Five nonprofit leaders. Six months of learning. A lifetime of impact.
Five nonprofit leaders serving Cobb County have graduated from the nationally recognized Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) program, completing six months of intensive leadership and nonprofit management training through Kennesaw State University in partnership with Cobb Community Foundation.
Representing organizations dedicated to the arts, education, youth mentoring, family support, and community outreach, the graduates strengthened their expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, nonprofit operations, leadership, and board governance—all while continuing to lead their organizations and serve the community.
Participants completed the nationally recognized Certified Nonprofit Professional online curriculum and built on that foundation through in-person workshops led by Dr. Jennifer Wade-Berg, then Assistant Dean of Student Success at KSU’s Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, collaborative learning with fellow nonprofit leaders, and strategic projects tailored to strengthen their own organizations.
Beyond the coursework, graduates found encouragement in one another, discovering that while each organization serves a different mission, they share many of the same opportunities and challenges. Together, they exchanged ideas, celebrated successes, and discovered there is strength in diverse perspectives—that when leaders come together with a shared commitment to serving others, great things can happen.
As part of the program, each graduate’s organization received a $5,000 unrestricted “Big Finish” grant from Cobb Community Foundation to help implement the strategic projects and organizational improvements developed throughout the program.
The 2026 Certified Nonprofit Professional graduates are:
- Andy Gaines, Executive Director, Friends of The Strand / Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
- Laura Kraus, Executive Director, Marietta Schools Foundation
- Kristen Thompson, Executive Director, Marietta Mentoring for Leadership
- Carolyn Turner, Founder & Executive Director, HOPE Family Resource Center
- Jody Vane, President, Cobb Moms Helping Cobb
“Every thriving community depends on strong nonprofit leaders. We’re so grateful for our partnership with Kennesaw State University, and for the investment of our Corporate Community Champions who make opportunities like this possible,” said Shari Martin, President & CEO of Cobb Community Foundation. “Watching these leaders grow in their knowledge, confidence and vision is exciting because we know their growth will strengthen the organizations they serve—and ultimately strengthen our entire community.”
For more information about Cobb Community Foundation and future Certified Nonprofit Professional opportunities, visit CobbFoundation.org. Learn more about our Corporate Champions at cobbfoundation.org/businesses/corporate-community-champion/.
(L-R): Kimberly Henghold, Kennesaw State University, Casey Tanner, Kennesaw State University, Andy Gaines,Friends of the Strand /Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre; Laura Kraus, Marietta Schools Foundation; Kristen Thompson, Marietta Mentoring for Leadership Program; Carolyn Turner, HOPE Family Resource Center; Jody Vane, Cobb Moms Helping Cobb, Shari Martin, Cobb Community Foundation
Andy Gaines
Friends of The Strand / Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
“Friends of The Strand is a cultural and economic anchor in Marietta, presenting live performances, films, and community programming that use the arts to foster connection and belonging. The CNP program has helped me strengthen my leadership as we celebrate The Strand’s 90th anniversary and prepare for our next chapter of growth and impact.”
Laura Kraus
Marietta Schools Foundation
“The Marietta Schools Foundation stewards more than 70 endowments that fund everything from scholarships and the arts to STEM, athletics, literacy, and emerging student needs. The CNP program has helped strengthen our capacity to grow that impact—so our endowments can support even more opportunities, respond to evolving needs, and serve Marietta students for generations to come.”
Kristen Thompson
Marietta Mentoring for Leadership
“Marietta Mentoring for Leadership pairs consistent, caring, long-term mentors with students so they can thrive in school and beyond. The CNP program has helped me strengthen the systems behind that work—from governance and evaluation to volunteer engagement and sustainable funding—so our impact endures long after any one leader.”
Carolyn Turner
HOPE Family Resource Center
“After 17 years leading HOPE Family Resource Center, the CNP program has helped me strengthen our organization’s sustainability and prepare for future growth. I’m better equipped to build systems that ensure families continue to receive food, clothing, shelter, and educational support for years to come.”
Jody Vane
Cobb Moms Helping Cobb
“Cobb Moms Helping Cobb provides essential support for rent, utilities, housing, transportation, food, childcare, and school supplies to families in need. The CNP program has helped me strengthen our governance, fundraising, and financial management, positioning our organization for long-term growth and even greater community impact.”
