We help organizations develop stronger leaders, build more effective systems, and solve complex challenges through facilitated peer groups, consulting, leadership development, and organizational support.
Neal Family Consulting is a father-and-son-led firm built on decades of leadership experience in city management and international education. We’ve sat in the same seats our clients sit in today — from running cities of more than 50,000 residents to directing athletics and activities programs at top international schools. We understand the challenges of guiding teams, managing change, and balancing competing priorities — because we’ve lived them.
We exist to give leaders a place to think out loud, compare notes with peers, and move important projects across the finish line. From city halls to international school campuses, we help organizations design systems that align with their mission and values while developing the people who make those systems thrive.
Our work is grounded in one simple principle: No surprises. Just good work, delivered with integrity.
Our clients include:
Whether your organization is large or small, public or private, we help you build a foundation for excellence, integrity, and growth.
Confidential, facilitator-led groups where leaders share ideas, compare strategies, and gain perspective from others who understand their work.
Custom solutions for schools, cities, and organizations that need help with strategic planning, handbook and policy development, or leadership team alignment.
Interactive sessions (in-person or virtual) that develop leadership skills, strengthen team culture, and deliver practical results.
Neal Family Consulting was founded by Scott Neal and Turner Neal — a father-and-son team who share a lifelong commitment to leadership, community, and service. Scott brings 37+ years of experience as a city manager, while Turner contributes deep expertise as an international Director of Athletics and Certified Master Athletic Administrator.
Their combined backgrounds in government and education revealed a common truth: leaders everywhere benefit from structured support, peer learning, and practical guidance rooted in real-world experience. Together, they created a consulting firm that blends two generations of leadership to help clients see both systems and people — building programs that last and developing leaders who thrive.
What began as a collaboration has grown into a mission-driven practice grounded in clarity, integrity, and meaningful partnership. Neal Family Consulting exists to help organizations design effective systems, strengthen culture, and move important work forward with confidence.
We keep our word and deliver on our commitments
Every project reflects the quality we’d expect for our own organizations.
Every recommendation aligns with your purpose, not ours.
The best outcomes come from working together.
Let’s talk about your group or project.
Tell us what kind of organization you lead and what outcomes you’re aiming for — we’ll follow up with a short call and a clear proposal.
Scott brings more than 37 years of leadership experience in local government, serving as City Manager for several midwestern communities. His approach emphasizes clarity, accountability, and performance-based management.
He has facilitated peer groups and performance evaluations for senior leaders across the public sector, helping teams improve collaboration, align priorities, and deliver measurable results.
“Scott has an unmatched ability to listen, synthesize, and turn ideas into actionable next steps.”
In addition to a long successful career in local government, Scott has been married to his lovely wife Deedee for over 40 years and is father to three adult sons; has three wonderful daughters in law and three smart grandchildren.
B.S. in Economics, Iowa State University, 1985
Master of Public Administration (MPA), Iowa State University, 1988
Member, Chambers of Commerce in Mt. Pleasant (IA), Northfield (MN), Eden Prairie (MN), and Edina (MN)
Board Member (2023–2026), League of Minnesota Citie
Board Member (2004–present); Chair since 2012, South Metro Public Safety Training Facility
Board Member (2002–present), South West Cable Commission
Member (1996–present), Minnesota City/County Management Association
Board of Directors, 2018–2023
President, 2022
Member (1992–present), International City/County Management Association
Turner Neal is an experienced Director of Athletics and Activities who has led and supported outstanding school programs in both the United States and China. Based in Shanghai with his wife, Hannah, a science educator at Shanghai American School, Turner has served in key leadership roles at Concordia International School Shanghai, Shanghai American School, and The International School of Minnesota.
Throughout his career, Turner has been committed to building mission-driven programs that emphasize integrity, continuous learning, and joy in hard work. As Co-Founder of Neal Family Consulting, he partners with schools and professional organizations around the world, supporting leaders through peer groups, consulting, and professional development.
A frequent conference presenter and NIAAA national faculty member, Turner combines traditional leadership practices with innovative tools like AI to help athletic directors and coaches create systems that empower people, streamline operations, and strengthen community.
Consulting & Training Experience with international schools across Asia, the Middle East, and North America
Leadership is stronger in community.
We organize and facilitate confidential peer groups that bring together professionals from similar roles to share challenges, exchange solutions, and grow together.
Each group is structured, consistent, and professionally led — providing a safe space to reflect, gain insight, and stay accountable.
You don’t need to lead alone. Our peer groups provide clarity, connection, and confidence for leaders who want to make better decisions and build stronger teams.
Practical guidance for complex challenges.
We help organizations identify opportunities, clarify priorities, and implement systems that support long-term success. Our consulting work is collaborative — we don’t hand you a binder and walk away. We partner with you to build solutions that fit your organization’s culture, mission, and capacity.
A clear process, honest communication, and deliverables you can actually use.
Engage. Learn. Apply.
We design and deliver interactive workshops that develop leadership skills, improve team performance, and strengthen organizational culture.
Our sessions are available both virtually and in-person, and are customized to the audience — from city departments to school coaching staffs.
Leaders leave with actionable tools, stronger confidence, and a clear next step.
Practical guidance for complex challenges.
We help organizations identify opportunities, clarify priorities, and implement systems that support long-term success. Our consulting work is collaborative — we don’t hand you a binder and walk away. We partner with you to build solutions that fit your organization’s culture, mission, and capacity.
A clear process, honest communication, and deliverables you can actually use.
Engage. Learn. Apply.
We design and deliver interactive workshops that develop leadership skills, improve team performance, and strengthen organizational culture.
Our sessions are available both virtually and in-person, and are customized to the audience — from city departments to school coaching staffs.
Leaders leave with actionable tools, stronger confidence, and a clear next step.
Leadership Is Stronger in Community
Great athletics and activities programs don’t just happen — they’re built through intentional systems, clear communication, and well-supported coaches and advisors.
At Neal Family Consulting, we created Peer Groups that reflect each school’s mission, develop their coaches, and engage their teams.
We help schools create comprehensive, revised, and printed handbooks for students, staff, and activity leaders — ensuring eligibility, great conduct, safety, and evaluation procedures.
Deliverables may include:
Athletics or Activities Handbooks (Student, Coach, and Instructor versions)
Policies aligned across divisions and departments
Appendices for emergency plans, evaluations, and agreements
Templates for professional development, coaching specializations, and communication
“Our goal is to help schools treat coaching as an extension of teaching — structured, purposeful, and values-driven.”
We partner with Athletics and Activities Directors to evaluate, strengthen, and align their programs.
Areas of focus include:
Strategic planning for multi-year development
Communication systems for reducing confusion and improving alignment
Data-driven decision-making for scheduling, facilities, and participation
We partner with Athletics and Activities Directors in:
K–12 institutions with multi-division athletics programs
Private clubs or co-curricular departments
Every engagement begins with listening — understanding your school’s mission, culture, and current systems.
Our process includes:
Assessment of faculty evaluations and feedback
Writing practical summaries and recommendations
Generating schedules, rosters, and communication templates
Automating data collection for participation and eligibility
“Ready to strengthen your program? Let’s talk about how Neal Family Consulting can help build a culture that supports coaches, respects student balance, and aligns with school values.”
— Athletic Director, International School, Asia
Let’s talk about how Neal Family Consulting can help you build a culture that supports strong coaches, inspired students, and alignment with your school’s mission.
We believe great public leadership comes down to three things: clarity, accountability, and communication. That’s why every project we take on is grounded in collaboration and built to deliver long-term value — not just another report on the shelf. Our promise is simple: We’ll do what we say we’re going to do, on the timeline we agree to, for the price we set together. No surprises.
We design and facilitate clear, fair, and goal-based performance evaluation processes for city managers, administrators, and department heads.
Our approach builds trust between governing bodies and executives.
Support may include:
Facilitated goal-setting and alignment sessions
Annual and mid-year evaluation tools
Performance criteria development
Structured feedback templates and documentation
“Our process keeps the focus on outcomes, communication, and continuous improvement — not politics.”
We conduct community and county reviews to highlight strengths in:
Department structure and staffing
Communication and workflow systems
Leadership alignment and accountability
Operational efficiency and culture
We work with communities of all sizes — from growing suburban cities to well-established municipalities — across the Midwest and beyond.
We help city councils, executive teams, and boards have the right conversations — the ones that set direction and build unity.
Common projects include:
Whether it’s a one-day retreat or an ongoing engagement, we manage the structure, timing, and follow-up so leaders can focus on participation, not process.
For cities and counties seeking the right fit in leadership, we offer executive search services rooted in public-sector experience.
Our process includes:
Because we’ve served in these roles ourselves, we know what successful leadership looks like — and how to identify it.
Ready to strengthen your city’s leadership and performance?
Let’s schedule a short call to discuss your goals and explore how we can help.
“Scott’s ability to listen, lead, and manage a realistic, results-oriented process made our council retreat one of the most productive we’ve ever had.”
— Mayor, Midwest City
“The performance review process they designed gave our board and executive team a shared sense of purpose.”
— Council Chair, Minnesota
Use the form below to tell us a little about yourself and what kind of support you’re looking for.
Every organization faces moments when leadership feels heavy — when systems need to be improved, communication has to get clearer, or teams need direction.
That’s where Neal Family Consulting comes in.
We combine decades of experience in city management, school leadership, and organizational consulting to help our clients operate more effectively.
Our services are practical, personal, and built for leaders who value integrity, collaboration, and results.