Kara Pettingill

Business development and nonprofit finance professional with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Nonprofit Management Certification. Experienced in board relations, financial management, membership growth, and community/economic development.

Customer Development Manager at Adams Industries (2025-02 – 2025-12)

• Identified and developed new business by understanding customer shipping needs and presenting tailored service solutions.
• Analyzed market and customer trends to uncover growth opportunities; coordinated with Senior Manager on sales strategy and reporting.
• Partnered with marketing to differentiate offerings and ensured smooth transition of new accounts to Account Managers.

Director of Membership at Tulsa Country Club (2024-03 – 2025-01)

• Drove membership, banquet, and event sales through market research, referral cultivation, and prospect nurturing.
• Served as the primary face of the club to prospective members and the community; led the Membership Committee.
• Designed new-member orientation and social integration programs; conducted exit interviews to reduce attrition.
• Participated in budgeting and dues projections, and administered the budget to exceed financial goals.

Director of Membership – Eastern Region at Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (2023-08 – 2024-03)

• Led regional membership recruitment, retention, and engagement strategy across prospects and existing members.
• Oversaw membership data, budget, and reporting for staff and the board of directors; planned engagement events.
• Collaborated cross-functionally with professional development, consulting, and financial services teams on outreach materials.

Professional Financial Services Director at Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (2021-10 – 2023-08)

• Grew and led the Shared Financial Services program, recruiting clients and staff and building sound financial policies.
• Directed a team delivering GAAP-compliant nonprofit accounting: AP/AR, payroll, reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Provided financial consulting to client organizations, including attendance at governance and committee meetings.
• Developed and taught nonprofit accounting and finance curriculum for OKCNP professional development courses.

Executive Director at Catoosa Chamber of Commerce (2020-09 – 2021-05)

• Served as principal spokesperson and ambassador, driving member recruitment, retention, and engagement strategy.
• Directed annual meeting logistics, sponsorship sales, budgeting, and monthly board reporting.
• Maintained relationships with community stakeholders and elected officials while overseeing committees and staffing.

Program Manager / Office Manager at Claremore Economic Development Authority (2018-10 – 2020-09)

• Managed business retention and expansion programs, including Connect Claremore small-business development initiative.
• Oversaw AP/AR, month-end/year-end close, and financial reporting to the boards of CIEDA, Claremore Regional Airport, Claremore Inc., and city TIF districts.
• Maintained property and business databases to support recruitment efforts; prepared and submitted municipal RFPs.

Co-Owner / Operator at Patriot Outdoor Living (2010-01 – 2018-10)

• Co-owned and operated a landscape business, managing marketing and sales through cold-calling, cold-emailing, door-to-door outreach, trade shows, and social media.
• Oversaw all company finances, including AP/AR, invoicing and collections, bi-weekly payroll for up to 10 employees, bank reconciliations, and monthly/annual tax reporting.
• Managed landscape project budgets and business operations, including licensing, insurance, and monthly/annual financial closeouts to stakeholders.

Supervisor at Cardon Outreach (2009-10 – 2010-08)

• Supervised a team of 6 employees at the Tulsa Hillcrest office, including hiring and termination decisions.
• Helped uninsured and underinsured patients apply for benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, Indian Health Service, and Social Security Disability, managing over 100 patient accounts.
• Partnered with the hospital's billing office and Finance Officer to ensure accurate, timely patient billing, reporting weekly to area and district managers.

Accounting & HR Assistant at Traditions Homecare, Inc. (2008-12 – 2009-08)

• Administered payroll for over 100 employees and managed accounts payable for 7 offices using QuickBooks.
• Supported the HR Director with employee record-keeping, filing, and new employee onboarding.
• Handled general administrative duties, including multi-line phone coverage and other office support as needed.

Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership – Northeastern State University (2019-12)

Associate of Arts in Elementary Education – Rogers State University (2015-05)