“Shaping workplaces where people thrive by leading with purpose, strategy, and heart.”

Kimberly Keating is a highly accomplished human capital executive and board advisor with over 33 years of transformational leadership in global nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. She is a sought-after expert in cultural transformation, executive compensation, and talent management, having held key C-suite roles and served on several influential boards. A Harvard MBA and founder of the renowned firm Keating Advisors, Kimberly’s work has consistently helped organizations align people strategy with purpose-driven impact.

As Chief People Officer at Mercy Corps, a $600M humanitarian NGO operating in over 40 countries, Kimberly led the global HR function through a pivotal period of change. She introduced a comprehensive compensation framework, streamlined employee relations processes through HR technology, and crafted mobility guidelines that supported the organization’s global expansion. Her strategic vision helped strengthen workforce alignment across diverse geographies and cultural contexts.

Prior to Mercy Corps, Kimberly served as Chief People Officer at Conservation International, a $350M environmental NGO with a global footprint. There, she played a central role in leading the organization through the COVID-19 crisis, advising the CEO and Board of Directors, and launching its first DEI mission and strategy. Her implementation of career pathing and global recruitment systems during a phase of 84% revenue growth ensured the right talent was in place to scale effectively and responsibly.

Kimberly’s foundation in human capital excellence began with her work at Mercer Consulting, where she developed performance-based incentive plans and advised institutions on job evaluation and compensation strategy. She brought these insights to life when she founded Keating Advisors, a boutique consultancy dedicated to compensation strategy, performance management, and organizational development. Over nearly two decades, her firm supported more than 100 clients across nonprofit, education, tech, and professional services sectors before being acquired by Nonprofit HR in 2022.

Through the proprietary Talent Alignment Model she created, Kimberly revolutionized the way clients assess and enhance organizational performance. Blending data analysis with qualitative insight, her framework became a cornerstone for workplace transformation initiatives. Her influence as a recognized thought leader is further amplified through her contribution to Lean In for Graduates and the widely regarded Talent Alignment Paper.

Kimberly’s leadership extends beyond the organizations she’s served operationally. She is an experienced board director, currently serving on the board and audit committee of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, and previously on the boards of NURU International, HR Acuity Advisory, and Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School. Her board contributions are anchored in strategic thinking, human capital expertise, and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics.

Her academic pedigree includes an MBA from Harvard Business School, a BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University, and an international fellowship as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar at United States International University in Nairobi. This diverse and global education shaped her inclusive leadership style and broadened her capacity to lead across borders and cultures.

Kimberly is deeply committed to values-based leadership. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she integrates her personal passions—travel, yoga, and singing—into a lifestyle that prioritizes balance, well-being, and authenticity. She believes that effective leadership requires both strategic intelligence and emotional intelligence—something she models through her mentorship, board service, and everyday interactions.

Now focused on board service, Kimberly brings a rare combination of operational experience and strategic advisory capability. She is especially drawn to organizations under $750M in revenue that are mission-focused, future-oriented, and ready to elevate their human capital strategy to the next level. Whether advising on DEI, succession planning, or organizational effectiveness, Kimberly offers a lens of clarity, purpose, and performance.

At this stage of her career, Kimberly seeks opportunities where her deep expertise in workforce dynamics and her passion for purpose-driven organizations can converge. She is energized by the opportunity to shape workplace cultures that are not only high-performing but also human-centered.

Character: Kimberly’s character is defined by integrity, inclusivity, and a heart for service. Her passion for creating spaces where people can be their authentic selves is a testament to her compassion and values-based leadership.

Knowledge: With 33 years of global experience, an MBA from Harvard, and a proven consulting record, Kimberly brings deep expertise in human capital strategy, compensation, DEI, and leadership development.

Strategic: Kimberly excels at aligning talent management with business goals. She consistently drives impact by building frameworks and strategies that support growth, engagement, and organizational resilience.

Communication: A clear, empathetic communicator, Kimberly bridges executive leadership and workforce needs. Her boardroom presence and written contributions reflect her ability to influence through both data and storytelling.