New Outsourced Professionals Association Launches to Unite America's Growing Freelance and Fractional Workforce
Arlington, VA — June 16, 2025 — The Outsourced Professionals Association (OPA), a nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to freelancers, fractional professionals, and independent contractors, officially launches today to address the unprecedented growth in America's independent workforce. With recent government workforce reductions and economic shifts driving millions toward freelance and contract work, OPA provides a dedicated community and business development platform that has never existed before.
"The traditional employment model is fundamentally shifting, and professionals working in this rapidly evolving world need resources built specifically for their reality," explained inaugural board chair Grant Covault of GC Strategies, LLC. “This association was built by the outsourced community for the outsourced community.”
Unlike generic networking groups or industry-specific associations, OPA focuses exclusively on the unique challenges and opportunities facing the outsourced professional community. The organization provides:
Exclusive business opportunities connecting members with potential clients and collaborators
Professional community designed specifically for freelancers and fractional executives
Industry insights and best practices for building sustainable independent careers
Networking events, including the inaugural "Outsourced LIVE" conference, occurring this October in Washington, DC
"There's been a massive gap in the market for a group that brings together the entire workforce of diverse, talented outsourced professionals," said Matthew Ott, OPA Executive Director. "While traditional employees have countless professional associations, the growing number of Americans working as independent contractors have had nowhere to turn for community, business opportunities, and professional development. We are changing that."
The timing couldn't be more critical. Recent federal workforce reductions, corporate restructuring, and the continued evolution toward flexible work arrangements have created an unprecedented number of newly independent professionals seeking community and business development resources.
"We're seeing executives, consultants, designers, writers, and professionals across every industry making the transition to freelance and fractional work," noted Ott. "They need a place to connect, share strategies, and find real business opportunities. This is not just another generic networking group."
OPA's inaugural board brings decades of experience in both traditional corporate environments and the independent professional landscape. Joining Ott and Covault on the board are Michael Getter, CSM, CSPO, ITIL V4 of 501evolved, and Necoya Tyson, CCEP, CEM-AP, CGMP of Lightsey Event Solutions.
OPA is actively seeking freelancers, fractional professionals, consultants, and independent contractors to join the founding membership class, as well as companies that provide products and services to support professionals working in the industry. "This isn't just another professional association," Covault emphasized. "We're creating resources and building the support system that independent professionals need to thrive in today's economy – business connections, peer support, and industry expertise all in one place.”
About the Outsourced Professionals Association
The Outsourced Professionals Association is a nonprofit organization created exclusively for freelancers, fractional professionals, and independent contractors. OPA offers business opportunities, a professional community, and industry resources tailored specifically for America's growing independent workforce. Learn more at www.outsourcedpros.org.
Media Contact: Matthew Ott, Executive Director, Outsourced Professionals Association, Email: matt@outsourcedpros.org, Website: www.outsourcedpros.org
Editor's Note: High-resolution photos of board members and additional background information are available upon request.
