Chief of Staff & Strategic Operations Partner

I create structure that brings clarity and flow.

I work alongside founders, executives, and teams to turn ideas into organized systems and steady progress. My focus is helping people move from complexity to clarity—building the structure, rhythm, and communication that keep work aligned and moving forward.

Let's Connect
Leigh Christie

About Leigh

My background in law taught me precision and attention to detail, and for more than 15 years I've led teams and built programs across nonprofits, investment networks, and global business organizations—turning vision into measurable results locally and abroad.

What defines my work isn't just the systems or strategies—it's the way people feel supported, understood, and aligned through the process.

I help teams and clients find clarity in complexity and confidence in the path forward. I've served on numerous boards and advisory groups, helping shape strategy, measure impact, and guide organizations through seasons of growth and transition.

Every success I've led begins with alignment and trust—because progress happens when people feel grounded and working toward a shared goal.

Background

  • 15+ years leading teams across nonprofits, investment networks, and global organizations
  • Legal background with expertise in precision and strategic thinking
  • Board member and strategic advisor to multiple organizations
  • Experience guiding organizations through growth and transition
  • Runner, writer working on first manuscript, and mother to two college-aged daughters

Expertise

Strategic Leadership & Chief of Staff

Alignment, trusted advisory, and meaningful impact.

Strategy & Alignment

Partnering with CEOs, founders, and boards to define direction and translate high-level goals into actionable plans that drive measurable results.

Leadership Planning & Advisory

Facilitating executive planning cycles, board retreats, and strategic discussions to ensure alignment between vision, priorities, and operations.

Organizational Design & Decision Systems

Building structures for decision-making, communication, and accountability that improve clarity and team performance.

Program Infrastructure & Governance

Designing and implementing frameworks that sustain leadership and community programs with consistency and long-term impact.

Cross-Functional Implementation

Coordinating across departments and stakeholders to drive initiatives forward, connecting dots and maintaining strategic momentum.

Community & Alumni Strategy

Developing ecosystems that foster belonging, shared purpose, and ongoing engagement across leadership networks.

Operations Expertise

Structure, systems, and steady follow-through.

Program Development

Partnering with leadership teams to design and launch initiatives that strengthen engagement, outreach, and alignment with organizational goals.

Executive Events

Leading logistics for high-level gatherings, ensuring seamless end-to-end coordination from concept through follow-up.

International Delegations

Curating and managing multi-day itineraries for visiting CEOs and founders, connecting them with investors, accelerators, and innovation partners.

CEO & Founder Resources

Authoring comprehensive guides for executives, providing strategies and logistics to maximize investor engagement and business development opportunities.

Operational Support

Streamlining team coordination and internal workflows, creating reliable structure that keeps priorities clear and progress measurable.

Strategic Systems

Developing frameworks for roles, decision-making, and project tracking to enable clarity, accountability, and consistent execution.

Work With Me

I partner with executives, founders, and leadership teams who want structure, clarity, and steady progress in how they operate and lead.

What to Expect

Whether you're refining systems, clarifying priorities, or connecting strategy to execution, I help translate ideas into organized plans and coordinated action. My role is to bring calm structure to complexity—so the work feels clear, aligned, and supported from start to finish.

I start with a short conversation to understand your goals, priorities, and challenges. From there, we define where structure and support can make the most meaningful impact—whether through a defined project, ongoing advisory, or operational partnership.

Every engagement is grounded in clear communication, thoughtful systems, and steady follow-through.

How I Can Help

  • Operational Structure & Clarity Strengthening internal processes, workflows, and communication so teams stay aligned and focused on what matters most.
  • Chief of Staff Partnership Supporting leaders through planning cycles, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional execution.
  • Leadership Team Coordination Creating systems that connect people, decisions, and priorities across departments and projects.

In Their Words

I'm honored by the trust my clients and partners place in me. Below are reflections from leaders and individuals I've had the privilege to support.

Event Strategy & Executive Coordination

"Leigh Christie brings clarity and calm precision to achieving the organizational and networking goals I set for a group of 50 CEOs visiting Austin. Thanks to her leadership and coordination, the group concluded their visit having made meaningful and lasting connections."

Laura J. Kilcrease Chair, UFCU | Chair, CAAIN

Operational Strategy & Systems Design

"Her superpower is making systems and processes more efficient and aligned while still being highly effective and human. Leigh's skillset and expertise make her beyond capable of tackling any project or initiative—even in highly complex social and organizational scenarios—with a direct, useful, and thoughtful presence."

Jen Spencer Founder & CEO, The Creative Executive

Leadership & Program Operations

"Leigh is a thoughtful communicator, always mapping out the full cadence of communication. This means that I never have to worry about how we execute the dozen or so events that we are responsible for. Leigh is truly a partner to me and our entire program has been strengthened and elevated as a result of her specific expertise."

L. Ashley McLain, AICP Business Founder/Environmental Consultant (retired), Author

Organizational Strategy & Event Leadership

"Leigh Christie and I have worked together at different times over the last twenty years. She's a fixer, leader and closer. We agree on objectives and she gets things done. I can count on her to keep me informed and to circle back if there are any issues, otherwise I know the project is done."

Eugene Sepulveda Co-founder & CEO, Culturati

Strategic Planning & Executive Collaboration

"Leigh demonstrated exceptional strategic insight in shaping approaches that advanced our goals and effectively coordinated with executive and community leaders to deliver meaningful, lasting outcomes. She is a strong collaborator and initiator, bringing outstanding organizational and follow-through capabilities to every project."

David Altounian Vice Provost, Salve Regina University

Executive Collaboration & Program Leadership

"Over the past two years, Leigh has been a cornerstone of our success. She brings calm authority, impeccable judgment, and the kind of operational excellence every organization hopes to find. She is a true pleasure to work with and one of our most trusted partners."

Myste Wylde COO, Culturati

Program Leadership & Event Coordination

"Her ability to bring clarity, structure, and momentum to any initiative is remarkable. Leigh's approach is grounded in empathy, efficiency, and clear communication. She manages time with precision and brings a calm, proactive energy to every project. Anyone who has the chance to work with her is in excellent hands."

Tamsen Marklund Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

Contact me at:

LChristie@gmail.com

Austin, Texas