   

 

About Malcolm

Malcolm loves baking sourdough bread, perfecting recipes, traveling with his family, and training for his next ultimate tournament in his free time.  

Chi Underwood

Chi Underwood

client manager & strategic improvement specialist

Education and Certifications
Master’s in Business Administration; Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Finance; LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt 

 

Function and Specialization
Chi is an experienced consultant focused on process improvement using Six Sigma methodologies and data analytics. He specializes in business analysis, team development, budgeting and the organizational design of new processes.  

 

About Chi
Chi is an avid fisherman chasing salmon in the Pacific Northwest. He is also a judge for the First Robotics competition. 

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Consultant and Tenacious Observer

Education and Certifications
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Function and Specialization
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About 

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Laura Scott

Consultant and Team Developer

Education and Certifications
Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a major in Information Systems; Project Management Professional certification

 

Function and Specialization
Laura is a project manager specializing in technology projects. She is also known for creating inclusive, empowered, and high-performing teams.

  

About Laura
Laura is from Seattle and enjoys all things outdoors, such as hiking, snowshoeing, sailing, and gardening.

Ben Robinson

Ben Robinson

Consultant and Data Storyteller

Education and Certifications
Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance

 

Function and Specialization
Ben is a management consultant specializing in business operations, financial forecasting, and data analysis and reporting.

 

About Ben
Ben is a lifelong learner. He enjoys backpacking, cycling, and adventuring with his family.

Jarius Rice

Jairus Rice

client manager & partnership builder

Education and Certifications
Master’s in Public Administration; Bachelor’s in Political Science; Prosci Change Management Professional; LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt

 

Function and Specialization
Jairus is an executive leader specializing in designing and shepherding organizational change and process improvement strategies. He helps clients develop strong partnerships to achieve strategic goals, maximize performance, and increase value to their customers.

 

About Jairus
Jairus is a combat veteran who served five years in the United States Marine Corps. When he and his wife Jessica aren’t coaching their three kids’ sports teams, they enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. 

Daisye Orr

chief of staff & line tender

Education and Certifications
Master’s in Public Health with an emphasis in health communication

 

Function and Specialization
Daisye is an experienced program leader and systems thinker. She specializes in policy development, program planning, communication, partner engagement, and working from a place of equity and inclusion.

 

About Daisye
Daisye loves creating art, being in nature, searching for vintage treasures, reading, and spending time with her loved ones.

Duncan McDermott

Finance Manager

Education and Certifications
Master’s in Business Administration; Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in finance

 

Function and Specialization
Duncan is the Finance Manager for FirstRule Group and oversees billing and contracts and supports other operational functions of the firm. He specializes in tall orders and a sunny delivery.

 

About Duncan
Duncan played basketball for Pacific University and enjoys boating, summer activities, and billiards.

Lori Luppino

Lori Luppino

Consultant and Intuitive Collaborator

Education and Certifications
Twenty years of experience in IT finance

 

Function and Specialization
Lori is a business analyst with an affinity for change management. She specializes in IT finance, budgeting, and business operations.

 

About Lori
Lori enjoys live music, the outdoors, traveling, painting, and her family.

Larry Holden

Larry Holden

Consultant and Creator of Big Hairy Spreadsheets

Education and Certifications
Bachelor’s in Chemistry

 

Function and Specialization
Larry is an experienced project manager and analyst with a focus on finance and IT projects. He specializes in process improvement. 

 

About Larry
Larry loves cooking, skiing, Christmas movies, and hanging out with his kids. He is also actively involved in his community Little League.

Trish Coloma

client manager & transformation specialist

Education and Certifications
Bachelor’s in Sociology; Project Management Professional certification

 

Function and Specialization
Trish is an adept project manager focused on designing and implementing governance and helping organizations manage change and improve processes. She specializes in turning vision into action.

 

About Trish
Trish is an avid hiker and backpacker. She’s found that just like project management, a great hike is all about the journey and good planning!

Nissa Burger

Nissa Burger

Consultant and Project Manager

Education and Certifications
20 years in elections managing statewide software implementations

 

Function and Specialization
Nissa is a seasoned project manager who specializes in all facets of software development.

 

About Nissa
Nissa loves summertime, cheering on her kids in their sports, and spending time with family.

Joanna Briese

Joanna Briese

Consultant and Project Manager

Education and Certifications
Master’s in Secondary Teaching; Applied Project Management Professional certification

 

Function and Specialization
Joanna is a skilled project manager and curriculum developer. She specializes in e-learning and training and has even been a trainer in the specialty coffee industry!

 

About Joanna
Joanna loves the outdoors, cooking, family, travel, coffee, and curling up with her cats and a book.

Stacy Steck

Stacy Steck

Vice President and Illuminator

Education and Certifications
Master’s in Business Administration; Project Management Professional certification

 

Function and Specialization
Stacy is an expert in planning and executing transformational technology projects. She specializes in communication, facilitation, and getting things done. 

 

About Stacy
Stacy is passionate about fundraising and loves serving her community. She also enjoys traveling and writing.

Shelley McDermott

President and Diplomatic Hostess

Education and Certifications
Project Management Professional certification

 

Function and Specialization
Shelley has more than 25 years of senior program leadership experience. She specializes in leading teams and optimizing high-risk, high-visibility projects.

About Shelley
Shelley enjoys cooking, remodeling projects, and spending time with family and friends. 

Wendy Ld Helling

Wendy LD Helling

Partner and Thought Leader

Education and Certifications
Master’s in Business Administration

 

Function and Specialization
Wendy has deep experience in bringing complex, multi-year projects to life. She specializes in IT project management, data management, and strategic planning.   

 

About Wendy
Wendy loves traveling and hanging out in warm climates.