GRAND RAPIDS, MI – April 19, 2022 – For 15 years, Kennari Consulting has remained committed to its mission – to change the face of philanthropy, moving nonprofits of all sizes to greater capacity and meaningful impact within the communities they serve. It has worked with over 300 nonprofit organizations throughout Michigan, and around the country, helping them raise more than $1 billion in campaigns, annual fundraising, and grants.
This year the company celebrates a new milestone of its own with a transition of leadership. Long-time COO (and first employee) Laura Kruisenga is now President and CEO, and the new owner, of Kennari Consulting. Founder Sandi Frost Steensma is focusing her time with clients and phasing down over the next five years.

Laura’s journey pointed her to fundraising before even graduating from college. Compelled to make a difference and use her unique skills, she found this area of nonprofit work to be the best fit. But after about ten years working in fundraising positions, she was having a hard time advancing her career. She had a young family and wanted to work part-time, limiting professional growth opportunities. When she met Sandi, she was ready for a change and knew they would work well together. Together, they have built Kennari into what it is today – a team of 12 dedicated staff, a thriving internship program and, at any given time, about 75 active
clients.

Laura shared,
“From the beginning, Sandi trusted me and valued me – no matter what hours I was working. I
continued to grow and increase my responsibilities, and only went full-time a few years ago when I was ready for that transition personally. We continue to have part-time staff in various positions within our company. It’s a unique and really important value of ours. Sandi has also consistently modeled the importance of trusting others. Her ability to develop people is very much a part of why we have had the success we’ve had, and also why we have such an incredible team.”

About the transition, Sandi says

“When I look back over the past 15 years, I feel incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our team at Kennari Consulting. What started with just me and my flip phone has grown into a successful consulting business with nonprofit clients throughout Michigan and beyond. It has always been the work and the achievements of our nonprofit clients that motivates and inspires me on a day-to-day basis. I am grateful to have had a job where I am excited to do the work each and every day, and to be continuing in that work as I phase down my time with Kennari over the next five years.”

Laura is eager to continue the great work of Kennari in this new role. 

“I am incredibly grateful and privileged to lead Kennari Consulting into this next chapter. When I look back at where we started, the many incredible clients and partners we’ve worked with over the years, and the amazing staff we have, it’s humbling. Sandi is not only one of the best fundraising professionals I know, but also a valued community leader, talented entrepreneur, and an inspiring mentor. She has trusted me, stood beside me, coached me, and positioned both me and Kennari Consulting to be successful.

As I look to the future, I’m excited. As the next generation of donors and nonprofit professionals
continue to grow in their leadership, Kennari is ready to walk alongside them. We are fully committed to doing our part to see real and equitable change in our community and the communities we serve.  We’re learning how to ask the hard questions – both of ourselves and of our clients – and leaning into the reality that we still have a lot to learn.”

 

Sandi continues to work at Kennari Consulting and is phasing down her time over the next five years. Her ongoing commitment to the team and clients, even after transitioning as the company’s leader, is a perfect example of how passionate she is about this work. For more information on Kennari Consulting, its team, and services, please visit kennariconsulting.com.

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