Non-Profit Leadership Coaches, Events, and Resources

I have worked in nonprofits ranging from 3 people to over 5,000, and understand the unique needs of both both domestic and international organizations. I can help you navigate the changing winds of funding streams, building and coaching an effective team, advocating for a promotion, or even transitioning between the nonprofit and private sectors if you're looking to make a career move. I've made that pivot several times. I am also a skilled negotiator who enjoys giving people the confidence and tools to advocate for themselves while managing the sensitivities of a hiring process. For example, I negotiated a 25% pay increase and 30 weeks of paid parental leave at a nonprofit, and I coached a client to negotiate an additional $150,000/year in equity as they transitioned from consulting to industry.

Welcome to my profile! With a rich background in leadership roles at prestigious institutions like the National Geographic Society and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, I bring a wealth of experience in change management, strategic planning, inclusive leadership, community engagement, and cultural transformation. With more than 15 years in the higher education and non-profit sectors, I have experienced every aspect of an organization, including designing new functions, identifying process and policy challenges, forging effective cross-functional and external partnerships and collaborations, problem solving, and navigating personnel challenges. As a former C-suite executive for a global organization, I also have designed global strategies, and I am familiar with the need to foster consistency, while also leaving agility to adapt to the local context. I am passionate about mentoring individuals in the non-profit sector to enhance their leadership skills and drive meaningful change. Let's connect to discuss how I can support your journey in non-profit leadership!

Gain invaluable insights into non-profit leadership from a Trustee of The Hip Hop Museum (501c3), a world-class $100M cultural venture backed by JP Morgan Chase set to open in NYC in 2026. This mentorship opportunity offers a deep dive into leading a project with a board including Microsoft, Warner Records, Mass Appeal, Reservoir Media, city officials, and hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow. Key Learning Outcomes: 1. Strategic Non-Profit Leadership and Fundraising: Develop the skills to lead large-scale cultural ventures, balancing artistic vision with financial sustainability. Master strategies for securing substantial funding, including backing from major financial institutions, federal, corporate and private donors. Learn to create compelling narratives that attract high-profile donors and partners, navigating relationships with tech giants, music industry leaders, and city officials. 2. Cultural Impact and Educational Integration: Discover how to create meaningful societal impact through cultural initiatives. Learn from the experience of developing educational programs endorsed by the NYS Department of Education, bridging academia and popular culture. Gain insights into blending commercial strategies with educational missions for sustainable cultural change. 3. Global Engagement and Cultural Diplomacy: Gain expertise in fostering international relationships and collaborations. Learn strategies for sparking synergies with countries and global institutions, positioning cultural projects as vehicles for soft power and cross-border understanding. Develop skills in board management and stakeholder engagement on a global scale. Whether you're an aspiring non-profit leader or a seasoned professional, this mentorship provides comprehensive lessons in strategic planning, resource management, and global cultural leadership. Gain insights from a venture that harmonizes commercial acumen, educational impact, and international diplomacy, endorsed at the highest levels of state education and supported by industry leaders.

As a coach with extensive experience in leadership and talent management, I am deeply committed to supporting non-profit leaders who are focused on driving social impact and sustainable growth. Having served on the board of a social mobility charity, Action West London, I understand the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with leading mission-driven organizations. My experience in this role has provided me with hands-on insight into how to balance operational efficiency, ethical decision-making, and the need to create meaningful change in the community. In addition to my board service, I’ve worked globally with organizations of all sizes, helping leaders align their teams and strategies with their core missions. This has given me a strong understanding of how to navigate the complexities of non-profit leadership while ensuring long-term success and accountability. My background in leadership advisory has equipped me with the tools to help non-profit leaders unlock their full potential, whether it’s through refining their strategic vision, enhancing team engagement, or overcoming resource constraints. I bring a solutions-oriented approach that’s tailored to the unique goals of non-profit organizations, ensuring they can achieve their mission while upholding their values.

Welcome to my profile! With over 30 years of experience in leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, including as a Senior Vice President of HR, as well as nonprofit board leadership for over 15 years, I bring a wealth of expertise in strategic human resources and organizational development. My journey has equipped me with the skills to empower leaders and drive transformational change across diverse industries, including non-profit arts and culture. As the President & CEO of Keith Smith Consulting, I specialize in helping non-profit leaders develop effective strategies to overcome challenges related to people, systems, and culture. My approach is rooted in creative collaboration and aligning teams to achieve accelerated success. Let's work together to craft a roadmap that propels your organization towards its goals. Reach out to explore how I can support your leadership journey!

Welcome to my profile! As a nonprofit executive turned coach, I know first-hand the challenges facing leaders today and understand the nuances of working in the nonprofit or social impact sector. I bring over two decades of cross-sector experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, academic, government, and corporate settings to support her clients in unleashing their potential and creating the best possible outcomes. If you're looking to elevate your leadership, chart your own path, and make a big impact, let's chat!

No matter how difficult leading can be, there's always a better way forward, and you don't have to do it alone. I work with nonprofit leaders who feel stuck or overwhelmed about their next steps. Many are navigating major obstacles, such as aligning executive teams, motivating reserved board leaders, preparing for leadership transitions, negotiating staff reductions, inspiring teams despite budget constraints, and managing tough workplace or industry dynamics. Others are ready for a promotion, preparing to hire new staff, developing staff, and finding new financial resources. While these leaders care deeply about their missions, the weight of responsibility can feel isolating and draining. Examples of my most rewarding work: • Guiding program directors to thrive despite difficult supervisors. • Supporting senior leaders preparing for a big promotion or success in a new role. • Preparing newly appointed CEOs/Executive Directors to shine. • Guiding managers to evolve into next-level leaders. • Supporting CEOs/Executive Directors to adapt effectively to annually changing board leadership. • Preparing executive teams to be trusting, collaborating, and leading together. • Guiding executives and boards of directors through leadership transitions. From personal experience, I understand how challenging leadership can be. I combine 12 years as a nonprofit leader, 25 years as a consultant, and 16 years as a certified coach to help leaders shift from an "I have to do this myself" mindset to building trust, expanding conversations, and asking their teams to do more than they ever imagined. My work is grounded in the belief that effective nonprofit leaders are calm and confident when they have the tools to break through barriers. By integrating neuroscience and belonging principles into my process, I guide leaders to build mental fitness habits that turn negative emotions into learning, creativity, and growth. The frameworks I draw on include Energy Leadership, Conversational Intelligence, and Positive Intelligence. Whether working with executive teams, supporting career pivots, or navigating leadership transitions, I focus on unlocking leaders' full capabilities. I've watched leaders transform from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to confident and inspired. I've helped teams move from conflict to collaboration and grow the impact of their mission. Let's talk today about how we can support your leadership journey.

I have coached CEOs, Executive Directors, business owners, senior leaders, team leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals in transition since 2002. I hold multiple professional certifications and adult continuing education certificates, including a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Certified Executive Leadership Coach (CELC) from Ignite Business Partners' Coaching Excellence (ICF Level 2), Certified Professional Coach in Executive Coaching from Rowan College of South Jersey, and Certified Positive Intelligence Coach® (CPQC®). I also have certifications in trauma-informed approaches and inclusive leadership through implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Additionally, I have an M.S. in Executive Leadership from Champlain College, a B.A. in Political Science/Honors with concentrations in Pre-Law and Women's Studies from Rowan University, and an A.A. in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Business Communications from Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ).