CPL is known for coherence, purpose and community. Part of our “secret sauce” is our people – capacity builders who have experience in communities and organizations that are interested in creating a world that works for all. And the real magic is something we share and teach so that others can do it as well: create the conditions for each of us to bring our full and authentic selves through collaboration, transparency around power and decision-making, a focus on multiple dimensions of success, fueled by big dreams. All things CPL are grounded in shared purpose, equity, relationships, as an expression of love in action.
The Team
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Terry Chapman
Director, CPL Communities
In the thirty years Terry served as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) he discovered what truly makes his heart sing: creating and nurturing opportunities for people to discover and express their stories in safe, loving and generative conversations.
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Claudia Eisinger, PRC, CCL
Certified Convening Leader, Whole Person Leadership for Women, Qualitative Research Specialist
Specializing in complex, cutting-edge advertising and branding research paired with group convening and facilitative methods, Claudia has worked with a variety of national and international clients.
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Vivian Jenkins Nelsen
Whole Person Leadership for Women, DEIJ Specialist
Vivian Jenkins Nelsen is co-founder of INTER-RACE, a diversity think tank located at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. She is nationally recognized as a diversity practitioner, trainer, planner, and researcher.
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Mary Elaine Kiener
Director, Art of Convening Programs
The “ME” at ASK ME House LLC, and its Creative Energy Officer. While Mary Elaine has been a long-time convener, she continues to deepen her skills, while sharing her wisdom as part of the CPL Team.
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Kimberly Kristenson-Lee, MAIR, ACC, TICC, CCL
Director, Coaching
My emphasis is on leadership learning and development through action learning. The most reliable way to grow as a leader is through a mix of action learning, relationship-based learning, and reflection.
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Craig Neal
VisionHolder
As an executive coach for over 25 years, Craig assists leaders in integrating their inner calling with maximizing their organizational leadership potential. In 1995, Craig and Patricia co-founded Heartland Institute, now CPL.
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Lynn Nelson
Whole Person Leadership for Women, Public Relations & Media Advisor
LIN PR Principal Lynn Ingrid Nelson has over 20 years of experience in public relations, public affairs and communications. She has extensive experience in virtually all facets of organizational communications.
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Cynthia Wold, MA
Writer, Poet, Convener, Consultant, and Thought Collaborator, Co-author, The Art of Convening book
Cindy is the co-author, with Craig and Patricia, of “The Art of Convening” and plays a leadership role in the Art of Convening Community of Practice. She is a writer, poet, convener, consultant, and thoughtful collaborator.
The Board
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Cecily Victor
Board Chair
Cecily is long time member of the Center for Purposeful Leadership and convener at heart! As an an artist in the field of convening and a certified Train the Trainer for the Art of Convening, she creates safe spaces for people to gather and converse.
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Patricia Neal
President/Executive Director
Patricia works at the intersection of individual and organizational change, where she collaborates with individuals, teams to increase their positive impact in the world in a way that feels inclusive, inspired and alive.
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Richard Schwartz
Director, Consulting & Group Programs
Vice Chair, Board of DirectorsRichard is an entrepreneurial management consultant who delivers strategic planning, board development and governance, innovation, business development and organizational transformation services to nonprofits, civic organizations, and emerging social ventures.