Celeste Carlson, MBA, CNP

Celeste Carlson is the founder and CEO of BoardSpark and Growing Good Consulting, and a lifelong believer that strong boards can expand what’s possible for communities. With more than 25 years in the human service sector, she has partnered with nonprofit leaders, funders, and community champions in both small towns and cities, translating big-picture vision into practical, actionable steps.

A Kansas native now based in Kansas City, Celeste brings a grounded, real-world perspective to her work. She spent a decade as a community foundation program officer, serving as a bridge between donors and community needs, where she saw firsthand that organizations with engaged, aligned boards attract greater resources and opportunities. She has also led fundraising efforts in volunteer leadership roles, giving her direct insight into what boards need to confidently open doors, build relationships, and champion their missions.

Celeste holds an MBA and a Certificate in Nonprofit Innovation from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She combines formal training with lived experience to turn complex ideas about governance, strategy, and fundraising into practical tools that feel doable. Her work through BoardSpark—including the No-Ask Fundraising Deck and The Empowered Boardroom—helps nonprofit CEOs and boards lead with clarity, confidence, and shared responsibility.

She is especially focused on developing boards that strengthen fundraising while also stewarding mission, strategy, and long-term organizational health. Celeste is also a mom, wife, and community-minded neighbor who understands the realities nonprofit leaders face every day, and is committed to making board work more practical, human, and effective.