Operational Leadership & Support for Nonprofits and Ministries

Trellis helps nonprofits and ministries turn vision into execution, building the structure, systems, and leadership habits that keep mission and momentum aligned.

Vision Without Structure Isn't Enough

Many nonprofits and ministries have big vision and passionate teams, but their execution often struggles to keep up.

The vision is clear. The team is committed. Yet structure, systems, and behind-the-scenes coordination are stretched thin.

For many founders and directors, the organization that once fueled your passion has pulled you into the weeds—managing meetings, projects, and people instead of leading from your strengths.

If your nonprofit’s growth has outpaced your systems, or your team needs more structure to execute the vision you’ve already cast, Trellis can help.

Trellis provides operational leadership and support that frees you to focus on your mission without the cost or commitment of a full-time COO.

Grapevine on wooden pergola under blue sky

Trellis Offers Execution — Not Just Advice

Trellis combines operational leadership with practical, hands-on support. It’s like having a part-time COO or Integrator — someone outside the day-to-day who brings clarity, structure, and accountability so your team can stay focused on what matters most.

Depending on your season, Trellis can help you:

Clarify your vision and strategic goals
Build a healthy, aligned leadership team
Establish rhythms that keep everyone focused
Tackle the hard problems with people, projects, or systems
Move from reactive firefighting to proactive, unified leadership

It’s practical, high-impact help tailored to the size, stage, and calling of your organization.

The 80/20 Advantage

You may have heard of the Pareto Principle — the idea that 80% of results often come from just 20% of effort.

You don't need to hire a full-time executive.

Trellis focuses on the 20% of operational systems and leadership habits that create 80% of your organization’s results — without unnecessary complexity or cost.

About Josh

I started Trellis Operations after more than a decade serving with various nonprofits, including two years as COO of a global Christian missions organization. During that time, I helped lead a full implementation of EOS® across the organization, supporting structure and alignment across teams.

Before that, I earned an engineering degree from Virginia Tech, graduating summa cum laude with coursework in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, industrial design, and leadership. These foundations still shape how I think and work today.

In my years of operational leadership, I saw a pattern: many nonprofit teams are fueled by great vision but held back by the unseen work that supports it—the planning, organization, and follow-through most people avoid.

But that’s the work I love.

I cut through complexity to get to the heart of systems, people, and issues. I come alongside leaders to bring clarity and confidence. And I don’t shy away from the hard conversations that build healthy teams.

Trellis exists to bring that same clarity and strength to others, offering operational leadership and partnership that strengthens meaningful work without the overhead of a full-time executive.

If your team needs structure, rhythm, and follow-through, I’d love to help.

— Josh Coble, Founder of Trellis Operations

Who Trellis Serves

Not every organization needs a full-time operations leader. Trellis is designed for those who need focused help where it matters most.

Trellis serves nonprofits, ministries, and values-aligned small businesses that want to strengthen clarity, structure, and execution while staying true to their mission.

You may be a good fit if:

You’re leading a nonprofit or ministry with strong vision but limited capacity to execute
Your organization’s growth has outpaced its systems and structure
You’re running on EOS® or a similar framework and need help keeping meetings, priorities, and accountability on track
You’re navigating a season of leadership transition, growth, or internal change
You want to align your board, staff, and fundraising efforts around shared goals
You need help clarifying who’s responsible for what so things stop falling through the cracks

Trellis Services

Free Consultation

Every partnership begins with a conversation. In this free consultation, we’ll explore your organization’s goals, challenges, and leadership rhythms.

Includes:

Brief operational assessment of your current structure and systems
Actionable recommendations to strengthen clarity and accountability right away
Custom proposal outlining your best-fit Trellis package

90-Day Kickstart

A focused 90-day project to establish the five operational foundations that bring alignment and momentum: Vision, Roles, Strategic Goals, Meetings, and Metrics.

Includes:

Custom-built org operating system
Five workshops (one per foundation)
Templates for vision, roles, meeting rhythms, and scorecards
Biweekly check-ins and accountability
Final “90-Day Summary” report with recommendations for next phase

Leadership Team Support

Designed for teams that already have foundational tools in place but need ongoing facilitation, guidance, and accountability to stay healthy and focused.

Includes:

Weekly 90-minute leadership meeting led and facilitated by Trellis
Monthly 1:1 meeting with the visionary or director for alignment and strategic guidance
Quarterly planning session to reset goals, rocks, and priorities
Light access between sessions for feedback and problem-solving

Fractional COO Partnership

For organizations that need part-time operational leadership to keep plans moving forward. Trellis serves as your embedded COO or Integrator.

Includes:

Weekly leadership team meeting facilitation
Weekly 1:1 with the visionary or director
Oversight of department heads
Leading 1-2 company-priority projects per quarter
Facilitation of quarterly strategy and planning sessions
Development and refinement of metrics, processes, and leadership rhythms
On-call support for key operational decisions

Start a Conversation

If you’re exploring a short-term project or ongoing operational support, I’d be glad to talk.

I offer a free consultation, and whether or not we work together, you’ll leave with a few clear, practical recommendations.

If that brings clarity or direction, I consider that a success.