Executive Operations Leader
Strategy•Transformation•Organizational Excellence
I build the operating foundation that lets organizations grow, scale, and endure.
About
For nearly two decades, I have worked at the intersection of strategy and execution across civic institutions, community-based organizations, and the private sector.
As Chief Operating Officer of the Columbus Urban League, I serve as senior executive partner to the President & CEO. Brought on to lead human resources, technology, facilities, and cross-functional operations, my role expanded to full financial oversight, including the budget, annual audit, Form 990, cash flow, and compliance, across annual operating budgets of $11M–$18M.
Before rejoining the Urban League, I served as COO of Besa Community. Earlier, I rose from Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff to the President & CEO of the Columbus Urban League, and built operating systems in the civic and private sectors with the Columbus Partnership and IKE Smart City.
“People are the most important part of any organization. Strong systems are what make mission and performance possible.”Kesha S. Garrett
Leadership Highlights
Organizational Stabilization
Led a strategic plan to stabilize every department after a surge of largely pass-through funding outpaced the organization’s infrastructure, sustaining operations as the organization right-sized, with clean audits every year.
People & Culture
Led a culture shift that reduced turnover, overhauled HR policies and benefits with cost savings, elevated HR into a VP-led People & Organizational Effectiveness function, and promoted talent from within.
Capital Investment
Funded a full renovation of the first and second floors, including energy-efficient lighting and wiring, with funding from the City of Columbus and the State of Ohio, plus previously awarded federal funds that prior leadership had been unable to access.
$1.1Massembled
Revenue & Partnerships
Secured the organization’s first grant for the Franklin County Trades Academy and opened new funding partnerships with OhioHealth and Orange Barrel Media.
$1.2Mfirst Trades Academy grant
Read the release →Modernization
Moved a paper-based finance operation to digital workflows, upgraded Blackbaud Financial Edge, built the organization’s first technology department with a cybersecurity program, and launched SureImpact for consolidated outcome reporting.
Growth
As COO, nearly tripled the operating budget, from about $700K to $2M, doubled staff from 5 to 10, and built the infrastructure that let the organization win public funding for the first time.
$700K → $2M
Experience
Dec 2023 – Present
Columbus Urban League · Columbus, Ohio
Jun 2021 – Nov 2023
Besa Community · Columbus, Ohio
Feb 2020 – Jun 2021
IKE Smart City, an Orange Barrel Media company · Columbus, Ohio
Oct 2016 – Feb 2020
Columbus Partnership · Columbus, Ohio
Jun 2008 – Oct 2016
Columbus Urban League · Columbus, Ohio
Recognition & Service
One of 10 Columbus leaders sponsored by the Columbus Partnership and The Columbus Foundation (Cohort 11). Capstone in progress on aligning corporate partners to strengthen giving to nonprofits.
View cohort →Recognized among Central Ohio leaders committed to helping the region grow and thrive.
Columbus CEO article →Besa feature →Co-hosted the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals’ first executive mentorship dinner with the President & CEO.
View event →Maker’s Chair Committee member for the celebration of Black women leaders in Central Ohio.
View publication →Board Secretary and Director, 2013–2015.
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration (2010), earned while working full time.
Expertise
Contact
I enjoy connecting with leaders across sectors on operations, organizational transformation, and community impact.