Mattingly Messina

Mattingly Messina works with independent schools, nonprofits, and philanthropists on the relationships that make fundraising possible.

He began his career at Google, where he worked as a legal negotiator handling regulatory lawsuits that required judgment, clear communication, and the ability to build relationships.

Around the same time, he began serving as a Trustee of his alma mater, St. Margaret's Episcopal School. He found that the exact same skills were necessary. That experience sparked a deeper interest in how schools financially sustain themselves.

Mattingly later moved into advancement work in independent schools, focusing on annual giving, major gifts, and campaign planning. Over time, he found himself returning to relationships: a difficult conversation with a donor; a Head of School and Board in conflict; a fundraising program needing new leadership. Each of these situations has real impact on a school's revenue — but they're primarily solved through managing relationships.

Throughline has grown into an advisory business based on the belief that relationships drive revenue.