Joining INP in January 2023.

A passionate, well-respected leader in the fields of training, capacity-building, and leadership development, Karon (she/her) is an equity-driven leader with a demonstrated history of creating effective impact in nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.

As Chief Program Officer, Karon will lead, strengthen, and expand INP’s highly-regarded, transformational leadership programs. Tasked with creating and driving people- and equity-centered strategies to scale INP’s programs nationally, while centering INP’s vision and values in daily operations and management of current programs, Karon will bring a well-developed understanding and knowledge of multiple sectors within the nonprofit space, as well as deep familiarity with leadership training models.

Most recently, Karon served as Vice President, Programs at the Council on Foundations, where she was responsible for leading strategy, design, and program operations for foundations, grantmakers, and philanthropic institutions. Most notably, during her time at the Council, Karon led and facilitated the Council’s renowned flagship leadership development program, Career Pathways. Additionally, Karon served as a trusted coach and thought partner to many philanthropic leaders across the sector.

Earlier in her career, Karon held leadership positions at the National Association of Counties, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Council on Education for Public Health, to name a few. Often described as a connector, Karon is lauded for her ability to make meaningful connections that create impact and change. A behavioral scientist by training, Karon has extensive experience in conference planning, program design, evaluation, facilitation, and strategy development. Over the past nearly two decades, Karon has dedicated her career to creating unique learning experiences to enhance the leadership and performance of both individuals and institutions.

Karon is an avid learner with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from North Carolina Central University. In addition, she completed graduate studies in Public Health from Howard University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland, and is currently completing a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Innovation at Marymount University.

When life isn’t so full, Karon and her family enjoy creating memories, while traveling the world and collecting passport stamps.