We’re proud to announce board service honors for two members of the Navigate Forward community. Twin Cities Business magazine recently named Kathy Roedel and Karen Grabow as Outstanding Directors for 2019. Both will be recognized at an awards banquet on October 23, 2019.
Roedel is an alumna of our Board Readiness practice. Grabow serves as a Navigate Forward Executive Consultant, supporting senior leaders in both Board Readiness and career transition engagements.
“The entire Navigate Forward team congratulates Kathy and Karen on these notable accomplishments”, said Anne deBruin Sample, CEO of Navigate Forward. “They exemplify all the qualities you expect in stellar directors.”
Kathy Roedel serves on three corporate boards: Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Generac Holdings and the Jones Family of Companies. Board service is part of her encore career, after retiring from Sleep Number in 2016. Her extensive business experience—including a 20-year stint at General Electric—and deep understanding of operations, strategy, risk management and governance made her a sought-after candidate.
Her Board Readiness engagement with Navigate Forward founder Mary Kloehn helped her hone in on the right board targets and market herself effectively.
“Landing a board seat is different than a job search. Kathy took the advice, counsel and support of our Board Readiness consultants and completely committed,” said Kloehn. “She’s been flawless in her approach and execution, which paid off in multiple board opportunities.”
Karen Grabow balances her board service to Fairview Health Services with a professional consulting practice, non-profit board service and executive coaching engagements for Navigate Forward. She is also a licensed psychologist. This diverse background allows her to contribute strategically and motivate others. She has served on the Fairview Health Services board since 2010.
“We are thrilled to have a professional of Karen’s caliber on the Navigate Forward team,” Sample said. “She both excels at her own corporate board service, and is able to take those experiences and help others looking to make similar contributions.”
Navigate Forward’s Board Readiness service positions seasoned executives to leverage their strengths and gain new perspectives as they transition from management to oversight and governance roles with publicly- and privately-held corporate boards. Every aspect is tailored to the distinct rituals and norms of behavior that boards expect.
Read full profiles of Kathy, Karen and their fellow honorees in the October issue of Twin Cities Business magazine.
