Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Coulter.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My career began in higher education, working in student affairs and development. Those years taught me how valuable diverse perspectives and generations can be when building strong teams, and they fostered my love for helping people grow as leaders.
Philanthropy has always been part of my story. Growing up, my parents encouraged generosity and hard work. When opportunities came my way, they said, “We’ll support you in raising the funds to make it happen.” They didn’t give me the resources, they encouraged me to craft an inspiring message, with rationale, to invite others to support the cause. That early experience taught me both the value of giving and the creativity it requires.
Later in my career, I met Apex’s founder, Jenny Nohelty. Over coffee, she sketched an estate plan on a napkin that showed how someone could provide for both family and charity in powerful, tax-efficient ways. I was hooked. Within a few years, I transitioned into leadership, and today I own Apex Legacy Consultants. I never expected to be a business owner in my mid-30s, but saying yes to that opportunity has allowed me to serve nonprofits and donors in ways I never could have imagined!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many growing organizations, we’ve faced challenges in clarifying our identity—who we serve, what we do, and how we communicate that clearly. Fundraising can be unpredictable for nonprofits, and their ability to move beyond annual giving often determines whether we can partner.
Another challenge has been scaling thoughtfully. We’re in a specialized industry, and it’s critical to have the right people on the team to serve well. What has carried us through is the loyalty of both our nonprofit partners, donors, and our staff. When Apex transitioned ownership, every team member chose to stay and assist in the transition, which spoke volumes about their belief in our mission.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Apex Legacy Consultants helps nonprofits and donors connect values with giving through smart, strategic generosity.
For nonprofits, we build systems that make it easier for donors to say yes — whether that means creating legacy societies, developing donor education programs, or integrating tax-efficient strategies into fundraising efforts.
For donors, we provide education and tools so they can align their values, family goals, and finances in ways that create lasting impact. Whether someone is in their 30s or their 80s, there are strategies available, from gifts of stock and real estate to charitable trusts, donor-advised funds, or estate gifts. We make these options simple and approachable, so donors can see themselves in the plan.
What sets us apart is the combination of deep technical knowledge and a relational, teaching-oriented approach. Planned giving can feel complicated, but our team is known for making it understandable and even inspiring.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important quality in this work is listening. Planned giving is about people, not just numbers. By listening well, we uncover what matters most to donors–their values, their family, their dreams for the future. Then we connect those goals with the right strategies.
I often describe our process as a “choose your own adventure.” You ask questions, discover new details, and adjust until you find the path that fits. My role is to take complex strategies and patiently walk through them until donors and fundraising professionals feel confident and empowered. It’s equal parts technical expertise and relational trust.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://apexlegacyconsultants.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apexlegacyconsultants/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ApexLegacyConsultants
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/apex-legacy-consultants
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@apexlegacyconsultants
