Consuelo L. Ross
Lee’s Summit,MO
Summary
Visionary Leader | Strategic Innovator | Civic Changemaker Dynamic, mission-driven executive with over 30 years of cross-sector leadership in organizational strategy, governance, fiscal stewardship, and social impact. Proven success leading complex organizations, aligning stakeholders across business, government, and community sectors, and delivering measurable outcomes in equity, leadership development, and economic transformation. Adept at building high-performing teams, stewarding resources, and leading initiatives that drive systemic change and inclusive prosperity.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President and Interim Leader
Civic Council of Greater Kansas City
01.2024 - Current
- Leading strategic engagement and operational functions of one of the region’s most impactful civic organizations.
- Spearhead initiatives focused on economic development, workforce equity, and regional competitiveness.
- Manage organizational strategy, financial forecasting, HR, benefit and member engagement.
- Serve as public-facing leader and spokesperson, cultivating relationships with business leaders, elected officials, civic and community partners.
- Oversee Kansas City Tomorrow, a premier leadership development program, with full responsibility for curriculum, recruitment, facilitation, and alumni engagement.
- Drive civic advocacy efforts and mobilize collective impact across the region.
Founder & President
Surviving the Odds, Inc.
01.2010 - Current
- Founded and lead a health equity nonprofit focused on eliminating disparities in breast cancer outcomes in underserved and disproportionate communities.
- Built partnerships across healthcare, academia, and government to deliver education, screening, and navigation services in underserved communities.
- Advocated for policy reform and equity-based funding at local and state levels.
- Developed and led capital campaigns, program evaluation, and volunteer mobilization strategies.
- Served as keynote speaker and media advocate on issues of health equity, survivorship, and community empowerment.
Director, Finance Administration & Leadership Development
Civic Council of Greater Kansas City
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Directed operational and financial systems, while leading a regional leadership pipeline initiative.
- Designed and executed annual organizational budgets, ensuring alignment with mission priorities.
- Oversaw financial audits, compliance, HR policy, and technology upgrades to increase efficiency.
- Expanded Kansas City Tomorrow’s influence, resulting in increased civic participation and public appointments.
- Built sustainable frameworks for tracking organizational metrics and programmatic impact.
Executive Assistant / Operations Manager
Civic Council of Greater Kansas City
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Led internal operations, developed administrative systems, and managed leadership development programming.
- Created technology infrastructure to support data management and digital communications.
- Maintained membership relationships and supported governance functions for the executive committee and the board of directors.
Executive Finance Administrator
Andrews McMeel Universal
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Provided executive-level support to C-suite leadership of large-scale corporations.
- Managed multimillion-dollar budgets, streamlined financial operations, and oversaw corporate governance logistics.
- Directed large-scale events, board meetings, and national initiatives involving major manufacturing clients.
- Supervised cross-functional teams and led technological integration across various locations and departments.
Executive Operations Administrator
Jack Cooper Transport Co.
01.2004 - 01.2012
- Provided executive-level support to C-suite leadership of large-scale corporations.
- Managed multimillion-dollar budgets, streamlined financial operations, and oversaw corporate governance logistics.
- Directed large-scale events, board meetings, and national initiatives involving major manufacturing clients.
- Supervised cross-functional teams and led technological integration across various locations and departments.
Education
B.A. - Organizational Leadership & Communication
Rockhurst University
Executive Director’s Institute Certificate - undefined
Nonprofit Connect
Certified Patient Navigator - undefined
Harold P. Freeman Institute
Certified Application Counselor - undefined
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Skills
- Executive Leadership & Governance
- Organizational Growth & Transformation
- Strategic Visioning & Planning
- Multi-Sector Collaboration
- Financial Strategy & Budget Oversight
- Advocacy & Policy
- Leadership Development Programs
- DE&I Strategy & Implementation
- Board Development & Engagement
- Civic & Community Impact
Awards
Woman of Courage Award – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated (2019), Achievement Award – Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated (2016), Unsung Hero Organization of the Year – Ford Motor Company (2015), Survivor of the Year – R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation (2015), Hometown Hero – Glamour Magazine (2015)
Community Service
Chair, Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee, Founder, KC Cancer Equity Alliance, Board Member, Bra Couture Kansas City (Breast Cancer Awareness), Director of Strategy, Hot Stiletto (Domestic Violence Awareness), Co-Chair, Delta Sigma Theta KCMO Alumnae Chapter, Board Member, Delta Educational and Economic Development Foundation, Co-Author & Research Analyst, KU Cancer Center (Project Best)
Affiliations
- American Cancer Society, Patient Navigator Roundtable
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- Executive Women International
- National Consortium of Breast Centers
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
- Gilead Health Equity Advisory Board
- KU Cancer Center Project Best
Timeline
Vice President and Interim Leader
Civic Council of Greater Kansas City
01.2024 - Current
Director, Finance Administration & Leadership Development
Civic Council of Greater Kansas City
01.2018 - 01.2024
Executive Assistant / Operations Manager
Civic Council of Greater Kansas City
01.2015 - 01.2018
Executive Finance Administrator
Andrews McMeel Universal
01.2012 - 01.2014
Founder & President
Surviving the Odds, Inc.
01.2010 - Current
Executive Operations Administrator
Jack Cooper Transport Co.
01.2004 - 01.2012
Executive Director’s Institute Certificate - undefined
Nonprofit Connect
Certified Patient Navigator - undefined
Harold P. Freeman Institute
Certified Application Counselor - undefined
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
B.A. - Organizational Leadership & Communication
Rockhurst University
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