I’m Carissa.I help leaders and teams put plans into practice.
A personal note
Why I built Alinea
I built Alinea because I believe too much potential gets lost in the gap between what people and organizations are capable of and what actually happens.
I’m passionate about closing that gap, even when it means asking uncomfortable questions, challenging old ways of thinking, or tackling the problems others would rather avoid.
I want to understand what matters to you, what makes your people tick and what’s really standing in the way, because meaningful change starts with understanding, not assumptions.
If you invite me to the table, I’m bringing everything I’ve got: my experience, my grit, my curiosity and an unwavering commitment to helping you move forward.
The story behind Alinea
From behind the scenes to the head of the table.
Why “Alinea”? Say it a-LEAN-a
In writing, an alinea marks the start of a new line of thought. To me, it means a new beginning and the possibility of what comes next. Growth isn’t about leaving the past behind. It’s about using what you’ve built to shape what comes next.
01
The Foundation
Ten years in administrative support
I learned how organizations really run, and that the people behind the scenes make or break every plan.
02
The Inner Circle
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
Running the office of the president and a 60+ member board put me in the room where strategy gets decided, and made me responsible for carrying it out.
03
The Right Hand
Americans for Fair Treatment
As Chief of Staff, I built the team from the ground up and led the department that grew membership from 350 to 20,000 in 15 months. Proof that the right structure turns a plan into long-term growth.
04
The Head of the Table
IAAP Foundation
As the youngest woman to chair the IAAP Foundation or Association in its 80+ year history, I led the Foundation’s board and a $10M+ portfolio, and learned what boards need to lead well.
05
The Recognition
2026
Named the International Chief of Staff of the Year, chosen from leaders around the world.
06
The Next Chapter
Today · Alinea Strategies
Now I bring every seat I’ve sat in to your table, from my home base in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
What every chapter taught me
Great plans don’t fail on paper. They stall with people.
I’ve been the person carrying out the plan, the one advising the CEO and the one leading the board. That’s why I can see where your plans are getting stuck, and help everyone at the table move them forward.
Credentials
CAP Certified Administrative Professional
PM Project Management certification, IAAP
UC Berkeley Haas Executive Leadership & Communication Certificate
Featured in Executive Support Magazine and OfficePro
In their words
“She takes dysfunction and makes it work.”
Competence. Excellence. These qualities are far too rare in today’s world, but Carissa has them in spades.
Carissa takes problems and resolves them. She takes dysfunction and makes it work. She takes goals and achieves them.
She’s a guru. You will never regret working with her.
