Kishshana Palmer

Kishshana Palmer is a nationally recognized organizational strategist, leadership coach, and founder of ManageMint, with over 25 years of executive experience driving operational excellence, growth, and culture change in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. As an accomplished interim COO and C-suite leader, Kishshana is known for her ability to quickly assess organizational needs, build high-performing teams, and implement sustainable systems that align with mission and values.

Kishshana has successfully led organizations through periods of transition, growth, and restructuring, including serving as Interim COO and Chief Development Officer for Communities In Schools, where she oversaw operations, fundraising, budget management, and organizational culture across 11 cities. She excels at conducting qualitative and quantitative assessments, optimizing processes, and ensuring compliance and efficiency in complex environments. A certified executive coach and Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach, Kishshana is adept at coaching leaders and teams through change, fostering inclusive and supportive cultures, and developing talent pipelines. Her leadership style is rooted in equity-centered systems thinking and practical, actionable frameworks that empower staff at all levels.

Kishshana is a persuasive communicator and public speaker, skilled at aligning diverse stakeholders—including boards, funders, and community partners—around shared goals. She has designed and facilitated over 100 trainings and workshops, reaching more than 10,000 leaders in the sector. With a fundraising track record exceeding $100 million for youth-serving and community-based organizations, Kishshana brings deep expertise in strategic fundraising, earned revenue models, and integrated marketing. She is known for translating complex strategies into clear, actionable plans that drive both financial sustainability and mission impact.

Kishshana’s work is grounded in the belief that healthy organizations are built on clarity, equity, and the well-being of their people. She partners with mission-driven organizations to design systems that not only drive results but also foster cultures of belonging, resilience, and innovation. Whether guiding strategic planning, leading through transition, or coaching executives, Kishshana brings a rare blend of operational rigor, empathy, and vision.

For organizations seeking an interim COO who can deliver immediate impact while laying the groundwork for long-term success, Kishshana Palmer offers a proven, equity-driven approach to leadership and transformation.

Selected Achievements
- Led the operational and cultural transformation of Communities In Schools during a critical leadership transition, implementing new infrastructure and supporting staff through organizational right-sizing and growth.
- Designed and executed strategic plans, fundraising campaigns, and brand initiatives that increased visibility, expanded donor pipelines, and exceeded revenue targets for multiple organizations.
- Founded The Rooted Collaborative, a global learning community for women leaders of color in the social sector, and ManageMint, a firm specializing in executive coaching, organizational development, and leadership training.
- Served as a trusted advisor and interim executive for nonprofits navigating succession, change management, and capacity-building initiatives, consistently delivering measurable improvements in team performance and operational outcomes.

Credentials
- Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)
- Gallup CliftonStrengths Certified Coach
- BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer (CGT)
- AFP Master Trainer
- Certificate in Philanthropy, Harvard Kennedy School
- BA, International Studies; MS, Information Age Marketing