Karen Pennell, President/CEO
Karen Pennell Consulting

Equipped to Help From Serving in the Trenches!

 After spending many years in “corporate America” in management roles I took the challenge to direct Chester County Women’s Services, a non-profit organization.  My eyes were soon open to the fact that although my role was very broad in corporate America, the role of a non-profit leader was much bigger than I first thought.  Systems and processes that worked in the for profit world didn’t quite fit the non-profit mold and the role I had as the Chief Executive Officer.  Although some of my past experiences would prove helpful, I began to revise the “standard” process of those experiences to bring success in the non-profit world through my work at Chester County Women’s Services.  I looked for classes and mentors that could help me in this venture.  Many times I realized that other non-profit leaders were struggling with many of the same issues– too many responsibilities and not enough time to accomplish them let alone have time to help another leader of a different organization.  Through this time period I realized a need to bring training to local non-profit leaders.  Training that would equip them to serve as leaders in their organizations with excellence and integrity. 

I began to formulate ways to reach out and help other leaders– first as a support and then later added coaching to share her experience and expertise.  My desire was to help non-profit leaders excel instead of burnout and leave their positions.  The important part of this outreach was to make it affordable to other non-profit leaders since many non-profit budgets could not support much needed training and coaching.  This led me to several ways of helping fellow leaders:

Phone Support– Just having someone on the other end of the line that was willing to listen and share encouragement and counsel became an important lifeline to many leaders.  I often heard, “Am I crazy?  Am I the only one going through this?”  By the end of each phone call the leader would often gain new insight and rejuvenated strength to lead their organization.

Internet Discussion Group– Sometimes leaders just need to hear from someone in the trenches that is up on current topics that effect their organization.  Board of Director issues, policies and procedures, staffing situations and other practical needs can often be met through shared dialogue in professional chat rooms.  I have been a frequent source of information on such chat rooms.  Leaders often tell me how much her postings have meant to them personally and professionally.

Conference Speaker and Leader– I have spoken at conferences from the main stage as well as breakout sessions.  Some topics have included key employee burnout, healthy leadership and the importance of your personal story.  Key leaders of non-profits often burnout and leave their position within 18 months—2 years.  I find it important to empower leaders to stay healthy and recognize signs of burnout.  Encouragement, education and empowerment can help a leader become strong in their organization.  A healthy strong leader can create a healthy strong organization that will make a difference in our world!

Special Event Speaker– I have spoken at banquets, women’s gatherings, luncheons and other venues.  I enjoy connecting with the audience as I take them on a journey with me through my unique approach.  Those in attendance laugh, cry, pay close attention for “the next part” that will surely touch their hearts and connect them with the theme of my speech or your event.  Past topics have included: forgiveness, personal healing, burnout, love languages, life affirming issues, and unity.

Fundraisers– I am an experienced fundraiser!  I have provided many non-profits training to improve their fundraising events.  In 2006, I shared a two tier appeal with David Bereit and then through a special teleconference made this unique appeal available to non-profits across the nation.  Organizations began using this approach and in excess of two million dollars were raised in excess of the normal income at fundraising dinners.  I have also put together a very successful campaign for Baby Bottle Bonanza fundraising and have made this manual available to other organizations.  

Teaching– I spearheaded and directed the Non-Profit Council of the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce for five plus years.  The last two of those years I founded, directed and taught the Non-Profit Academy (NPA).  The NPA gave non-profit leaders the opportunity to learn basic leadership skills in areas such as board issues, donor development, special events, and staff issues.  I have also taught parents of the local IU13 about the Five Love Languages.

Leadership– I haves sat on several leadership boards and have served as director for several.  My most recent involvements include chairing the Chester County National Day of Prayer Leadership Breakfast, founded and chaired the Chester County Pro-Life Leaders Network, served as a member of the visionary committee with Anne Beiler’s Seven Women, Seven Stories ministry and conference.  I am Founder and Chairwoman for R.E.A.L. Women 4 God.  I understand the importance of working together in the community to bring a lasting positive change.

Mentorship– I have served as mentor for leaders of non-profit organizations locally and nationwide.  I realized the value of this role when I needed mentors in the beginning of my non-profit leadership role.  I believe it is our duty to reach out and help others. Leaders have come to trust me and realize they have a safe place to share struggles and weaknesses.

As my outreach expanded, so did my desire to help other organizations more consistently– thus the beginning of Karen Pennell Consulting!  Years of experience coupled with a strong desire to help others makes Karen Pennell Consulting a place you can trust as you serve in your organization!

As a wife, mother and grandmother, I understand balance and serve all clients with the utmost care and excellence.