About Foresight First

About Foresight First LLC

Foresight First LLC was founded as Principled Innovation LLC in 2002, and rebranded in 2017. The purpose of Foresight First LLC is to strengthen the performance of association and non-profit boards through the consistent practice of foresight.

“Foresight first” is a governing orientation that prioritizes the future, and challenges association and non-profit boards to question their orthodox beliefs as they design the future of governing for their organizations.

For articles related to “foresight first,” check out our Published Content and our Twitter feed @dutyofforesight.


About Jeff De Cagna FRSA FASAE

Jeff De Cagna

Jeff De Cagna FRSA FASAE, executive advisor for Foresight First LLC in Reston, Virginia, is an association contrarian, foresight practitioner, governing designer, stakeholder/successor advocate, and stewardship catalyst. In his work, Jeff advises association and non-profit boards on how they can set a higher standard of stewardship, governing, and foresight [SGF]. 

A graduate of the Johns Hopkins and Harvard universities, Jeff has continued his learning with the future at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Oxford University, Harvard Business School, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, BoardSource, the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies, and the Institute for the Future. 

Jeff is the 32nd recipient of ASAE’s Academy of Leaders Award, the association’s highest individual honor given to consultants or industry partners in recognition of their support of ASAE and the association community.

Jeff’s Speaker Intro

Jeff De Cagna FRSA FASAE, executive advisor for Foresight First LLC in Reston, Virginia is an association contrarian, foresight practitioner, governing designer, stakeholder/successor advocate, and stewardship catalyst. In August 2019, Jeff became the 32nd recipient of ASAE’s Academy of Leaders Award, the association’s highest individual honor given to consultants or industry partners in recognition of their support of ASAE and the association community.


Six Quotes to Move Your Organization to Foresight First


We find these six quotes to be a source of inspiration, and we hope they will inspire you to take action to prepare your organization for the future.


The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power. - Mary Pickford

“The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.”
Mary Pickford
Association and non-profit decision-makers must deal productively with the past so they can focus their attention on the future. Foresight First LLC can help by challenging boards, CEOs and other decision-makers to surface, examine and challenge their orthodox beliefs.


The future is always beginning now. - Mark Strand


“The future is always beginning now.”
Mark Strand
Association and non-profit decision-makers have the opportunity to shape the future for their organizations and stakeholders, but only if they accept responsibility for doing so. Foresight First LLC can help by supporting boards and their staff partners in embracing the duty of foresight.


For all of its uncertainty, we cannot flee the future. - Barbara Jordan


“For all of its uncertainty, we cannot flee the future.”
Barbara Jordan
Association and non-profit decision-makers hold the primary stewardship responsibility for their organizations, and it is a responsibility they can share with other stakeholders. Foresight First LLC works with boards and staff to build a shared sense of stewardship across organizations.


We are called to be architects of the future, not its victims. - R. Buckminster Fuller

“We are called to be architects of the future, not its victims.”
R. Buckminster Fuller
Association and non-profit decision-makers can collaborate with young and more diverse stakeholder cohorts to co-create the future. Foresight First LLC helps organizations build meaningful and enduring relationships with these stakeholders through strategy as learning.


The past has been given to us. The future must be built, as others have built our past. - Gladys Hasty Carroll


“The past has been given to us. The future must be built, as others have built our past.”
Gladys Hasty Carroll
Association and non-profit decision-makers build their organizations to thrive through wise business model stewardship. Foresight First LLC can help boards and CEOs develop a shared understanding of their existing business models and design next business models for the future.


We grown in time to trust the future for our answers. - Ruth Benedict


“We grow in time to trust the future for our answers.”
Ruth Benedict
Association and non-profit decision-makers can make wiser choices today if they can build their capabilities for learning with the future. Foresight First LLC can help boards strengthen their governing performance by focusing their attention and energy on the practice of foresight.


Foresight First LLC Partners

Foresight First LLC is pleased to collaborate with the following partners. We strongly encourage you to visit them online to learn more about their services.


Digital by Jess is a partner or Foresight First


Digital by Jess works with forward-thinking organizations on all things web—including design, front-end development, analytics and social media.


INKquiry is a partner or Foresight First


Inkquiry (graphic recording, graphic facilitation, digital scribing, and illustration) provides visual support, in real time, for all forms of creative conversation, as well as visual solutions for all types of creative problems.
Put the power of pictures to work for you!