Carolyn has spent 25+ years working alongside organizations and leaders in transition. From serving on boards and search committees, to being an interim Executive Director, to leading executive search for organizations large and small, she’s developed a deep understanding of talent and leadership transition in the nonprofit sector. 

For 15+ years, Carolyn has helped place leaders across the nonprofit sector who are committed to racial justice, equitable democracy, effective philanthropy, evidence-based public health, ending youth homelessness, inspiring arts & culture, and accountable social services. Her clients have included Inatai Foundation, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, WK Kellogg Foundation, Oregon Consumer Justice, Louisiana Public Health Institute, Treehouse, the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, and many more dedicated and impact-driven organizations. 

A passionate advocate for racial justice, life-long learning, and cross-cultural experiences, Carolyn has lived in seven countries and speaks conversational Spanish and basic Russian. Her volunteer commitments have included developing Fulbright partnerships in Russia, serving as Vice Moderator and an anti-racism organizer for a 600,000-member organization, and forming a new nonprofit as Co-Chair of the Friends of Slumber Falls Board. She is shaped by her experiences as a mixed-race, Asian American woman growing up in the South who now feels most at home in the Pacific Northwest.

Carolyn received a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Illinois and a Master of Education in Student Development Administration from Seattle University. She is currently working on an Associate Diversity Coach Certificate with CDI.