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

  • 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.

  • Rev. Kelly "PK" Chatman, M.Div.

    Executive Director at Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Engagement

    Rev. Chatman is a nationally sought-after teacher of the church in the areas of multi-cultural leadership, community engagement and congregational revitalization. Prior to launching the CLNE, he served for 20 years as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church and as Executive Director of Redeemer Center.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Myron Lowe

    Executive Leadership Coach

    Myron Lowe is a certified professional and leadership coach and consultant for dynamic leaders in complex environments. He designs, facilitates and leads innovative collaborative and cross-functional initiatives. He also coaches adaptive teams, implementing complex change strategies for leadership.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Brian Reinbold

    Mission Specialist

    I have been Leading Leaders, Training Trainers and Coaching Coaches for decades.

The Board

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Richard Schwartz

    Director, Consulting & Group Programs
    Vice Chair, Board of Directors

    Richard 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.