KIMBERLY R. GRAYSON
Denver,CO
Summary
Strategic leader with extensive experience leveraging market insights to drive organizational success and growth. Skilled in analytical thinking and visionary strategy development, consistently fostering innovation and leading high-impact teams to achieve ambitious business objectives. Proven track record of steering companies toward success through a collaborative leadership approach that aligns teams with organizational goals, enhancing performance and cultivating a culture of excellence. Expertise in navigating complex challenges, fostering adaptability to evolving market conditions, and maintaining a strong focus on strategic planning and operational excellence.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO & Lead Consultant
Lewallen Consultants
01.2023 - Current
- Increased organizational alignment by redesigning Mile High Youth Corps’ strategic plan into measurable goals and prioritized action steps.
- Improved team collaboration by 30% through Working Genius workshops for nonprofit and education teams focused on communication and accountability.
- Guided The Crowley Foundation’s 3-year strategic roadmap by leading empathy interviews and developing a comprehensive landscape report.
- Strengthened instructional capacity for DSST educators through targeted coaching and literacy-based professional development.
- Delivered leadership workshops that improved cross-functional teamwork and client satisfaction, evidenced through post-session feedback metrics.
Assistant Researcher & Youth Engagement Manager
University of Colorado Boulder
01.2023 - Current
- Direct youth engagement for CDC- and foundation-funded initiatives focused on violence prevention and criminal justice reform.
- Manage three youth-led programs (VOICE, VIBEE & KJKP) supporting 20+ youth advocates in leadership, advocacy, and healing-centered engagement.
- Produced two youth-led documentaries on suicide prevention and gun violence, reaching 1,000+ attendees across five sold-out community screenings.
- Designed and implemented Youthniversity, a year-long leadership program emphasizing empowerment, prevention, and community transformation.
- Partner with research teams to integrate data-driven safety initiatives into K–12 and community-based settings.
Educational Consultant
Savvas Learning Company
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Supported districtwide improvement by coaching leaders and teachers across multiple states to adopt evidence-based instructional practices.
- Delivered job-embedded professional learning and strategic coaching aligned with academic standards and school turnaround frameworks.
- Partnered with administrators to build sustainable systems of practice that improved instructional quality and team collaboration.
Building Principal
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College
01.2013 - 01.2022
- Increased student enrollment by 23% through inclusive program design and targeted family engagement.
- Led full-school transformation recognized nationally for innovation, culture, and academic achievement.
- Achieved 100% special education compliance through development of sustainable accountability systems.
- Retained 90% of leadership staff over nine years by building a culture of coaching, distributed leadership, and trust.
- Established an early-college model enabling students to earn 60+ transferable college credits before graduation.
- Advanced student belonging through affinity groups and equity-centered leadership initiatives.
Secondary Director
Denver School Leaders Association
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Co-authored Denver Public Schools’ first master agreement ensuring transparent evaluation, grievance, and compensation systems for leaders.
- Strengthened equity and accountability structures by institutionalizing collective leader voice within district policy.
- Advocated for leadership well-being and fair compensation through collaborative negotiations with district leadership.
Leadership Coach
Denver Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Coached 14 emerging leaders into principal and assistant principal roles through data-driven, strengths-based leadership development.
- Enhanced instructional leadership across 10+ schools through personalized coaching, observation feedback, and goal setting.
- Improved retention among aspiring administrators by cultivating confidence, clarity, and strategic growth plans.
Education
M.A. Educational Administration -
Newman University
M.A. Curriculum & Instruction - undefined
Newman University
B.A. Elementary Education - undefined
Newman University
Skills
- Effective decision making
- Operational excellence
- Customer focus
- Strategic visioning
Timeline
CEO & Lead Consultant
Lewallen Consultants
01.2023 - Current
Assistant Researcher & Youth Engagement Manager
University of Colorado Boulder
01.2023 - Current
Educational Consultant
Savvas Learning Company
01.2023 - 01.2025
Secondary Director
Denver School Leaders Association
01.2020 - 01.2021
Leadership Coach
Denver Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2021
Building Principal
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College
01.2013 - 01.2022
M.A. Curriculum & Instruction - undefined
Newman University
B.A. Elementary Education - undefined
Newman University
M.A. Educational Administration -
Newman University