About Us
Our Founder
Photo Credit: Stacey Salter IC Image Works www.icimageworks.com @icimageworks
OWNER, PRINCIPAL
Claire A. Laver
Claire has secured over $32M toward public infrastructure projects, and has overseen eight completed capital projects on public land in Philadelphia. Over 15+ years she led three different organizations from start-up to solvency. With an emphasis on people and change management, she has garnered experience in executive leadership, project management and operations. Claire founded Blue Persimmon Consulting in 2023.
Claire has worked with hundreds of small businesses and nonprofits throughout her career as staff member, Board member, consultant, partner and on the client side. Through this range of work, Claire has gleaned an acute understanding of the many intertwined elements that leadership must consider when making major decisions.
Claire is a mission driven professional with a passion for helping others. Blue Persimmon Consulting, LLC is an extension of this life’s work, seeking to provide support to and ease the burden of nonprofits and other civically-minded businesses — many of whom serve as the backbones of our communities.
We do not work in a silo
You rely on various talented specialists to help you carry out different aspects of your work. Blue Persimmon Consulting is your answer for the thorny problem that are not clear cut, and that involve many disciplines.
Project experience
Public and Private Funds Compliance
We have managed over $40M in funds toward both the development of construction projects on public land, and in support of general operations. We specialize in supporting clients in carrying out programs or projects that engage a range of funds. We have experience administering RACP, DCNR, DCED, LSA, City of Philadelphia and a variety of private funds in these efforts. (Pictured above: Waterloo Playground - 2021. Role: Claire Laver as Executive Director of Make The World Better.)
Capital Projects
We have led and supported teams in planning for and carrying out more than a dozen complex capital projects on both public and private land in the Philadelphia area. We specialize in engaging a wide range of stakeholders in decision-making. Some projects highlights include Paine’s Park on Schuylkill Banks, multi-phase development of Smith Playground in South Philadelphia and redevelopment of Ralph Brooks Park in Point Breeze (pictured above - 2016. Role: Claire Laver as Director at Urban Roots and Make The World Better)
Mergers and Partnerships
We have managed many partnerships with a specialty in public/private partnerships formed to carry out community supported programs and capital projects. Claire led partner organizations Make The World Better and Urban Roots in a merger in 2018, establishing revised bylaws and building the Board. (Role: Claire Laver as Director at Urban Roots and Make The World Better).