We’re thrilled to share an exciting milestone for one of our clients! Advisors for Change (AFC), a financial services firm based in Denver, has officially become a worker-owned cooperative as of January 1, 2025. With support from Project Equity, AFC has embraced employee ownership—aligning perfectly with the company’s long-standing commitment to transparency, empowerment and people-first values.

For nearly two decades, AFC has worked closely with nonprofits, providing tailored financial management services. Throughout the years, they’ve learned from their nonprofit partners who embody cooperative principles like democratic governance, community support and shared success. Now, by transitioning to a cooperative model, AFC is deepening that alignment with the organizations they serve.

When AFC’s founder, Amy McPherson, began considering her exit strategy, she knew she didn’t want to sell the business to an outside buyer. Instead, she looked for a way to ensure that AFC’s values remained intact, which led her to consider employee ownership. 

Amy will continue leading AFC as CEO, with a newly formed Board of Directors composed entirely of employee-owners. The board includes Christine McCorkle (president), Krystal Thompson (vice president), Becky Scherr (treasurer), and Renee Osborn (secretary), alongside Amy. With all 19 employees now cooperative members, AFC is set to thrive as a business owned by the people who drive its success.

“Being a worker-owned cooperative rewards the people that make AFC the best in our field!” Amy said enthusiastically.

Krystal echoed that excitement, sharing, “Working at AFC has shown me that there are good people creating workplaces where strengths are valued, voices are heard, and equity is more than an idea.”

This transition isn’t just about ownership—it’s about fostering a workplace where employees have a say in the company’s direction and share in its success. As AFC moves forward as a cooperative, they continue to lead with the same dedication to empowering nonprofits and strengthening communities.

Want to hear directly from AFC’s team about their journey to becoming a cooperative? Watch this video to learn more about what being a worker-owned business means to them!