Krystal Cason, Chief Program Officer
‍
Krystal Cason is a results-driven nonprofit leader with nearly two decades of experience in strategy, operations, and leadership development. She specializes in guiding organizations toward financial growth, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability. A proven change agent, Krystal has helped nonprofits navigate evolving landscapes, ensuring they innovate, adapt, and thrive in pursuit of their missions.

As Chief Program Officer, she leads a team of nonprofit management experts, equipping organizations with the strategic insights and tools needed to scale their impact. Previously, as Director of Strategy and Operational Effectiveness, she spearheaded initiatives that strengthened long-term planning and operational resilience. She led the Agile Strategy Planning Lab and launched the Operations Collective, providing nonprofit leaders with critical resources in strategic growth, revenue generation, marketing and communications, and change management.  

Krystal's expertise spans education, government, and youth services. As Director of Impact and Innovation at a national nonprofit, she leveraged data and human-centered design to enhance educator training and develop a professional learning program addressing pandemic-era challenges. At the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, she oversaw over 900 after-school programs, led citywide training efforts, and shaped key youth development policies.  

Her dedication to youth development took root early in her career at Girls Incorporated of New York, where she collaborated with academic institutions and community-based organizations to build life-changing programs for girls across New York City. A visionary and trusted advisor, Krystal is committed to strengthening nonprofits, amplifying community voices, and driving change for communities to flourish.

She holds a sociology degree from Hunter College, where she developed a deep understanding of systemic inequities and social change, and has advanced professional training in strategic management, community psychology, and social impact evaluation.