Laura Gardner serves as President and Chief Operating Officer for Joni and Friends, an international Christian nonprofit that serves those living with disabilities. She is responsible for the organization's strategy and execution of its Mission, Vision, and Goals. Prior to serving as President / COO, she served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Joni and Friends overseeing the operations of Accounting and Finance, Development, Planned Giving, Data Analytics, Marketing, and Special Events. She also served eight years as Chairman for the Joni and Friends Foundation, a supporting organization responsible for managing complex assets and the Joni and Friends Endowment. Prior to joining Joni and Friends in 2011, she was CEO and founder of The Protocol Institute. After studying at The American School of Protocol and The Emily Post Institute, she recognized a unique opportunity to combine etiquette and technology to deliver world class etiquette lessons online. Her company was the first of its kind in the etiquette industry. Laura serves as Chair for the Christian Leadership Alliance Board of Directors. She has been a Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader since 2014.