Courtney UnderwoodCEO | Senior Strategist
areas of expertise
- Management Consulting
- Engagement and Culture
- Leadership Development
- Executive Coaching
education
- SHRM-SCP Certified
- SHRM Specialty Credential, Workplace Investigations
- Gallup Certified Strengths Coach
- BLI Leadership Fellow, Institute of Nonprofit Practice
Courtney Underwood is the Senior Strategist and CEO of Kassar Consulting.
For more than two decades, Courtney has led organizational transformation, executive development, and culture initiatives across nonprofit and corporate environments.
Kassar Consulting focuses on delivering practical tools and resources that leaders an actually implement. We are invested in the success of our clients, and that is what sets us apart from the competition.
A proud Chicago native, Courtney graduated from DePaul University. She is an award-winning thought leader, noted public speaker, published author, SHRM Senior Certified Professional and a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. After serving domestic and international clients across several different industries, Courtney knew that she had to bring the proven strategies she created to heart-centered organizations with purpose.
In recognition of her civic commitments, she is an 2025 BLI Fellow with the Institute of Nonprofit Practice. Previously, she was recognized as an IMPACT Leadership Development Fellow and a 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Black Women Professionals League.
Outside of her professional commitments, Courtney spends quality time with her family, mentors youth, and explores her new hometown of Dallas, Texas.
publications
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3 Seemingly Innocent Signs of a Toxic Work Culture
Pay attention to these things before it’s too late.
January 16, 2023 -
Creating Your Employee Handbook? Don’t Include These 3 Things
Handbooks are more than just a formality. Take the time to get it right – your team, partners, customers and vendors will all thank you for it.
December 29, 2022
Whether you’re just starting out or need a completely outsourced HR partner, we have the solutions you need.
Courtney Underwood is the real deal! I was fortunate enough to meet Courtney when we both spoke on a panel at Success Junkie Summit. Since then, I’ve gotten to experience her phenomenal work with Kassar Consulting. From seeing this great work, I asked her to come to speak to my students at Chicago Urban League’s NextDEAL Entrepreneurship program. She lead an amazing presentation on best HR and business practices, and she was one of the classes favorite presenters. I highly recommend Courtney if you need a dynamic speaker, presenter, or HR needs for your business.
