Best Executive Coaches in Washington, D.C.

Washington DC Executive Coaching Services

In the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria metro area, leadership doesn’t just shape companies — it shapes the country. From federal agencies and global NGOs to fast-scaling tech firms and consulting powerhouses, Washington, D.C. is where strategy meets service. Executive coaches here aren’t just refining communication or productivity; they’re developing leaders who influence policy, steer organizations through change, and inspire diverse teams across government and industry.

At Digital Reference, we know how important the right executive coach can be in a market as complex as D.C. This curated list of Washington’s top executive coaches, each with a proven record of elevating performance, inclusion, and resilience in today’s ever-evolving workplace.

Our Research-Driven Selection Process

The Digital Reference team uses a comprehensive methodology that blends quantitative and qualitative research. We evaluate:

📊 Client success metrics and ROI in leadership growth

💬 Testimonials from HR leaders and senior executives

📚 Professional certifications, credentials, and education

🧭 Distinct coaching philosophies and industry specialization

🌐 Digital presence, thought leadership, and public speaking impact

Each professional featured below was selected after an in-depth review of their contributions to leadership development across Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia.

Now, let’s meet the standout professionals shaping the capital’s leadership culture:

🌟 Meet Washington DC's Executive Coaches Making things Happen

♦️Anne Steen

Executive Coach & Founder, Key Bridge Coaching
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Anne Steen combines deep insight into leadership behavior with the polished communication style that defines D.C. Her firm, Key Bridge Coaching, works with senior executives, emerging leaders, and teams who operate in the high-stakes intersections of government, higher education, and global business.

Anne’s background in talent strategy and executive development has earned her recognition across industries. She has worked with organizations where emotional intelligence and agility are essential — skills she helps leaders cultivate through practical reflection and customized frameworks.

Key highlights from Anne’s work include:

💡 Coaching leaders to navigate cross-cultural communication and executive presence in multinational organizations
💬 Designing executive programs that align personal values with institutional missions
🌉 Helping leaders strengthen influence, clarity, and confidence — across organizational silos and leadership levels

Anne’s clients often describe her approach as “transformational yet grounded,” a testament to her balance of warmth, strategy, and evidence-based coaching tools.

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♦️Lisa Spinelli

Leadership Coach & Founder, Blue Pinecone Consulting
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Lisa Spinelli stands out for her innovative blend of career strategy, purpose-based coaching, and creative leadership development. As the founder of Blue Pinecone Consulting, she supports professionals who are redefining success in the modern workplace — from federal executives to nonprofit directors.

With a background in education, training, and publishing, Lisa approaches coaching with empathy and precision. Her sessions are both introspective and results-oriented, helping leaders clarify their mission and make values-driven career decisions.

Notable aspects of Lisa’s approach:

🌲 Guides clients through career transitions with a focus on self-awareness and strength-based strategy
💬 A published author and thought leader in professional development and coaching ethics
🌟 Deep expertise in ICF-accredited methodologies, blending data with human insight

Lisa’s work embodies the values of Washington’s leadership culture — purpose, clarity, and sustainable growth.

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♦️Janet Spadola

Executive Leadership Coach
🔗 LinkedIn

With decades of experience in organizational development and team dynamics, Janet Spadola brings structure and empathy to her executive coaching practice. Her work focuses on transformational leadership, emotional intelligence, and creating psychologically safe environments that empower diverse teams.

Janet’s approach has been shaped by years of working with leaders navigating complex systems — from global organizations to mission-driven nonprofits. Her clients describe her as a coach who “asks the hard questions with kindness.”

Her specialties include:

💬 Executive communication and emotional resilience
🧠 Behavioral coaching for senior leaders and high-potential teams
🌍 Diversity, equity, and inclusion integration in leadership strategy

Janet’s coaching style is direct yet deeply supportive — the hallmark of a professional who understands the nuance of D.C.’s collaborative, high-impact culture.

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♦️Suzanne Roske

Partner, Roske & Associates
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Suzanne Roske has helped some of Washington’s most influential organizations transform their cultures through leadership innovation. As a former corporate executive turned leadership coach, she bridges analytics and empathy — helping clients reimagine how leadership looks in modern, hybrid environments.

Her clients span industries from finance to public policy, and she’s known for her ability to simplify complexity and bring measurable change.

Her focus areas include:

📈 Leading through change and organizational transformation
🧭 Coaching leaders to align strategy, culture, and performance metrics
💡 Helping executives enhance decision-making and emotional agility

Suzanne’s pragmatic, systems-based approach has positioned her as a sought-after partner for senior executives navigating the new realities of hybrid leadership.

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♦️Maura Fredericks

Leadership Coach & Advisor
🔗 LinkedIn

Maura Fredericks empowers leaders to show their most authentic, strategic, and confident selves. Drawing from her background in marketing and operations, she understands how strong leadership fuels lasting organizational growth.

Her coaching is grounded in accountability and clarity — supporting clients in developing communication strategies that inspire trust and drive measurable outcomes.

Core aspects of Maura’s coaching:

🔍 Focused on clarity, alignment, and accountability in leadership goals
🗣️ Empowers leaders to navigate challenging feedback with professionalism
💡 Deep understanding of leadership development within high-growth and family-run businesses

Maura’s work is ideal for leaders seeking candor and compassion in their growth journey.

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♦️Sophie J. Johnson

Executive Coach & Founder, Devoted Mentor
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Sophie J. Johnson’s coaching practice, Devoted Mentor, reflects her passion for guiding leaders through transition and transformation. She blends cognitive behavioral tools with leadership science, helping clients gain confidence in complex roles.

Her coaching philosophy centers on devotion to personal excellence, authentic communication, and continuous growth.

Highlights of her expertise:

🌱 Specializes in career development, communication strategy, and confidence coaching

💬 Helps executives balance ambition with well-being

🌟 Experienced in mentoring professionals across the public sector, law, and corporate organizations

Sophie’s approach is both heart-centered and tactical, making her an invaluable guide for Washington’s mission-driven professionals.

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♦️Ilona Birenbaum

Managing Partner, The Wynhurst Group
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Ilona Birenbaum is known for her strategic, evidence-based approach to leadership and organizational development. As Managing Partner at The Wynhurst Group, she leads a team that supports global organizations through executive coaching, leadership assessment, and culture transformation.

Her approach emphasizes self-awareness, collaboration, and accountability.

What makes Ilona’s work stand out:

💡 Expertise in leadership pipelines and executive team development
🧭 Incorporates psychometric tools for measurable growth outcomes
🌐 Deep experience in coaching within government, healthcare, and technology sectors

Ilona’s work helps D.C. leaders align their personal leadership with institutional purpose — a true reflection of Washington’s balanced professionalism and empathy.

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♦️Dennis O’Neil, PhD

Organizational Psychologist & Executive Coach
🔗 LinkedIn

Dennis O’Neil combines academic rigor with real-world insight. With a PhD in psychology and extensive experience in leadership assessment, Dennis helps senior executives understand how behavior influences culture and results.

His practice focuses on transformational leadership, cognitive reframing, and effective communication under pressure.

Key strengths:

📘 Evidence-based coaching for C-suite and senior leadership
🧠 Expertise in organizational behavior and executive resilience
💬 Focused on measurable behavioral outcomes and leadership ROI

Dennis’s scientific yet practical approach makes him a trusted advisor to executives navigating high-stakes environments.

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♦️Janeen Latini

Founder, Latini Leadership Coaching
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Janeen Latini’s coaching work centers on energy, focus, and mindful leadership. Through Latini Leadership Coaching, she helps professionals discover how mindset and intention can shape influence and impact.

Her programs integrate neuroscience, positive psychology, and mindfulness practices.

Highlights include:

⚡ Coaching for emotional energy management and workplace engagement
💡 Strengths-based strategies for executive confidence
🌱 Leadership development for women and emerging leaders

Janeen’s approach resonates deeply in D.C.’s purpose-driven ecosystem, where clarity, self-awareness, and adaptability are key.

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♦️Essey Workie

Senior Consultant | Executive Coach | Managing Principal at Multicultural Coaching
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Essey Workie bridges policy and people. With a distinguished background in public service and immigration policy, she brings empathy and systems thinking to her coaching practice.

Her clients value her ability to connect leadership growth with social impact — a defining theme in Washington’s coaching culture.

Essey’s expertise includes:

🌍 Coaching for purpose-driven leadership and inclusive strategy
💬 Helping senior executives lead with empathy in complex environments
🧭 Experience in government and nonprofit organizational transformation

She exemplifies what Washington leadership stands for: clarity of purpose, service, and integrity.

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♦️Alison Carroll

Executive Coach and Founder, The Hidden Narrative LLC
🔗 LinkedIn

Alison Carroll’s career blends creativity with structure. She helps leaders and teams move from confusion to clarity — unlocking performance through team dynamics, communication, and collaboration.

Her coaching style is conversational, empathetic, and grounded in action.

Highlights:

💡 Focus on team effectiveness and leadership alignment
💬 Experience coaching executives in public and private sectors
🌱 Advocates for continuous learning and leadership adaptability

Alison’s coaching fosters trust and transformation — two hallmarks of effective leadership in D.C.’s fast-paced landscape.

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♦️Ellen Barker Dunagan

Founder and Founder, Traverse Career Solutions
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Ellen Barker Dunagan helps leaders and organizations navigate career crossroads with insight and purpose. At Traverse Career Solutions, she coaches executives through transitions, succession planning, and strategic career pivots.

Her approach combines compassion with tactical clarity, helping clients articulate and act on what matters most.

Focus areas:

🌉 Executive and career transition coaching
🧭 Personal branding and leadership storytelling
💬 Helping clients redefine career purpose with confidence

Ellen’s grounded, thoughtful approach aligns perfectly with the Washington area’s leadership ethos: smart, reflective, and future-focused.

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♦️Caroline Jones

Principal & Executive Leadership Coach, Caroline Jones Consulting & Coaching LLC
🔗 LinkedIn

Caroline Jones brings decades of human resources experience to her executive coaching practice. Her work emphasizes leadership alignment, emotional intelligence, and communication excellence.

Her clients — from federal leaders to corporate executives — appreciate her straightforward, trust-centered style.

Highlights:

🧠 Focus on leadership behavior and self-awareness
💬 Executive and team development programs
📈 Coaching for influence, empathy, and authenticity

Caroline’s HR acumen gives her a deep understanding of the systems behind leadership — making her an invaluable ally to both individuals and organizations.

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♦️Colin T. McLetchie

President & Executive Coach, Five Ways Forward
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Colin McLetchie firm’s Five Ways Forward is built around one powerful mission: helping people and teams “live and lead with heart.” His coaching approach integrates emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and deep human connection.

With years of experience in HR leadership and team development, Colin helps leaders find balance between courage and compassion.

Highlights:

💡 Expertise in team transformation and organizational culture
💬 Focus on authentic communication and leadership resilience
🌈 Known for inclusive leadership development and LGBTQ+ advocacy in executive spaces

Colin’s combination of business acumen and personal authenticity makes him one of D.C.’s most respected and beloved coaches.

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♦️Adriano Pianesi

Leadership Coach & Facilitator
🔗 LinkedIn

Adriano Pianesi is a powerhouse of adaptive leadership and facilitation expertise. Known for his work with executives across Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies, he helps leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

His programs combine storytelling, experiential learning, and organizational theory — challenging leaders to think differently about authority, collaboration, and change.

Core areas of focus:

🧭 Adaptive leadership and change management
💬 Facilitation and leadership workshop design
🌍 Helping organizations cultivate agile, creative cultures

Adriano’s work embodies the Washington area’s spirit of innovation and public service, making him a go-to coach for leaders who want to do more than manage; they inspire transformation.

Washington DC’s Coaching Culture and Digital References’ Mission

Washington, D.C. isn’t just the nation’s capital — it’s a leadership laboratory. Executive coaches here are redefining what it means to lead in times of change, bridging public service and private innovation. 

At Digital Reference, we’re proud to spotlight these leaders and their contributions to human capital development. Our mission is to connect organizations with the right experts — those who combine empathy with execution, data with humanity, and coaching with measurable impact.

If this list was helpful, you’ll love these additional tools and resources crafted to accelerate your business success:

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• Executive Coach for Founders: Adam W. Barney

As we continue to build our national network of trusted professionals, Digital Reference remains dedicated to one purpose: helping organizations find the expert guidance they need to build leaders who last.