Lead for Good is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Through our strong network of trainers, facilitators, mentors and coaches we offer outstanding programs and services specifically designed for leaders in the social sector. Individuals who participate in our offerings learn, grow and exponentially expand their leadership capacity. They become better, more impactful leaders who are clear on their roles and better equipped to communicate, collaborate, delegate and sustain their organizations. According to Daring to Lead 2011, A National Study of Nonprofit Executive Leadership, a joint project of Compass Point Nonprofit Services and the Meyer Foundation, three approaches stand out as best practices for leadership development in the nonprofit sector. Eighty-two percent of those nonprofit leaders surveyed indicated both executive coaching and participating in a peer network are effective methods of leadership development. In addition, 81% said leadership development programs are effective. These top three approaches are all combined for a powerful multi-layered developmental program through Lead for Good. Regular, one-on-one executive coaching, peer networking and collaboration, mentoring, and leadership learning are fully integrated into our Executive Director Institute (EDI).
Our Vision
Every nonprofit organization thrives with great leadership.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help individuals become great leaders so they may better serve the missions of their nonprofit organizations. We do this by providing learning opportunities, mentoring, and coaching.
Our Founder
Karen Ramsey, ACC, SPHR is the President and CEO of Lead for Good, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping individuals become great nonprofit leaders. A credentialed coach and senior professional in human resources, Karen has over 20 years of leadership experience as VP of human resources for a Fortune 500 company, successfully running her own company for eight years, and chairing 16 boards of directors for various nonprofit organizations.
Karen holds a B.A. in economics from the College of William and Mary and an M.S. in communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition, she teaches a course entitled High Impact Leadership at Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation.
Our Board of Directors
President/CEO: Karen Ramsey
602-541-4383
Co-Chairperson: Ben Wood-Isenberg
520-444-5934
Enrollment Advisor, University of Phoenix
Co-Chairperson: Kathie Orlay
602-477-5545
Pharmacy Consultant, Humana
Vice-Chair: Laura Atwood
602-493-1886
President, Adler School of Coaching USA
Treasurer: Jason Bernstein
602-760-2798
CPA, RSM McGladrey
Secretary: Arturo Thompson
480-544-3566
Attorney, Quarles and Brady
Member: Tamra Stark
623-328-9938
President, Transformative Leadership Solutions
Member: Anne C. White
602-788-8310
President, Anne C. White Consultants
Fundraising Consultant
Our History
In 2002, Karen Ramsey, began working with the Phoenix nonprofit community as a coach and consultant. With a background in human resources, Karen quickly realized that many nonprofit leaders did not have the same opportunities to expand their leadership skills as there were in the for-profit sector. This was especially true at the CEO/executive director level. Money was tight for professional development and training, and even if the nonprofit community wanted to invest in their leaders, there were no local resources available.
After spending a couple of years crafting a plan, Karen approached a number of potential partners to launch a Nonprofit Leadership Academy. In 2007, the Organization of Nonprofit Executives (ONE) made the commitment to partner with Karen to provide coaching, mentoring and learning opportunities for its members – all of whom are chief executive officers of nonprofit organizations.
Launched in 2008, with funding from corporate donors, the program has been extremely popular and well received. Its success inspired Karen to bring the concept to the rest of the country, and in January 2010, Lead for Good received its 501(c)(3) designation.
Follow Us!