Founder story

Elaine Tait

Community Futures Strategist + Head Neighbor

I've spent the last 20+ years working at the intersection of growth strategy, foresight, and purpose-driven leadership. I've served over 100 organizations, from global names like Johnson & Johnson and Carhartt to mission-driven teams like Get Joy and Grand Traverse Community Foundation.

Along the way, my roles have spanned supply chain, marketing, brand and innovation strategy, and market research. I don't just bring frameworks, I bring intimate, 360º insights. And I've seen that the leaders who move communities forward need more than just a report handed off. They need a partner who stays close, thinks several moves and worlds ahead, and brings the same rigor to a regional nonprofit as to a Fortune 500 brand.

I founded Neighbor because I believe strategy without proximity is just theory. Whether you're looking at your organization's next five years, scanning the landscape for what's coming, or building the strategic pathway to get there, we work alongside you to expand your impact. Our work is grounded in evidence, driven by foresight, and invested in your mission like it's our own.

I'm a certified futurist, MBA from Chicago Booth, in-progress MPH from University of Michigan, and based right here in Northern Michigan where I'm immersed in the communities we're striving to impact.

testimonials

  • Her steady leadership, professional listening skills, and deep passion for community and organizational development proved to be invaluable as we navigated this challenging terrain [TART's strategic planning process] together.

    Brian Beauchamp, Director of Strategic Engagement | TART

  • Elaine is an active listener and learner who is genuinely curious and consistently reflective. She balances rigorous work with active learning, seeking feedback, refining ideas, and modeling a growth mindset that raised the standard of our entire team throughout our work with her.

    Alison Metiva, CEO | Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

  • We worked with Elaine in early 2026 and were blown away by her thoroughness, diligence, and expertise. She far exceeded expectations at every turn.

    Eric Roberts, Executive Director | 20Fathoms

  • Elaine possesses a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and strategic acumen. Her comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and the ever-evolving business landscape sets her apart as a thought leader across many industries. Her foresight, agility, fresh perspectives, and proactive, creative solutions enable clients to anticipate changes and position themselves as true industry leaders.

    Trish Heusel, Former VP of Strategy, Insights & Innovation | Carhartt

Hey, Neighbor.

We’d love to hear what you’re building.