Who We Are

Rob Cato (he/him)
Founder & Principal Consultant

Rob is a nonprofit executive leader and finance professional with a passion for food justice and equity-centered systems. He brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit financial management, fundraising, and board governance. His career began in corporate finance through Johnson & Johnson’s Financial Leadership Development Program, where he managed complex budgets and presented financial analyses to senior management. He later served as Executive Director of Zenger Farm, a nationally recognized urban farm and food justice nonprofit in Portland, Oregon, where he led financial strategy and fundraising.

Rob founded Black Cato Consulting to help organizations strengthen their financial foundations, align resources with mission, and create sustainable structures that support staff and community. He specializes in fractional CFO services for nonprofits, grant compliance and operations, and people-focused HR systems.

Outside of consulting, Rob has served in executive committee roles on the boards of Social Justice Fund Northwest and Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, deepening his experience in nonprofit governance and advocacy. He is based in Portland, Oregon, and is committed to building thriving, inclusive organizations from the inside out.

Mike Black (he/him)
Partner & Strategic Finance Consultant

Mike is a seasoned finance and growth strategist with over a decade of experience leading marketing and operational initiatives across startups and multi-location businesses. As the force behind Pacific Counter’s multi-unit expansion and its path toward franchising, Mike has managed complex budgets and cash flow systems to support sustainable growth. He previously led the growth marketing team at Bite Squad, helping scale the company to over 100 markets, ultimately contributing to its acquisition and public listing.

With a background in finance and accounting, Mike now advises organizations on budgeting, forecasting, digital performance strategy, and executive decision-making. He has served as a strategic consultant to startups, mission-driven businesses, and enterprise level organizations offering hands-on leadership. Mike brings a sharp financial lens and deep operational experience to every engagement.