Kara Z.

Chief of Staff

Kara has been supporting vChief clients since 2017 across a number of functional areas including operations, finance, communications, development, board governance, and human capital. She helps organizations that need processes and systems to more effectively use limited resources. She’s a problem solver by nature and loves to analyze challenges and implement solutions to enable an organization’s success. And she supports leaders who need a partner they can trust to help them prioritize their time and get things done.

Before joining the vChief network, Kara held roles in development, program management, and operations at a number of education-focused nonprofits including the LA Promise Fund, Teach For America Los Angeles, and the DC Public Education Fund. Prior to her roles in the nonprofit sector, she worked in corporate finance for the Walt Disney Company. Kara earned an MBA from the University of Michigan and a BS in Business Administration with a minor in Spanish from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo. Based in Los Angeles, she enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and taking long walks with her dog.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

  • Operations
  • Project management
  • Fundraising

EDUCATION

  • MBA, University of Michigan
  • BS, California Polytechnic University

TOP INDUSTRIES

  • Start-ups
  • Education
  • Hospitality and entertainment

Don’t Wish for Capacity. Build for It.