Not Bridging Gaps, Scaling Them

Fractional Leadership for Businesses, Nonprofits and Founders

Not Bridging Gaps, Scaling Them

Fractional Leadership for Businesses, Nonprofits and Founders

Leadership When You Need It Most

I work as a Fractional Operations Director for businesses, nonprofits, and founders that need senior-level leadership but don’t need (or can’t sustain) a long-term, full-time hire at that level. I design and deliver practical strategies that help organizations and leaders simplify processes, build capacity, and create sustainable impact.

Burned Out or Stretched Too Thin?

Fractional leadership is the right fit when:

You’re growing, but your systems, structure, and capacity aren’t.
Strategic work keeps getting buried under day-to-day fires.
No one clearly “owns” operations, administration, human resources, or project/program oversight.
Consultants have given you a plan, but no one has time to execute it.
Team capacity is stretched thin and burnout is creeping in or already here.
You need senior-level leadership now, but not at a full-time cost.

Where Ownership Meets Execution

Many organizations know what they want to accomplish, but they do not always have the internal time, structure, or operational knowledge to get it done. That is where I come in.

As a fractional leader, I am embedded in the organization for a defined number of hours each month - accountable for outcomes, not just advice. I partner closely with staff and leadership to stabilize systems, strengthen operations, and move priority work forward effectively. I carry some of the weight so you can focus on what you do best.

When To Bring Me In

A Fractional Operations Director can:

Create order out of operational chaos when systems, workflows, or responsibilities have grown unclear
Turn strategic priorities into clear plans that move forward — without adding more work to already stretched teams
Improve how work gets done by clarifying roles, rebuilding processes, and reducing friction
Address operational pain points before they become crises
Fill leadership gaps immediately during turnover, leave, or periods of uncertainty
Support teams through change with clear communication, structure, and follow-through

How We'll Work Together

1

Schedule a Consultation

Your first 45-minute consultation is free! Let’s feel each other out and look for a mutual fit.

2

1

Bring Your Tough Challenges
& Big Ideas

Come to your consultation ready to tell me about what you’re working on and where you’d like to go next.

3

1

3

Co-Create a Plan or Chart
Your Next Steps

Your consultation will result in a plan to work together or next steps you can take on your own.

Different From Consulting

Consulting is about recommendations.
Fractional leadership is about ownership and execution.
As a consultant, the work often ends with a plan, report, or set of recommendations.
As a fractional leader, I stay embedded as the work moves forward.
I take responsibility for priorities and decisions while honoring staff capacity, culture, and change fatigue.
I don’t need to be managed, I manage what matters so you can shine.

Operations-minded execution support for businesses, nonprofits, and founders.

About Karen Swinger, MBA

Custom-Built, Process-Driven Solutions.

Karen Swinger, MBA, is an innovative management consultant who equips business executives, nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs to realize their visions and achieve their goals. With more than 25 years of experience working in nonprofits and small businesses, Karen brings a practical, holistic approach to operations that prepares clients to grow sustainably.

She is a pragmatic accountability partner and empathetic coach, helping clients remove barriers, simplify processes, and protect their time.

Karen is also committed to giving back and has supported her local community as Board Vice Chair with Of Color, Inc. former Board Director of the Oak Park-River Forest Rotary Club, and General Business Coach with Sunshine Enterprises.

Let's talk through what you're trying to move forward.

Send a note at the link below. We will respond by the next business day!

Midwest Management Services, LLC

Services Available Nationwide

312.248.4888 (office) | karen@midwestmanage.com (email)

Not Bridging Gaps, Scaling Them

Not Bridging Gaps, Scaling Them

Leadership When You Need It Most

Burned Out or Stretched Too Thin?

Fractional leadership is the right fit when:

Where Ownership Meets Execution

When To Bring Me In

A Fractional Operations Director can:

How We'll Work Together

1

1

1

2

1

1

3

1

3

Different From Consulting

Operations-minded execution support for businesses, nonprofits, and founders.

About Karen Swinger, MBA

Custom-Built, Process-Driven Solutions.

Let's talk through what you're trying to move forward.

Midwest Management Services, LLC

Stop Carrying It Alone... Let's Chat

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