Carey Sumner is a visionary leader, accomplished executive, and seasoned consultant with more than twenty-five years of experience guiding organizations toward growth, resilience, and long-term sustainability. With a unique ability to view business through the lens of both an entrepreneurial founder and a seasoned executive, Carey has cultivated a reputation for transforming teams, strengthening financial foundations, and propelling organizations to new heights of effectiveness and impact. His work spans across for-profit enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based institutions, showcasing a rare blend of strategic insight, operational discipline, and people-centered leadership.
From his early career in ministry to his current role as the Founder and CEO of Cresso Consulting, Carey has consistently demonstrated a passion for helping leaders and teams unlock their potential. At Cresso Consulting, which he launched in 2023, he partners with organizations ranging from $300,000 startups to enterprises with assets exceeding $80 million. Through tailored strategic planning, profitability analysis, and leadership development initiatives, Carey equips clients to thrive in increasingly competitive and complex markets. His ability to integrate certified assessments, such as Working Genius and the Golden Personality Profile, with proprietary teachings reflects his talent for blending structure with creativity to deliver measurable outcomes.
Carey’s career trajectory reflects both innovation and resilience. Prior to establishing Cresso Consulting, he held executive leadership roles that honed his skills in governance, finance, and organizational culture. As Executive Pastor at Beach Church UMC, he managed a $4 million budget, oversaw a staff of twenty-five, and provided direct leadership to eight departments. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carey spearheaded a financial turnaround that transformed a looming deficit into a $400,000 net income by refinancing $4 million in debt, saving the organization $50,000 per month. This achievement not only safeguarded the church’s future but also illustrated Carey’s ability to lead organizations through crisis with clarity and foresight.
His entrepreneurial spirit was also on full display as the creator and principal of Sago Coffee, a community-focused business venture launched under Beach Church. Carey envisioned the coffee shop as a bridge between the church and the community, and through meticulous planning, branding, and operational execution, he brought that vision to life. Sago Coffee quickly became a vibrant hub, exceeding revenue projections by 40 percent, achieving annual growth of over 20 percent, and attracting over 8,000 dedicated social media followers. Featured in Fodor’s travel guide, the shop stands as a testament to Carey’s ability to turn ideas into thriving enterprises that foster connection and deliver lasting impact.
In addition to his entrepreneurial and executive pursuits, Carey has held key roles in talent development and recruitment. As an Account Manager with Vanderbloemen Search Group, he advised nonprofit boards and leaders nationwide, hosted a leadership podcast reaching over 8,000 listeners monthly, and led strategic initiatives to enhance financial analysis tools. His tenure as Lead Candidate Coach with Chemistry Staffing further highlighted his gift for identifying and developing talent, as he trained teams to evaluate candidates for churches and nonprofits across the country. Earlier in his career, Carey served as a recruiter with PPR Talent Management Group, where he was recognized for his ability to match top-tier candidates with mission-driven organizations, helping both clients and candidates achieve success.
Beyond his professional achievements, Carey’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that strong teams are the foundation of thriving organizations. Throughout his career, he has designed and implemented leadership pipelines, coaching systems, and development programs to prepare emerging leaders for future board and executive roles. At Beach Church, he created LeaderTrack, a nine-month discipleship and leadership journey that equipped participants for positions of influence within the organization and beyond. Similarly, he established a residential internship program that not only provided professional training but also created a legacy of developing new generations of leaders.
Carey’s impact is also global, as he has collaborated with partners in Uganda, Costa Rica, and Jamaica to strengthen international missions and extend organizational influence abroad. Whether working with local nonprofits or engaging with international communities, Carey has demonstrated an ability to foster cross-cultural partnerships and align teams around a common vision. His experiences reveal not only a dedication to organizational success but also a profound commitment to serving others through leadership, collaboration, and strategic innovation.
His academic achievements provide a strong foundation for his practical expertise. Carey holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Xavier University, where he developed advanced skills in financial management and strategic decision-making. He also earned a Master of Theological Studies from Emory University, equipping him with the ability to integrate values-driven leadership with pragmatic organizational strategy. His Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Florida Southern College marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of connecting people, purpose, and performance.
Complementing his formal education, Carey is certified in The Six Types of Working Genius and the Golden Personality Type Profile, as well as Inbound Sales through HubSpot Academy. These certifications not only highlight his commitment to continuous learning but also reflect his ability to apply tools and frameworks that enhance team performance and organizational health. His reputation as a compelling speaker, podcast host, and workshop facilitator further underscores his influence as a thought leader in leadership development, strategic growth, and team empowerment.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Carey lives out his values through his personal passions. He is an avid traveler, athlete, and musician, finding joy in surfing, running, working out, and playing guitar. His love for cooking, entertaining, and building community reflects the same relational energy he brings to his professional life. Whether mentoring leaders, building businesses, or fostering friendships, Carey approaches every endeavor with energy, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Character:
Carey demonstrates integrity and authenticity in every aspect of his leadership. His ability to lead organizations through crisis while maintaining trust and transparency has earned him deep respect among colleagues and clients. He consistently aligns his decisions with values that prioritize people and long-term organizational health.
Knowledge:
With advanced academic credentials and over two decades of hands-on leadership experience, Carey brings a wealth of knowledge to every role he undertakes. His expertise in strategic planning, profitability analysis, and organizational development is informed by both scholarly learning and practical application. He leverages this knowledge to help organizations uncover opportunities, overcome challenges, and achieve sustainable growth.
Strategic:
Carey excels in envisioning long-term goals and creating actionable plans that drive results. His history of financial turnarounds, business launches, and leadership system transformations reflects his gift for aligning vision with execution. He has a proven ability to guide organizations of all sizes toward stronger futures by balancing creativity with discipline.
Communication:
An engaging speaker, skilled facilitator, and thoughtful collaborator, Carey thrives in environments that require clear communication and authentic connection. His presentations, workshops, and podcasts illustrate his ability to inspire audiences while providing practical insights. He uses communication as a tool to build trust, foster collaboration, and unite teams around common objectives.
