Kris L. Email & Phone Number

Do good things. Tell the story. Attract support. (repeat)I am an accomplished association executive, cross-sector advocate, and strategic advisor with a passion for building, optimizing, and leading organizations. Over the past 20 years, I've dedicated myself to community impact, working across a wide range of social, environmental, and economic issue areas. I am an empathic leader who inspires and supports teams to achieve excellence.Currently, as the President & CEO of the California State Alliance of YMCAs, I have transformed the organization from a $215,000 budget to a $7.4 million operation. I’ve built an operating reserve and expanded our team from one staff member to a dynamic team of four staff and three consultants. Under my leadership, we have evolved into a statewide action center serving California's YMCAs in advocacy, strategic support, professional networking, public affairs, and funded partnerships. My work has secured over $25 million in grants and contracts, greatly enhancing our statewide impact.Prior to this, I served as the Director of Public Policy at the California Association of Nonprofits, where I led advocacy efforts on numerous legislative, budgetary, and regulatory matters. I drafted the association’s first-ever policy framework and advocacy protocol and designed successful legislative campaigns that resulted in significant victories for California’s nonprofit sector.My career also includes leading Discus Strategy & Development, a consultancy specializing in organizational development, strategic planning, and advocacy campaign design. My clients included organizations such as the California Wilderness Coalition, Drug Policy Alliance, Defenders of Wildlife, and Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. Throughout my career, I have maintained an impeccable record for staff recruiting, retention, and development, fostering high-functioning teams that excel. My board development and engagement skills have been instrumental in building effective governance structures, and my strategic planning expertise has consistently positioned organizations for sustained success. As a strong organizational spokesperson and network representative, I have developed and maintained valuable relationships with key stakeholders.I am committed to serving others and am passionate about making a lasting impact through strategic leadership, effective advocacy, robust resource development, and comprehensive organizational development. If you share my dedication to driving social change and building stronger communities, I would love to connect.

Listed skills include Grant Writing, Fundraising, Public Policy, Nonprofits, and 46 others.