Chasity Kuttrus is a business owner, strategic thinker and executive coach with more than 20 years experience with Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial firms. She started her career at Andersen Consulting, then sharpened her project management skills at the NC Group/CompuCom, where she managed their entire regional HR effort. Later, she became the HR Director for the America’s at NCR in Dayton, Ohio.
After 10 years as a Partner of Ray & Barney Group, she founded Executive Elements (https://www.exec-elements.com), an executive coaching firm specializing in building successful female leaders. “Female leadership development is a critical aspect of a company’s success” Chasity insists. “Research shows that companies that foster and support their top female executives have better business results and lower turnover rates.”
Chasity is also active in her community, previously chairing the Board of Directors at the YWCA. She’s an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where she was part of Strategic Planning Committee. She’s an advocate of the Women’s Fund, a running coach for Girls on the Run and also leads the work of Women at the Table, an organization dedicated to getting more women onto executive boards.
“I have had the honor and humble privilege to get to know Chasity in multiple capacities,” says Nichole Dunn, CEO of the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. “She is an authentic leader demonstrating deep intelligence, compassion and passion for the vision at hand; particularly the full potential being reached for other women in leadership roles or evolving into their leadership.”
A committed follower of Jesus, Chasity includes the spiritual dimension in her coaching discussions. “I am able to bring up faith in one-on-one situations because of the trusting relationship we create. I can ask my clients how they’re doing personally, professionally and spiritually.”
Given Chasity’s deep faith and community involvement, it’s no surprise she’s plugged into Pinnacle Forum. “My dear friend Rob D’Orazio, who leads Fellowship of Christian Athletes, had introduced me to Steve Fedyski when he was in Columbus in 2013,” Chasity recalls. “I started a Forum group for women shortly after returning from the Pinnacle Forum National Conference in Arizona in 2014. The conference was encouraging, inspiring and validating. I heard success stories and personal testimonies of how communities were being impacted by Pinnacle Forum Partners and I thought, why not here in Columbus? Why not now?
“My husband was supportive of me getting involved despite our very busy lifestyle,” Chasity adds. “A mom of two small children, we discussed my taking on another responsibility. After prayerfully considering Pinnacle Forum, I sensed an open door.”
Chasity knows firsthand that women often carry a heavier burden at work, home and church. Many church and Bible study groups meet during the day, which eliminates a lot of women. “We meet early on Tuesday mornings,” Chasity says of her Forum group, “and our busy schedules haven’t been a deterrent. The trust, focus and accountability are exactly what I need.
“Chasity also meets regularly with Paul Kilzer, who heads up Pinnacle Forum in Columbus, to share information and coordinate activities. “Pinnacle Forum offers a public Forum for Christian leaders to come together in small groups,” Chasity says. “We want to understand and effectively support other Partners in the Christian community. Our goal is simple, we would love to expand the Pinnacle Forum footprint in Central Ohio.”
Would Chasity encourage other busy women to carve out time for a Forum-type group? Absolutely. “My Pinnacle Forum group has been an incredible investment of my time,” she says. “The energy, education and encouragement I get back are so rewarding. Yes, it’s another activity, but it fills my spiritual tank.”
