Who We Are

We are a team of experienced management consultants dedicated to helping clients navigate complexity and challenges. Led by Brian and Jennifer Ferguson, our team has extensive expertise in:

• Leadership and Executive Coaching
• Human Resource Management
• Business Development
• Financial Assessment and Due Diligence
• Fraud Investigations
• Background Checks
• Risk management
• Communications
• Digital Design

Our hands-on, collaborative approach ensures that we develop solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Our Approach

At Initiatives Group, we go beyond strategy—we ensure execution and measurable success. Our approach is built on:

• Close Client Collaboration – We take the time to understand the client’s unique goals, challenges, and needs.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making – Our strategies are grounded in analytics, research, and best practices.
• Clear and Effective Communication – We ensure transparency and alignment at every stage of the process.
• Customized, Actionable Solutions – No two clients are alike, and neither are our strategies.
• Ongoing Support & Adaptability – We help clients evolve and refine their strategies to meet changing demands.

What We Do

We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to strengthen organizations from the inside out:

• Due Diligence – Evaluating structure, culture, financials, and effectiveness.
• Executive & Leadership Coaching – Strengthening leadership skills for impactful decision-making.
• Investigative Services – Uncovering risks, ensuring compliance, background checks, and protecting organizations.
• Risk Management – assessment, mitigation, and monitoring.
• Communication Tools – website and intranet design and refresh, and digital communication tools

Why Choose Us?

Organizations trust Initiatives Group because we deliver practical, results-driven solutions that make an impact. Our work is backed by experience, data, and a deep commitment to our clients’ success. Whether you need to align your team, improve efficiency, or mitigate risks, we provide the strategic expertise to help you achieve your goals.

Our Team

Jen Ferguson is a Principal/Consultant with Initiatives Group. Jen has 30 years of local government experience and significant expertise in organizational strategic and financial planning. Jen has led, guided, and carried out policy and organizational affairs for communities and organizations in Minnesota and Washington, holding leadership positions. Jen is well-versed in public policy and administration, organizational development, performance management, operations and process improvement, human resource management, long-term financial policy, planning, and financial modeling, business development, and risk management. To supplement her experience, Jen holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in management, is certified in the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) Technology of Participation® (ToP®) facilitation methods, and is a Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner.

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Brian Ferguson is a Principal/Private Investigator with Initiatives Group. Brian, a veteran, has over 30 years of public and private-sector experience and significant expertise in government and corporate investigations, ethics, and corporate compliance. Brian has led, planned, and conducted investigations as an officer special agent with the U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations (OSI), as an investigator with the U.S. Treasury Department’s National Background Investigation Center (NBIC), and as a senior corporate investigator with The Boeing Company. Brian has led numerous investigative units as a special agent in charge, and is well versed in performance management, operations and process improvement, data analytics, and enterprise resource planning. Supplementing his experience, Brian has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

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Krista is an accomplished professional specializing in communications, public engagement, and project management, with extensive expertise in public and community relations, organizational development, human resource program management, and business development. As a former Executive Services and Communications Manager for communities in Washington, Krista excelled in legislative liaison roles, forging strategic connections with city, county, state, and federal officials. She is skilled at designing and managing onboarding programs, employee training, employee retention, and wellness initiatives, with demonstrated proficiency in SharePoint site development and impactful employee experience campaigns. Krista’s strong marketing, social media, and website development skills have enhanced business recruitment, retention, and civic programs. Her background in Communications and Graphic Design, combined with her research and data analysis capabilities, enables her to produce high-impact reports, presentations, and community-focused initiatives that support organizational goals.

License
• Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services-License No. 2429
• Bonded & Insured

Associations & Memberships
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
• Minnesota Association of Private Investigators & Protective Agents (MAPI)
• Association of Former Office of Special Investigations Special Agents (AFOSISA)

• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
• Minnesota City Managers Association (MCMA)
• Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
• Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association (MNGFOA)
• Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)