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I bring a unique mix of nonprofit executive leadership, government policy experience, and strategic capacity-building expertise. I understand the challenges of growth, transition, and high-priority execution — and I help organizations navigate them with clarity, equity, and sustainability in mind.
About Me
About Me
Board recognition for executive leadership and long-term impact.
I’m Christine Soyong Harley, a nonprofit leader and consultant with 20 years of experience guiding organizations through growth, change, and transition. As a mixed-race Asian American/ Indigenous woman of color leader, I specialize in helping mission-driven organizations strengthen and support their leadership to achieve sustainable impact through an equity and justice lens.
Known for my collaborative leadership style and values-driven approach, my career has taken me from leading national policy initiatives to serving in President Obama's Administration, to becoming President & CEO of a nonprofit in transformation. There I doubled the budget, built a diverse and supportive organizational culture, and expanded a national network of partners working collaboratively to advance progress.
I’ve worked inside nonprofit organizations, and within state and federal government, which means I understand the unique challenges mission-driven leaders face: balancing vision with day-to-day realities, navigating transitions, and building the systems and resources needed for long-term sustainability.
Today, I partner with U.S. and Canadian nonprofits, foundations, and coalitions to strengthen leadership, embed equity, and deliver results that last. Whether stepping in as a fractional executive, facilitating a strategic planning retreat, or driving high-priority initiatives, I bring steady leadership, clear strategy, and a collaborative spirit to every engagement. My goal is to help organizations not only stabilize and grow, but also align their strategies with equity, inclusion, and long-term sustainability.
I offer a proven track record in:
Strategic planning and organizational change
Equity-centered leadership and DEI frameworks
Leading high-priority, cross-functional projects and initiatives
Interim executive leadership and executive transition support
I'm also a first-generation college graduate who holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s in Politics from Oberlin College. I have been recognized as a Rockwood Leadership Fellow, a Center for American Progress Leadership Fellow, and a Future Leader by the Overseas Korea Foundation.
Values and Approach
Values and Approach
My Values
Clarity & Focus. Organizations are most effective when strategy translates into action. I prioritize focus, alignment, and disciplined decision-making to cut through complexity and focus on what matters most.
Collaboration & Partnership. Change happens when we work together. I believe in working collaboratively with boards, leaders, and teams so that your vision is realized and executed.
Sustainability & Growth. Strong organizations balance immediate needs with long-term health. My goal is to build systems that create durable and stronger solutions, leadership, and capacity.
Equity & Inclusion. Every organization incorporate intentional and embedded equity throughout their practice. I specialize in race, gender, and LGBTQIA+ equity principles and support organizations in making inclusion practical and sustainable.
How I Work
How I Work
Senior-level judgment. I bring executive experience navigating political pressure, financial risk, and leadership transition, and know when precision and restraint matter as much as bold action.
Execution-oriented focus. I understand the accountability expectations of funders and boards and help ensure initiatives are structured, documented, and implemented in ways that withstand scrutiny, evolve over time, and are sustainable.
Values grounded in operational reality. I align teams, clarify roles and decision-making, and reduce friction so organizational energy is spent on results rather than internal strain.
Organization-first partnership. I work alongside boards and leaders to prioritize the organization’s mission, stability, and long-term health—supporting hard decisions and confident follow-through.
I help institutions move from pilot or transition to sustained implementation, with clear milestones, learning loops, and accountability at each stage.
Current and Past Clients
Current and Past Clients
Philanthropy Northwest
Philanthropy Northwest
2020 Census Consultant
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US
Interim President & CEO
SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change
SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change
Executive Transition Consultant
Korean Canadian Scholarship Foundation
Korean Canadian Scholarship Foundation
Fractional Managing Director
Client Testimonials
Client Testimonials
I feel so fortunate to have been able to learn from you in this time together, and so grateful for your generosity of time and wisdom to make this transition so smooth!
Callie Simon, Executive Director of SIECUS
I left the retreat feeling renewed and excited for the future of our organization. Thankful to Chris for guiding us through the strategic planning retreat and helping us trust the process!
Phil Chang, Board Member of KCSF
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