Fractional Executive

Shane Kinkennon delivers stopgap strategy and operational leadership role-filling for teams in need.

Nonprofit stand-in leadership

I help nonprofit executive teams on an interim basis by filling empty chief strategy officer and COO roles. I serve as a hands-on team member for strategy development, operational-implementation planning. 

I do so for industry association, professional society, service organization, and charitable foundation clients.

For-profit fractional exec

I serve in interim and fractional C-suite roles for private equity-funded and other businesses that are charged to lead rapid growth and scaling objectives.  

I have experience in healthcare, health technology, outdoor recreation, and technology-industry businesses.

How I engage

I am available for 3- and 6-month engagements. I structure engagements that are part-time, fractional, and interim, open to the unique needs of client organizations or businesses in the moment they face.

  • “I’m so grateful to Shane for the work we did together. He helped me unlock a new toolkit of skills, and helped me become a better leader and a better person.”

    — Toufic Boubez, Co-founder and CTO, Catio

  • “Shane has unlocked even more talent and range from one of my firm’s top-performing executive leaders. I could see it almost immediately. What an investment.”

    — Jamie Hampton, Owner and CEO, Mixte Communications

  • “Shane is one of the few people in my work life who is willing to tell me the truth. He pushes me, and that makes him a terrific ally.”

    — Janet Jones, (former) Chief Innovation Officer, General Board of Higher Education & Ministry, United Methodist Church

What the Engagement Looks Like

Most of my engagements are scoped over 3 to 6 months. Some are part-time and focused; others are near full-time and deeply embedded. I shape each engagement to fit your reality—not a template.

I’m often brought in during:

  • Executive transitions (especially COO or CSO roles)

  • Periods of high growth with operational strain

  • Strategy implementation phases needing ownership

  • Leadership capacity gaps due to turnover or re-org

I don’t just fill the seat. I clarify the path forward—and help your team walk it with confidence.

Embedded Leadership, Not Outside Advice

This isn’t advisory work from the sidelines. When I join your team, I roll up my sleeves and operate as a true team member—someone who owns outcomes, not just ideas.

I lead strategic initiatives. I help operational plans take shape and stay aligned. I make decisions, collaborate with senior staff, and help ensure execution is timely and durable.

Because I’ve sat in the chair—I’ve been a COO, a Chief Strategy Officer, a consultant to high-growth teams—I know what these moments require. I don’t need a long runway. I integrate quickly, earn trust fast, and help restore forward momentum.

Here’s how I help.

  • Executive Coaching

    For C-suites and senior managers

    Unlock new mindsets and methods to inspire teams, equip them to lead change, and actually hold them accountable for results.

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  • Management Consulting

    For nonprofit leadership teams

    Devise and lead change in response to intractable organizational challenges, aligning strategy and function for mission delivery.

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  • Board Consulting

    For nonprofit boards of directors

    Sharpen focus on those activities and areas that deliver the absolute highest value to management of the organization you govern and serve.

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  • Planning Facilitation

    For boards, coalitions, and more

    Have structured, disciplined conversations about where your organization needs to go, how it will get there, and what measurable outcomes it will achieve.

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  • Strategic Communications

    For senior teams that need to break through

    Craft and deliver messages and narratives to favorably influence staffs, policymakers, and other stakeholders, in change-leadership scenarios and far beyond.

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  • Fractional Executive

    For short-term leadership needs

    Occasional interim or fractional executive leadership for organizations that need someone to engage easily, learn quickly, and bring a facilitative-leadership touch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a fractional executive?
A fractional executive steps into a key leadership role part-time or short-term to provide immediate strategic and operational leadership.

Do you only work with nonprofits?
No—I work with both nonprofits and private-sector companies during growth, transition, or capacity gaps.

How quickly can you get started?
I can usually step in within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity.

Do you replace existing leaders?
Not usually—I often fill gaps, boost capacity, or bridge transitions alongside current leadership.

What roles do you typically fill?
I most often step into COO or Chief Strategy Officer roles, but adapt to fit the moment.

How long are your engagements?
Most are 3 to 6 months, but the structure is shaped around your needs.

How do we start?
Book a quick call, and we’ll talk through what’s going on and whether I’m the right fit.