Rachel Norman

About Rachel Norman

I’m a Chief of Staff and Strategic Catalyst who turns big ideas into structured, scalable realities. I thrive where structure meets soul, building operational ecosystems that empower visionary leadership, bold growth, and a healthier future for all. With over a decade of experience turning strategy into measurable results, I specialize in scaling organizations and transforming vision into operational excellence. As a Chief of Staff, I thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments and enjoy breaking down silos, aligning leadership, and accelerating execution with precision and agility. Acting as a force multiplier for executives, I lead large-scale initiatives like a master conductor: building scalable systems, driving cross-functional collaboration, and delivering results that fuel organizational growth. From streamlining operations to optimizing decision-making frameworks, I ensure that strategy isn\'t just developed, it’s executed at speed. Executive partnership is at the core of my leadership. I engage with CEOs, senior leadership teams, and stakeholders with strategic insight, curiosity, and a commitment to building high-performance cultures that sustain long-term success. Known for facilitating high-stakes conversations, I create alignment across diverse teams and translate strategic priorities into clear, actionable roadmaps. I combine strategic rigor with approachability to unlock organizational momentum and results. Let’s connect—especially if you’re scaling, leading through change, or building something extraordinary.Specialties Executive Strategy | Organizational Scaling | Program & Project Leadership | Change Management | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Operational Excellence | Decision-Making Frameworks | DEI Strategy & Implementation | Leadership CoachingCertifications & Trainings Nonprofit Management and Leadership Certificate | Equity Practitioner Certification | Personal Approach to Change & Equity CertificateGallup Strengths Strategic | Connectedness | Activator | Ideation | Relator Open to opportunities and conversations at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and growth. n••••••••@gmail.com

Experience

1. Chief of Staff

   Peak Grantmaking

   Feb 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Key Responsibilities:‣ Turn strategy into action by translating the CEO’s vision into clear initiatives, driving execution, and ensuring leadership alignment for measurable success.‣ Optimize executive focus by strategically managing leadership involvement in key decisions, keeping projects moving while ensuring input is leveraged where it matters most.‣ Break down silos and foster collaboration by coaching directors, improving information flow, and ensuring cross-functional alignment to accelerate progress and impact.‣ Lead high-stakes, organization-wide initiatives by bringing together key stakeholders, driving milestones, and ensuring operational excellence.‣ Strengthen governance and executive decision-making by managing board coordination, briefing materials, and strategic discussions to ensure clarity, transparency, and efficiency.

Education

• Chapman University

  Bachelor of Education (BA), Cum Laude, Teaching and Learning in the Community

  2010 — 2014

• Teachers College, Columbia University

  Master of Education Policy and Social Analysis, Education Policy Analysis

Skills

• Volunteer Management
• Great Motivator
• Community Outreach
• Public Speaking
• Women's Studies
• Leadership Development
• Event Planning
• Program Development
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Microsoft Office
• Social Media
• Research
• Education
• Women's Issues
• Fundraising
• Public Relations
• Nonprofits
• Grant Writing
• Advocacy
• Program Evaluation
• Production Managment