Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Christie Kerner is a seasoned venture leadership and strategy expert, with a proven track record of driving growth and scaling startups. As a versatile business leader, she offers a unique blend of operational expertise, strategic acumen, and a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Venture Leadership + Strategy, AZ CROWN Investments (2024-06-01 to Present)
- Providing strategic guidance and hands-on support to help early-stage startups navigate the challenges of rapid growth
- Leveraging extensive industry knowledge and a strong network to connect founders with resources, talent, and investment opportunities
- Collaborating with the AZ CROWN team to identify and evaluate promising investment opportunities
Board Member, StartupAZ (2024-03-01 to Present)
- Serving on the board of this non-profit organization, which is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Arizona
- Advising on strategic initiatives, program development, and community engagement efforts
COO Coach, Startup COO Club (2024-01-01 to Present)
- Offering personalized coaching and mentorship to startup Chief Operating Officers, helping them optimize operations and drive organizational efficiency
Advisor, Medplace (2024-03-01 to Present)
- Providing strategic guidance and operational expertise to this healthcare technology startup, supporting its growth and market expansion
Principal, Christie Kerner (2010-01-01 to Present)
- Offering consulting services and strategic advisory support to early-stage and growth-stage companies across various industries
Career Progression
Prior to her current roles, Christie Kerner has held several leadership positions within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including:
- Head of Scaling Strategies, AZ CROWN Investments (2021-12-01 to 2024-06-01)
- COO, Medplace (2022-01-01 to 2024-03-01)
- Entrepreneur in Residence, Turbulence (2019-12-01 to 2020-03-01)
- Fractional CPO + Leadership Coach, H Factor (2018-09-01 to 2021-12-01)
- Entrepreneur in Residence, IntraEdge (2018-04-01 to 2019-11-01)
- National Director, Americas, Startup Grind (2016-12-01 to 2018-05-01)
- Executive Director, ASU Student Entrepreneurship, Arizona State University (2016-07-01 to 2017-01-01)
- Director, Center for Entrepreneurship, W. P. Carey, Arizona State University (2016-02-01 to 2017-01-01)
Academic Background
Christie Kerner holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University, where she gained a strong foundation in data-driven problem-solving and process optimization.
Areas of Expertise
- Startup operations and scaling strategies
- Growth hacking and customer acquisition
- Fundraising and investor relations
- Leadership development and team building
- Strategic planning and business model innovation
- Entrepreneurial ecosystem development and community engagement
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Christie has made significant contributions to the entrepreneurial community in Arizona. She has helped numerous startups scale their operations, secure funding, and navigate the complexities of rapid growth. As a board member of StartupAZ and a COO coach, she continues to shape the local startup ecosystem and empower founders to achieve their ambitious goals.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, multifaceted expertise, and a deep passion for entrepreneurship, Christie Kerner is a valuable asset to any organization or startup seeking to drive innovation and sustainable growth. Her strategic vision, operational prowess, and collaborative approach make her a trusted partner for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
