Kristen leads the operational backbone of UNC Executive Development, overseeing enterprise operations, people operations, and program delivery that shape every client and participant experience. She brings a rare mix of perspectives to the work, having built and scaled operations across business, federal government, non-profit organizations, and higher education.
As Senior Director of Enterprise Operations, Kristen aligns people, systems, and processes to support the seamless delivery of our executive education programs. She partners closely with leaders across the organization to translate strategy into coordinated execution, strengthen organizational capability, and build the systems, processes, and culture that enable exceptional client experiences and long-term growth. During her time with UNC Executive Development, she has scaled our program delivery team infrastructure to meet our projected growth and developed a strategic team focused on organizational effectiveness, which is now embedded within the same mission.
Before joining UNC Executive Development, Kristen spent more than a decade in operations and organizational development roles across sectors. For six years, she led operations at The Honor Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting transitioning Special Operations Forces members as they move into civilian careers. There, she scaled the organization from a single-campus headquarters to multiple locations across the United States, built out the team and operating budget, and personally raised more than $ 2.8 million in partnerships and donations. Earlier in her career, Kristen served on Capitol Hill, managing operations and scheduling for a member of the United States House of Representatives, both in Washington, D.C., and in the district, and she also worked at a corporate medical device start-up, learning the ins and outs of how different businesses operate. All of her experience has led her to the fundamental work of operational excellence and how it isn’t just about efficiency, but the focus is on creating the foundation that allows people to do their best work and organizations to achieve meaningful, lasting impact.
Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations, with a non-profit focus and a minor in marketing from Appalachian State University.
Originally from Western North Carolina, Kristen spent much of her career in Washington, DC, San Diego, and Annapolis. Following her husband’s transition out of the United States Navy, the family moved to North Carolina, where they are raising their three young children.
