Kathleen Holt (she/her) founding principal of Holt Strategies

I have more than 25 years of experience working in the nonprofit, for-profit, and public sectors. I founded Holt Strategies in 2019 to support organizations in designing and facilitating processes and engagements that build inclusive and effective teams, support leaders in their learning and growth, and nurture values-aligned organizational cultures that prioritize people and relationships. Before working as a consultant, I was a magazine editor and nonprofit arts and culture leader.

I was raised in Hawai’i in the decades after statehood and experienced firsthand the impacts of US imperialism and settler colonialism. I’m a first-generation college student, earning my a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon, and later my master’s degree in nonfiction writing from Portland State University while working full-time and raising my children. 

These lived experiences shaped my understanding of power inequities and how they are embedded in systems, policies, and behaviors. I specialize in working with clients on assessing, navigating, and changing oppressive systems and toxic work dynamics to build and nurture thriving, robust, and effective teams and workplaces.

Featured projects

Leadership Development

Kathleen is a facilitator for American Leadership Forum of Oregon’s year-long cohorts of leaders from across Oregon who travel the state to learn about challenges faced by leaders in different communities and to reflect on and build their own leadership journeys.

Organizational Culture

The Holt Strategies consulting team provided a range of services to the Portland Water Bureau, including supervision training, coaching, conflict resilience, and 360 reviews.

Organizational Development

The Holt Strategies consulting team conducted an organizational assessment of JOIN, and also recruited an interim executive director, led a participatory leadership review and evaluation, and supported board development and recruitment.

Strategic Planning

Kathleen guided Cultivate Initiatives staff and board that included engagement with board, staff, and community partners; workshops for the full staff and board; and plan development with a planning committee.

Leadership Transition

The Holt Strategies consulting team provided organizational stability for Partners for the Hunger-Free Oregon during two different leadership transitions. We provided interim ED, supervision, strategic planning, human resources, and executive director recruitment services.

Facilitation

Kathleen facilitated several processes for Youth, Rights & Justice, including a strategic planning process, a staff retreat, and the executive director’s annual review and evaluation.

Work in action

  • Four people sitting on couches and talking in a cozy, decorated living room with an abstract painting, piano, and various decorative items.
  • A diverse group of students sitting in a circle in a classroom, some raising their hands during a discussion or activity.
  • Stack of small cards with green and purple borders and inspirational quotes on a wooden surface.
  • Group of people gathered in a bright room with large windows showing the ocean, some conversing while others wait.
  • Group of people standing outdoors in a grassy area with tall trees and a bright blue sky in the background.
  • Group of people gathered in a circle in a large room, bowing their heads in prayer or reflection, with chairs and note papers around.
  • Notes on a whiteboard with colored sticky notes discussing conflict, dialogue, and understanding in a community or group setting.