Human Resources Professionals: Insights & Resources

Fractional CHROs in Washington DC Making Things Happen

Anson Ye
July 6, 2025
All Insights
HR Professionals: Insights & Resources

Fractional CHROs in Washington DC Making Things Happen in 2025

DC & DMV Interim Chief People Officers to Know

The Washington, D.C. metro area—also known as the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia)—isn’t just a center of government and policy. It’s a uniquely mission-driven ecosystem, where public service, global impact, and innovation across sectors converge. In a city where purpose meets performance, fractional CHROs are playing a vital role behind the scenes—steering change, strengthening culture, and supporting resilient growth.

At Digital Reference, we believe that radical transparency and radical authenticity aren’t just buzzwords—they're essential principles in building the next generation of work. And no role is more central to that transformation than the Chief Human Resources Officer. In D.C., this role takes on a particularly strategic dimension: aligning talent with policy, managing workforce complexities in regulated sectors, and fostering cultures of accountability, equity, and innovation.

That’s what makes this list different from those in other major cities. D.C. CHROs don’t just build great workplaces—they build mission-ready organizations. Whether guiding nonprofits, federal contractors, associations, startups, or edtech firms, the fractional HR leaders featured here bring deep experience, discretion, and strategic foresight to high-stakes environments.

Our Selection Methodology

Each CHRO featured in this list was selected based on:

  • 🧠 Peer recognition and direct industry referrals
  • 🔍 Independent research via LinkedIn and professional websites
  • ✅ Clear evidence of interim or fractional CHRO work
  • 📍 Strong geographic relevance to the D.C. and greater DMV region

These leaders reflect the Digital Reference ethos: high-trust, high-impact professionals who combine values and value. They’re not just navigating the future of work—they’re actively shaping it across one of the most dynamic and policy-influential regions in the world.

If you’re new to the concept of fractional leadership, you can explore our full breakdown:

👉 Human Resource Professionals: What Are They and What Do They Do?

‍👉 HR Executives & What They Do

Now, let's meet our list of Fractional CHROs:

  • Danielle Laurent
  • Danielle Verderosa
  • Marilyn Charlton
  • Angela Kinsella
  • Giselle Jones
  • Ashley Baquie
  • Joi Smith
  • Alison Schuster
  • Lilith Christiansen
  • Miki Clayton
  • Keiren Havens

Danielle Laurent

‍Founder & Principal, Founder’s HR Lab | Fractional CHRO | People Strategy Architect
LinkedIn | Website

With over two decades of experience scaling fast-growth businesses through people-first strategy, Danielle Laurent knows exactly what holds founders back—and how to remove those obstacles. As the driving force behind Founder’s HR Lab, Danielle has built a firm specifically designed to take HR off founders’ plates and turn it into a strategic growth driver.

From early-stage SaaS startups to scaling MSP and cybersecurity firms, Danielle leads with a founder-focused lens—aligning talent, culture, and infrastructure with core business goals. She doesn’t just advise on strategy—she owns execution. As a seasoned HR executive and Air Force veteran, she brings structure, accountability, and clarity to chaotic HR functions, helping leadership teams scale faster, smarter, and more sustainably.

🔧 What Danielle Does Best:

  • Fractional CHRO Services – Full-spectrum HR leadership for companies that need experienced guidance without full-time overhead

  • People Systems & Culture Alignment – Building HR structures, systems, and workflows that support high-growth teams and accelerate execution

  • Talent Development & Career Pathing – Crafting performance frameworks and leadership programs that drive engagement and advancement

  • Compensation & Benefits Strategy – Developing equitable, scalable plans that attract talent and protect profitability

  • HRIS Implementation & Optimization – Streamlining people operations through smart tech enablement

  • Strategic Planning – Delivering business blueprints that create clarity around mission, values, execution milestones, and team alignment

🧩 Founder’s HR Lab Signature Services:

👥 Fractional CHRO Services
 Hands-on HR leadership aligned with business strategy—from implementation to advisory. Ideal for leaders who need a real strategic partner, not a task manager.

📦 One-Off Projects
 Custom HR initiatives delivered with speed and precision. From onboarding programs to performance systems, Danielle builds solutions that scale.

📈 Strategic Business Blueprint
 A founder-facing approach to organizational alignment, bringing structure to vision, values, target market, and leadership planning.

📌 Why Growth-Focused Founders Choose Danielle:

Danielle has walked in the shoes of both operators and HR execs. She understands the tension between speed and sustainability, culture and compliance. Her firm was born out of a simple but widespread problem: founders spending too much time DIY-ing HR and not enough time driving vision.

Founder’s HR Lab replaces that inefficiency with integrated HR leadership—embedding frameworks, systems, and people strategies that are growth-aligned and results-focused. Danielle is known for her directness, executional clarity, and ability to simplify the complex without cutting corners.

🚀 Whether you're scaling, restructuring, or just tired of making high-stakes HR decisions solo, Danielle Laurent is the trusted partner you want at the table—bringing operational rigor, culture-forward strategy, and executive HR muscle to help your business thrive.

Danielle M. Verderosa‍

Fractional CHRO | HR Compliance Expert | Founder of HR Allies‍

LinkedIn | Website

If your business is growing past 25 employees and you’re worried about keeping your HR practices airtight, Danielle M. Verderosa is exactly the kind of ally you need. With over 25 years of experience—including as VP of HR for a 4,100-employee hospitality company—Danielle founded HR Allies to help small and mid-sized businesses stay compliant, reduce liability, and confidently manage the complexities of workforce expansion.

Known for her direct, pragmatic approach, Danielle has built a career on protecting business owners from HR missteps that lead to costly audits, lawsuits, or lost productivity. At HR Allies, she delivers sharp, no-fluff strategies to streamline processes, reduce risk, and support growth—without ever losing sight of operational profitability.

🛡️ What Makes Danielle Different:

  • Focused on Risk, Not Fluff – While others chase aspirational HR ideals, Danielle is laser-focused on real compliance, real policy, and real results. Her style is blunt, effective, and built to protect owners’ bottom lines.

  • Deep Hospitality & Service Industry Roots – Danielle’s background spans Chipotle, Guest Services Inc., and countless service-sector operations. She knows how to make HR work where margins are thin, turnover is high, and speed is essential.

  • Pro-Level HR Compliance & Audits – Her signature service, the HR Audit, is designed to discreetly identify areas of labor law non-compliance and strengthen employer-employee relationships. It’s proactive protection before government scrutiny strikes.

🔥 Key Services from HR Allies:

  • HR Audits for Labor Law Compliance

  • Fractional CHRO Advisory for Small & Midsize Operators

  • Scalable HR Systems for Recruiting, Onboarding & Managing Staff

  • Employee Discipline, Termination, and Risk Mitigation Guidance

  • HR Infrastructure for Hospitality, Senior Living, and Retail Sectors

  • Manager Coaching for Handling High-Drama Employee Issues

💬 Who Danielle Works With:

Danielle works best with business owners who want no-nonsense HR support that protects them, streamlines team management, and puts guardrails in place for scaling. She’s not your go-to for DEI initiatives or employee engagement campaigns. Instead, she’ll help you terminate that underperformer the right way, defend against wage-hour claims, and ensure your managers stop putting your company at legal risk.

⚙️ Whether you’re overwhelmed by hiring, exhausted from drama-filled employee situations, or just want peace of mind that your business won’t get slammed by the Department of Labor, Danielle M. Verderosa brings the kind of expert support that moves you forward—fast, smart, and legally sound.

Marilyn Charlton

Founder of PeopleBridge Advisory | PhD | Startup HR Architect | Culture Builder for Tech Teams‍

LinkedIn | peoplebridgeadvisory.com

Marilyn Charlton is not your typical HR executive—and that’s exactly what makes her indispensable to startup founders and high-velocity teams navigating the messy middle of growth. With over 20 years in people leadership, Marilyn has helped companies ride the waves of scale, mergers, leadership transitions, and team fatigue—always with clarity, grit, and an unapologetically human approach.

Now, as founder of PeopleBridge Advisory, she’s dedicated to helping early-stage and scaling tech companies (especially those building AI tools for human wellbeing) establish lean, scalable people infrastructure that actually fits how they work—and what they stand for.

🧭 What Makes Marilyn Different:

  • Hands-On, Not Theoretical – Marilyn brings the real stuff. No jargon, no bloated slide decks—just structure, straight talk, and scalable systems that help teams move forward with clarity.

  • Built for Chaos – Whether it’s M&A turbulence, founder tension, or culture cracks in a remote team, Marilyn is the stabilizer. She steps in when things feel messy and leaves behind systems that grow with you.

  • Human-Centered Tech Culture – Her sweet spot is startups building tools that help people through hard things. She helps founders walk the talk by designing internal cultures that reflect those same values.

🔧 Where She Adds Value:

  • Fractional People Leadership

  • Full HR Infrastructure Buildouts

  • HR Audits & Compliance Checkups

  • HRIS Implementation (Gusto, Rippling, BambooHR, HiBob)

  • Tailored Employee Handbooks for Fast-Moving Teams

  • Onboarding/Offboarding Systems from Scratch

  • Early-Stage Role Clarity & Career Pathing

💼 Who She Works With:

Marilyn supports founder-led startups, remote-first and hybrid tech teams, and mission-driven organizations—especially in SaaS, telecom, semiconductors, digital marketing, and healthcare. From VDI startups and portfolio-backed firms to real estate and law groups, she delivers HR that works without the corporate fluff.

🌱 Marilyn’s approach is simple: if your product helps people through change, your internal culture should, too. With her support, companies don’t just scale—they scale with empathy, structure, and staying power.

Angela Kinsella

Fractional CHRO | Strategic HR Advisor | Culture Architect
LinkedIn

With over two decades of executive HR leadership and a reputation for blending heart and strategy, Angela Kinsella builds cultures where people thrive and companies grow. Her work is rooted in a deep understanding of human connection, business performance, and the power of intentional design—especially in distributed and high-growth environments.

Angela currently serves as a Strategic HR Advisor to multiple innovative firms, including Method1, a media agency grounded in behavioral science, and Obsidian Systems, a fully remote software development company. She is also the founder of Pivotal Growth Management, her consulting practice that delivers high-impact fractional CHRO services to organizations ready to elevate their people strategy.

At the core of Angela’s approach is a simple but powerful belief: work should be purposeful, empowering, and people-centered.

🌟 Areas of Focus:

  • Culture & Organizational Development – Angela doesn’t just talk culture—she architects it. Through intentional design and execution, she creates values-driven environments where employees feel connected, engaged, and empowered.

  • Leadership Development & Coaching – From high-potential talent to seasoned executives, Angela builds leaders who lead with vision, empathy, and resilience. Her programs are designed to unlock potential and scale performance.

  • Remote Work Strategy & Infrastructure – A true expert in distributed teams, she has helped multiple companies design remote-first strategies that preserve culture while maximizing flexibility and productivity.

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) – Angela is a fierce advocate for inclusive, equitable workplaces. She works closely with leadership to design DEI strategies that are authentic, actionable, and aligned with long-term impact.

  • HR Tech & Systems Implementation – Whether it's centralizing people analytics or improving workflow efficiency, Angela leverages HR systems to bring clarity and data-backed decision-making into every stage of the employee lifecycle.

📈 What Sets Angela Apart:

  • She approaches every challenge with a systems thinker’s mindset and a human-centered lens.

  • She excels in creating structure without stifling innovation—especially in scaling environments.

  • She thrives in fast-moving, complex organizations and acts as both a stabilizer and growth partner for leadership teams.

🔧 Sample Deliverables & Advisory Focus:

✔️ Performance management frameworks that drive alignment, accountability, and transparency
✔️ Revamped compensation models that reflect internal equity and external competitiveness
✔️ Remote-first policies and engagement programs that unite distributed teams
✔️ Data-driven people strategies that connect mission to metrics
✔️ Custom onboarding, offboarding, and employee experience strategies

🚀 Whether she’s stepping in as a fractional CHRO or advising executive teams on strategic people decisions, Angela Kinsella delivers solutions that are both visionary and pragmatic—helping businesses grow with purpose, and people thrive with clarity.

Giselle Jones

Fractional CHRO | Executive Coach | Founder of SOAR Enterprise
LinkedIn | Website

With over two decades of HR leadership experience across sectors like government contracting, I.T., defense, healthcare, and nonprofits, Giselle Jones is a powerhouse strategist known for delivering HR solutions that are as inclusive as they are effective. As the founder and CEO of SOAR Enterprise, she provides fractional CHRO support and transformative leadership coaching that helps individuals and organizations not just succeed—but thrive.

A passionate advocate for equity and access, Giselle built SOAR as both a business and a movement. Her mission: create environments where diverse talent can rise, organizations can lead with empathy, and every employee has the knowledge and support to advocate for themselves.

✨ What Giselle Brings to the Table:

  • Strategic Fractional CHRO Leadership – Whether guiding organizational change, aligning people strategy with business goals, or designing inclusive performance systems, Giselle helps growing businesses lead from the inside out.

  • Career & Leadership Coaching – Through the SOAR Method™, Giselle equips clients—especially women and professionals of color—with the tools to navigate corporate environments, lead with clarity, and build sustainable, values-driven careers.

  • People-Centered HR Strategy – From DEIB initiatives and benefits optimization to recruitment and succession planning, Giselle brings practical, data-backed approaches to elevate teams and unlock business results.

🛠️ Sample Services & Focus Areas:

  • Fractional CHRO services for mission-driven startups and growth-stage businesses

  • Organizational development & strategic HR planning

  • Executive coaching for new, rising, and seasoned leaders

  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) consulting

  • Conflict resolution, change management, and team alignment

  • Career advancement support, including salary negotiation and leadership mindset

💬 Why Clients Choose Giselle:

Giselle isn’t just an advisor—she’s a builder, a coach, and a force of encouragement. Her clients value her deeply human approach, backed by certifications (SPHR, SHRM-SCP), an MBA from George Washington University, and a wealth of experience developing leadership pipelines and HR systems that work.

But more than that, Giselle offers a sense of purpose that’s rare in executive consulting. With an approach rooted in gratitude, empathy, and excellence, she ensures her clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to soar.

🚀 Whether she’s coaching an emerging leader, embedding into an executive team as a fractional CHRO, or helping a business redesign its people infrastructure, Giselle Jones is the strategist you want in your corner when you’re ready to scale—and ready to do it with intention.

Ashley Baquie

Fractional CHRO & COO | Executive Coach | Builder of People-First, Scalable HR Solutions
LinkedIn

Ashley Baquie is the kind of strategic HR leader who doesn’t just implement systems—she transforms entire organizations through deeply human-centered, scalable frameworks. With over 25 years of experience spanning PE-backed, public, private, and government contractor environments, Ashley brings a rare combination of operational precision, strategic foresight, and genuine care for people to the HR table.

She partners with growth-stage and mid-sized companies to build and mature high-impact HR programs that drive both performance and experience. Whether designing talent strategies, building L&D functions, refining comp structures, or optimizing culture during transitions, Ashley keeps her focus on aligning HR with business goals—while never losing sight of the people powering them.

💡 What Sets Ashley Apart:

  • Bridge Between People and Business – Ashley has the rare ability to connect operational needs with human needs. She drives strategic HR outcomes and ensures that employees feel seen, heard, and supported.

  • Versatile Across Structures & Industries – From founder-led startups to ESOPs and matrixed enterprises, Ashley has successfully built HR systems that scale across every kind of organizational setup and work model (remote, hybrid, onsite).

  • A Calm-in-the-Storm Partner – Known for her presence during periods of high growth and change, she’s a trusted partner during inflection points—whether it’s building HR from scratch or aligning talent to new strategic goals.

🔧 Key Areas of Expertise:

  • Organizational Development & Design

  • Talent Acquisition, Retention & Engagement

  • Compensation & Benefits Optimization

  • Culture Strategy & DEI Advancement

  • Leadership Coaching & Team Development

  • Performance Management & Goal Alignment

  • Data-Driven People Strategy

  • Scalable Systems & Operational Efficiency

🎯 How She Works:

As Fractional CHRO & COO of Blume, Ashley currently leads operations and HR to support the company’s mission and values through scalable people-first strategies. She’s also an executive coach at SHAMBAUGH Leadership, where she helps senior leaders grow their inclusive leadership skills and maximize impact.

From recruiting and retention to culture and compliance, Ashley offers companies a steady, empathetic, and strategic hand in building people operations that elevate potential and drive business success.

🌟 Guided by values like stewardship, integrity, inclusion, and excellence, Ashley doesn’t just meet HR expectations—she redefines what people leadership can look like in modern, purpose-driven organizations.

Joi Smith

Founder of People Principles | Fractional People Operations Executive | Workplace Culture Strategist
LinkedIn | peopleprinciplesconsulting.com

With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of strategy and empathy, Joi Smith is helping reshape how companies scale their people operations—from the inside out. As Founder of People Principles, Joi provides fractional People Ops leadership rooted in humanity, values, and forward-thinking infrastructure. For growing startups and scaling small businesses, she brings both structure and soul to the HR function.

Her approach? Put people first, but don’t forget the business. Joi builds customized systems that make it easier for companies to manage people, scale sustainably, and foster positive cultures—without losing sight of compliance, accountability, and results.

💡 Why People Work with Joi:

  • She Builds Systems That Scale – From recruitment frameworks to performance coaching, Joi brings repeatable, efficient people operations practices that grow with your team—without the cost of a full-time executive.

  • She Aligns Values with Operations – Joi’s trademark is a values-based approach to HR. She aligns people strategy with business goals, so companies don’t just function—they thrive, with purpose.

  • She’s a Strategic Partner, Not Just a Vendor – For founders and executives navigating pressure from every direction, Joi shows up as a trusted advisor who brings options, clarity, and confidence to every people-related decision.

🔧 Specialties and Services:

  • Fractional People Operations Leadership

  • HR Infrastructure Design

  • Compliance & Risk Mitigation

  • Culture Transformation

  • DEIB Strategy & Culture Assessment

  • Leadership Coaching & Employee Relations

  • Career Pathing & Succession Planning

  • Talent Management & Performance Systems

🏢 Who She Works With:

Joi partners with early-stage startups, nonprofits, and growing businesses looking to either build their HR function from the ground up or optimize systems already in place. Her clients often need someone to help bridge the gap between where they are now and the people systems they’ll need next quarter—or next year.

🌍 What Sets Joi Apart:

At People Principles, Joi is leading a movement to make work work for everyone. Her vision for the future of work is rooted in authenticity, transparency, equity, and accountability. As she puts it: “Human first, human always.” Whether it’s a cultural reset or a compliance cleanup, Joi meets every challenge with empathy, pragmatism, and a strategic mindset.

From her background in journalism and advertising to an MBA in HR management, Joi’s communication-savvy and business-focused leadership style ensures that both people and performance stay at the forefront.

Alison Schuster

Founder & Principal Consultant, Human Capital Partners | Strategic HR & OD Leader | Culture & Engagement Expert
LinkedIn

With over 15 years of experience transforming workplaces into high-performing, people-first cultures, Alison Schuster stands out as a trusted advisor for companies navigating change, growth, or organizational evolution. As the founder of Human Capital Partners, Alison brings a thoughtful blend of strategic HR leadership and operational precision to every engagement—whether she's supporting a startup scaling from scratch or helping a mature organization realign its people strategy.

Her firm offers fractional, retained, and project-based support that adapts to a client’s needs in real time. What remains constant: Alison’s collaborative, empathetic style and her unwavering focus on building cultures where employees are seen, supported, and set up to succeed.

🌱 What Makes Alison Different:

  • She Balances Strategy with Humanity – With a sociology degree from Clemson and a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership, Alison understands both people systems and the human side of work. That dual perspective informs everything she builds—from performance frameworks to change initiatives.

  • She’s Certified and Skilled in What Moves the Needle – SHRM-SCP certified and trained in PROSCI change management and Hogan Assessments, Alison brings rigor and structure to leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational design.

  • She’s a Calm, Trusted Partner in Transition – From mergers and acquisitions to handbook overhauls, Alison helps clients navigate complex changes with clarity and care.

🧩 Areas of Expertise:

  • Organizational Development & Change Management

  • Performance Management & Career Pathing

  • Leadership Coaching & Team Dynamics

  • Employee Engagement & Culture Strategy

  • Rewards & Recognition Programs

  • HR Policy & Compliance Frameworks

  • Hogan Assessments & Leadership Diagnostics

  • Process Optimization & HR Operations

  • Team Building and Manager Enablement

  • Mergers, Acquisitions, and Culture Integration

🤝 Who She Works With:

Alison primarily partners with mission-driven organizations, nonprofits, and growing companies ready to invest in people systems that fuel sustainable success. Her clients value flexibility, transparency, and depth of thought—and they get all three in every engagement.

🏛️ About Human Capital Partners:

At Human Capital Partners, Alison and her team deliver strategic and hands-on HR consulting tailored to where an organization is—and where it’s heading. Whether delivering day-to-day HR support or guiding enterprise-level transformation, the firm’s people-first approach ensures talent management aligns with long-term goals.

Their model is simple: provide the right support at the right time, with a collaborative spirit and a focus on building cultures that work.

Lilith Christiansen

Founder, HumanGenuity | Transformational HR Leader | Onboarding Strategist | Culture Architect
LinkedIn | Website

When high-growth companies and mission-driven organizations need to navigate major transformation without losing sight of their people, Lilith Christiansen is the strategic partner they turn to. As the founder of HumanGenuity, Lilith helps organizations unlock their full potential through human capital consulting, organizational development, and fractional HR leadership that’s grounded in authenticity, accountability, and actionable outcomes.

With over two decades of experience leading transformational change in both HR and cross-functional leadership roles, Lilith brings more than insight—she brings momentum. She’s especially known for her high-impact work around onboarding and employee experience, and she co-authored the bestselling book Successful Onboarding: A Strategy to Unlock Hidden Value in Your Organization.

⚙️ What Sets Lilith Apart:

  • She Starts with Onboarding, Ends with Culture – Lilith treats onboarding not as an administrative necessity, but as the cornerstone of employee engagement, retention, and long-term success. Her redesigns help companies create cultures where employees thrive from day one.

  • She’s Built for Change – Whether it’s a full HR strategy overhaul or organizational development through M&A, Lilith brings clarity, structure, and candor to chaotic transitions. Clients describe her as a calm force who delivers big-picture transformation without losing sight of people.

  • She Leads with Genuineness and Ingenuity – At the core of her work is the belief that authentic leadership and open communication fuel innovation. Her firm, HumanGenuity, was founded to reflect that philosophy.

🔍 Core Services through HumanGenuity:

  • Fractional CHRO Leadership
     Strategic HR partnership for organizations in transition or scaling mode

  • Onboarding Program Design
     Including onboarding assessments, maturity benchmarking, vision development, and program redesign

  • Organizational Development
     Culture-building, leadership team alignment, and scalable people strategies

  • HR Transformation & Strategic Advisory
     Aligning HR operations with business performance and workforce potential

  • Change Management & Employee Experience Consulting
     Navigating transformation with empathy, structure, and measurable results

💼 Who She Works With:

Lilith supports a range of clients—from startups building their first people infrastructure to established businesses undergoing restructuring. She has a particular passion for high-energy, mission-focused teams where people and performance go hand-in-hand.

💡 A Thought Leader in the Field:

Beyond her consulting practice, Lilith is a frequent industry speaker and educator. She’s passionate about sharing actionable strategies that elevate both individual employees and entire organizations. Her thought leadership around onboarding and HR transformation has reshaped how companies view the first 90 days of an employee’s journey.

Miki Clayton

Founder, S P A C E | Award-Winning HR Leader | Equity-Centered Consultant | Organizational Design Visionary
LinkedIn • S P A C E

When organizations need more than just a strategy—when they need transformation from the inside out—they call Miki Clayton. A seasoned HR executive, certified SPHR professional, and organizational development expert, Miki leads S P A C E, a bold and unapologetic consulting collective focused on building inclusive workplaces that actually work for everyone.

From philanthropy and nonprofits to high-growth private sector organizations, Miki brings decades of experience helping companies challenge outdated systems, improve employee experiences, and reimagine what HR and organizational development can look like when equity leads.

🎯 What Makes Miki Stand Out:

  • People-First, Always – Whether it’s HR advisory or career coaching, Miki’s approach is deeply human. She builds inclusive, emotionally intelligent systems that don’t just tick compliance boxes—they foster genuine belonging and high performance.

  • Strategic and Creative – With expertise spanning DEI, HR, org design, and even marketing and branding strategy, Miki integrates cross-functional insights to create culture and infrastructure that’s sustainable and future-ready.

  • A Champion for BIPOC Talent – Through S P A C E x Miki Clayton Talent, she provides career development support specifically for Black and BIPOC professionals—helping them navigate, thrive, and take up space in professional environments that often weren’t built with them in mind.

🔧 Consulting Services Through S P A C E:

  • Human-Centered HR Strategy & Advisory
     Equitable, inclusive, and safe HR frameworks tailored to mission-driven teams

  • Organizational Design & Development
     Reimagining team structure, leadership pipelines, and strategic operations

  • Personal & Professional Development Coaching
     Empowering individuals to define their value, amplify their voice, and grow intentionally

  • Inclusive Branding & Marketing Strategy
     Bridging internal culture and external representation to align values across the board

🌱 Services for People, Not Just Companies:

Miki and her team don’t just transform organizations—they help individuals transform themselves. Through workshops, one-on-one coaching, and branded support services, S P A C E equips professionals—especially those from marginalized communities—with tools for career growth, confidence building, and authentic leadership.

💬 Why Clients Choose S P A C E:

Because Miki isn’t interested in performative DEI or corporate buzzwords. She builds cultures and structures rooted in safety, equity, creativity, and strategy. The result? Teams that function with intention and individuals who feel empowered to take up space—boldly and unapologetically.

Keiren Havens

Nonprofit HR & Culture Consultant | Strategic Systems Builder | Ethical Advisor for Mission-Driven Teams
LinkedIn • KJ Havens Consulting

With two decades of nonprofit leadership experience across local, regional, and national organizations, Keiren Havens is the trusted partner organizations turn to when they’re ready to build systems that stick—and cultures that last. A seasoned HR leader, strategist, and communications expert, Keiren combines tactical project support with deep insight into organizational dynamics, bringing clarity and forward momentum to even the most complex nonprofit challenges.

Whether it’s revamping compensation policies, launching an inclusive training program, or serving as an interim executive during a period of change, Keiren’s steady hand and collaborative style make her an invaluable extension of any nonprofit leadership team.

🌟 What Sets Keiren Apart:

  • 20+ Years of Nonprofit Executive Experience – With hands-on leadership across health centers, social service organizations, and community-based nonprofits, Keiren understands the unique pressures and opportunities mission-driven organizations face every day.

  • Equity-Centered Systems Thinker – Her approach to HR and operations always weaves in racial equity, transparency, and a people-first mindset. This isn’t just policy work—it’s culture work.

  • Ethical, Strategic, and Reliable – From interim HR leadership to full-scale project design and rollout, Keiren is known for delivering thoughtful, sustainable solutions—without ego, fluff, or overcomplication.

🛠 Consulting Services Through KJ Havens:

  • Interim HR & Leadership Support
     Step-in guidance during transitions, vacancies, or major internal shifts

  • Project Management & Rollouts
     From pay transparency and compensation frameworks to new training initiatives

  • Policy, Procedure, & Bylaw Development
     Clear, equitable governance documents aligned with mission and compliance

  • Equity & Inclusion Strategy
     Racial equity as a touchstone for every system and solution delivered

  • Training, Writing, & Communication Support
     Engaging deliverables and facilitation that translate ideas into action

💡 Keiren’s Core Values:

✦ Start with curiosity
✦ Act ethically
✦ Create collaboratively
✦ Be dependable

Whether your nonprofit needs a trusted thought partner, a systems-focused fixer, or a values-aligned strategist, Keiren Havens brings calm, clarity, and confidence to every engagement—helping organizations do their best work for the people they serve.

Why DC Is a Hub for Fractional CHRO Talent

The DC metro area is home to a unique cross-section of industries—federal contractors, nonprofits, health systems, and startups all coexist here. And they all face the same core challenge: people.

The rise of fractional CHROs in the DMV is fueled by:

  • The complexity of hybrid and remote workforce models
  • Increased demand for compliance and ethics oversight
  • The need for diversity and equity in leadership pipelines
  • Budget-conscious hiring practices in scaling organizations

Fractional leaders bring expertise without full-time commitments—making them ideal for teams navigating uncertainty and transformation.

The Digital Reference Edge

At Digital Reference, we’re building a new kind of professional portfolio platform—one that lets fractional leaders tell their story on their terms.

We help fractional CHROs:

  • Showcase references that speak to real-world impact
  • Publish multimedia profiles, including video testimonials and pricing models
  • Share portfolios for specific RFPs or roles
  • Drive visibility in niche ecosystems through blog features like this one

Whether you’re a CHRO looking to grow your fractional business, or a company looking to find your next interim people leader—Digital Reference is your launchpad.

✅ Check Out Our Local Directories of Fractional CHROs & Interim Chief People Officers by City

This resource highlights city-specific guides to some of the most impactful interim and fractional Chief People Officers across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Each directory offers a look into the unique business culture of the region and the leaders driving people strategy forward.

  • Atlanta
    Fractional CHROs in Atlanta Making Things Happen
    Atlanta’s talent leaders are shaping diverse, tech-forward workplaces in a city that’s become a magnet for startups, logistics firms, and entertainment enterprises. Fractional CHROs here are experts at managing rapid growth and culture change.
  • Chicago
    Fractional CHROs in Chicago Making Things Happen
    In this powerhouse of industry and innovation, Chicago’s fractional CHROs help organizations scale intentionally—blending legacy systems with modern people practices in finance, healthcare, logistics, and tech.
  • Columbus
    Fractional CHROs in Columbus Making Things Happen
    Columbus combines Midwestern values with high-growth potential, and its interim people leaders bring strategic clarity to fast-growing startups, educational institutions, and service-sector employers.
  • Denver
    Fractional CHROs in Denver Making Things Happen
    Known for its entrepreneurial spirit and wellness-driven culture, Denver is home to CHROs who specialize in building values-aligned teams and sustainable HR infrastructures for growing businesses.
  • Las Vegas
    Fractional CHROs in Las Vegas Making Things Happen
    Beyond hospitality, Vegas is growing its footprint in tech and healthcare—and its HR consultants are ushering in next-gen talent strategies in industries that rely on high performance and adaptability.
  • London
    Fractional CHROs in London Making Things Happen
    London’s fractional HR leaders support multinationals and scaleups across finance, fintech, and creative industries—navigating global labor trends and cross-border compliance with precision.
  • Miami
    Fractional CHROs in Miami Making Things Happen
    Miami is a rising tech and finance hotspot with a diverse workforce—and its interim people leaders are fluent in multicultural management, bilingual team dynamics, and global HR systems.
  • Toronto
    Fractional CHROs in Toronto Making Things Happen
    As Canada’s economic engine, Toronto is full of global talent and cross-sector complexity—making its CHROs indispensable for companies navigating growth, governance, and globalization.

Want to Be Featured?

This list is growing. If you’re a fractional CHRO based in DC, Maryland, or Virginia and would like to be considered for a future update, please reach out at ryan@digitalreference.co.

Let’s keep highlighting the leaders who are making work better, one fractional role at a time.

Looking for other Fractional Leadership?

Find Fractional CMOs here.

Find Fractional CTOs here.

Find Fractional CFOs here.

Find Fractional COOs here.

On a mission to help you find the professional you need in a more efficient manner. - Digital Reference Team

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