Transformational leadership for times of transition

Community Collaborations helps organizations thrive and grow during times of change or uncertainty. We see transitional moments as opportunities to lay a foundation of strength for your next chapter. 

Who we are

Community Collaborations provides fractional executive services to mission-driven companies, including interim CEO roles, transition planning, succession strategies, and other C-Suite functions. 

Whether you’re a small to mid-sized business, a nonprofit, or a family-owned enterprise, we bring the leadership experience, multi-sector knowledge, and compassionate approach needed to guide you through leadership transitions and beyond. With tailored strategies and hands-on support, we’re here to strengthen and stabilize your organization during times of evolution, and position it for lasting success.

MEET OUR FOUNDER

Kelly Chopus, Experienced CEO and Certified Interim Executive

Kelly Chopus is a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. As the founder of Community Collaborations, she specializes in fractional executive services, guiding organizations through leadership transitions, strategic planning, and organizational and executive development. She has successfully supported a variety of organizations, from regional nonprofits to family-owned enterprises, stabilizing operations, nurturing teams, and building momentum for the future.

  • Kelly’s career spans decades of impactful work, including her role as President and CEO of the Robins Foundation in Richmond, Virginia, where she oversaw one of the region’s largest family foundations. During her tenure, she managed operations, grantmaking, and strategic initiatives, cementing her reputation as a trusted leader in the philanthropic sector. Prior to this, she served as Director of Community Relations for Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 aerospace and defense manufacturer, where she led global corporate giving, community relations, and volunteerism efforts.

    Kelly is well-acquainted with high-pressure environments and has significant experience driving meaningful outcomes for diverse organizations. Her expertise extends into the world of sports and events, having served as Vice President of Business Operations for the WNBA Charlotte Sting and as an Associate Producer for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. 

    As a certified interim executive, Kelly provides expert guidance to organizations facing transitions. Her work includes interim CEO roles, succession & strategic planning, organizational assessments, and leadership coaching for newly appointed executives. Her mission is to help businesses, nonprofits, and family enterprises thrive during times of change with compassionate leadership and actionable strategies.

    Beyond her professional achievements, Kelly is deeply committed to fostering strong relationships and creating lasting connections in her community. She co-founded the Virginia Funders Network and has served on numerous boards and committees, including Chamber RVA, Venture Richmond, the National Center for Family Philanthropy, and Philanthropy Southeast. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to community impact have earned her accolades including the 2012 Mover and Shaker Award and recognition as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte, North Carolina.

    Kelly is proud to bring her unique blend of expertise, compassion, and strategic vision to every partnership. She is equally proud of her role as a wife, mother of three, and advocate for meaningful change in the communities she serves.

““When our founding CEO retired, Kelly’s extensive experience and first hand knowledge of our organization were a huge relief. Her services guided us through a time of major transition and set us up for continued success. But it was her warmth, care, and supportive management style that stood out most to our 100+ employees.””
— Clara Stokes, Chief Advancement Officer, CARITAS

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Experienced leadership + compassionate collaboration = strong futures

We believe in the power of relationships, transparency, and collaboration to guide organizations through important transitions with integrity and care.

Our values:

  • Partnership: We work side by side with our clients, building trust and fostering collaboration to achieve shared goals.

  • Relationship-building: We create lasting connections based on respect, empathy, and a genuine commitment to your success.

  • Transparency: Open and honest communication is at the heart of everything we do.

  • Integrity: Every decision we make is rooted in what’s best for our clients and their organizations.

  • Impact: We are dedicated to providing expert leadership and thoughtful strategies that drive meaningful results.

  • Readiness: You’ll feel our support from day one. We step in immediately, prepared to lead, create stability, and strategically grow you into your next chapter.

Our mission

To provide seamless and effective C-Suite leadership during periods of transition, helping organizations navigate vulnerabilities, maintain momentum, and achieve long-term success.

Our vision

Organizations that continue their exceptional, important work during times of transition, using change as the catalyst to grow and evolve.

About our name

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” - African proverb

The name of our company, Community Collaborations, could be read as either two nouns or two verbs. And that is intentional. Neither Community or Collaboration are ever static. They are dynamic and ever-changing, just like the organizations we serve.

Community is about making an impact where you live, and building community is a team sport – a collaboration. It is said that many hands make light work. But it also takes many hands to make life work, for ourselves, our neighbors, and the amazing organizations who serve us all. And so we at Community Collaborations are deeply dedicated to helping these dynamic, striving organizations thrive. Doing so lifts all of us up.

Plus, it’s no fun to build, grow, or dream alone. Come collaborate with us to build the community we all want and need. No matter the change or challenge, we can work together to create an impactful and joyful future for your organization.

Why choose interim leadership?

An interim executive offers immediate, expert leadership to guide your organization through transitions with stability and purpose. This forward-thinking solution provides the expertise and momentum needed to set the stage for long-term success.

  • Immediate readiness

    Our veteran leaders step in to bring expertise, stability, and strategic guidance from day one.

  • Strategic breathing room

    Boards gain the time to thoughtfully plan for the next permanent leader while maintaining operational momentum.

  • Capacity building

    Internal teams gain clarity on strategic direction, strengthen operations, and foster a culture ready for the next chapter.

  • Specialized expertise

    Our interim executives bring unique skillsets tailored to foundations, nonprofits, and businesses, ensuring informed and effective decision-making.

  • Continuity of leadership

    Our interim leaders maintain organizational stability. They honor the past while preparing the groundwork for a successful future.

  • Unbiased perspective

    Interims bring a fresh, external viewpoint, helping to identify opportunities and challenges with clarity.

  • Focused transition support

    Our interim leaders are duty-bound to leave the organization stronger, more stable, and well-prepared for the incoming executive.

If you’re looking for compassionate, experienced leadership support to bridge the gap between your organization’s past and its next chapter, let’s collaborate.