Cyrina Yarbrough is on a mission to revolutionize how mission-driven organizations make an impact. Learn more about The Non-Profit CMO, how she’s shaking things up, and why she’s handing organizations the keys to marketing success.

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Q: Cyrina, your career has been all over the map—literally. From the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to Reagan National Airport, what led you to start The Non-Profit CMO?

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Cyrina Yarbrough: Simple—I saw a gap and decided to fill it. Nonprofits and social impact and especially arts organizations struggle with the same thing: being over extended, under resourced, and strapped for time, money or both. Regular consultancies help with the first two issues but the ramp up time and cost commitment before anything can even be implemented can be a pretty big hurdle for most organizations, regardless of size.

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And because I believe in making things easy, we built a collection of plug-and-play marketing and communications templates. No more trial and error—these step-by-step guides help teams implement best practices, make informed decisions, and see results in just a few weeks.

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Q: You talk a lot about restructuring marketing departments—what’s your secret sauce?

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Cyrina: First, let’s be real—many nonprofits operate in survival mode. My goal? Get them out of that cycle. The magic formula is strategy, engagement, and efficiency. I help organizations clarify their message, streamline workflows, opening up the lines of communications, and create campaigns that actually connect with their audience. It’s not about throwing spaghetti at the wall—it’s about working smarter, not harder.

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Plus, our templates go beyond marketing—they integrate business strategy.

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Q: What makes The Non-Profit CMO different from every other marketing firm out there?

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Cyrina: We’re not just consultants—we’re partners in impact. We set our clients up for success by giving away the coveted playbook. It’s plug and play with the ability to customize. Good marketing is constant so sharing the foundation to build on isn’t taboo. It’s a prerequisite for how I work. We can be really creative, push boundaries, and think outside the box when we are clear on the basics. We’re here to make sure organizations get results, not just for a retainer.

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Q: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs or nonprofit leaders trying to level up?

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Cyrina: Start simple by getting clear on your messaging. If everyone on your team isn’t fully aware of the mission, and vision, start there. Then make sure every department understands how their work impacts the mission and vision.

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Trust your gut, stay adaptable, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Marketing isn’t static—what worked yesterday might be outdated today. The key is to listen, learn, and be break some rules. Don’t be afraid to get it wrong before you get it right. Also, let’s be honest—perfection is overrated.

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Q: If you had to sum up The Non-Profit CMO in three words, what would they be?

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Cyrina: Impactful. Smart. Game-changing.

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