Cooper Coleman Places Karon Moody Harden as CEO of National Association for Interpretation

National executive search concludes with the appointment of an experienced nonprofit and association executive to guide NAI's next chapter.

CHICAGO, IL – Cooper Coleman LLC is pleased to announce the placement of Karon Moody Harden as Chief Executive Officer of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). Harden officially began her tenure on November 2, following a national search conducted by Cooper Coleman in partnership with NAI's Board of Directors.

Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, NAI is a professional association serving interpretation professionals across the United States and internationally. Its work supports the people and institutions that help audiences connect with natural, cultural, and historical resources through education, storytelling, and shared experiences. The organization provides professional training, certification, conferences, and other resources to a diverse membership spanning parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, historic sites, and related institutions.

Harden brings more than two decades of leadership experience across nonprofit organizations and professional associations, with particular expertise in organizational strategy, leadership development, and navigating institutional change. Her background combines executive-level management with a demonstrated ability to strengthen programs, engage stakeholders, and help organizations adapt to evolving needs.

Her most recent leadership positions include Chief Program Officer at the Institute for Nonprofit Practice and Vice President of Programs at the Council on Foundations. Across these roles, Harden has guided organizational initiatives, developed leadership programs, and worked closely with executives and institutions to strengthen their effectiveness. Her experience aligns with NAI's priorities of advancing professional development, strengthening organizational operations, and building a sustainable foundation for the future.

"I'm truly honored and excited to join the National Association for Interpretation,” Harden said. “Throughout my career, I've seen how powerful storytelling, shared experiences, and meaningful connections can be in shaping how we understand ourselves, one another, and the world around us. Some of the most transformative learning experiences happen when we connect with history, culture, nature, and places in ways that challenge our perspectives and deepen our understanding. That's what makes the work of NAI and its members so important.”

She continued, “I'm especially excited about the opportunity to build on NAI's rich legacy while thinking boldly about what's possible for its future. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside our members, staff, and board to strengthen the organization and elevate our work to expand the reach and impact of interpretation."

Parker McMullen-Bushman, President of NAI's Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Harden's leadership and the direction of the organization.

“We are thrilled to welcome Karon to the NAI team. Along with many non-profit organizations, NAI is facing complex challenges, and our members and member organizations need support more than ever. Karon brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, engaging stakeholders, and organizational stewardship to NAI and has great potential to move NAI forward in the coming years. We are looking forward to the energy and excitement that Karon brings to NAI as we look toward the future of heritage interpretation across the globe.”

Johnny Cooper, Founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman, led the search in collaboration with NAI's Board of Directors.

"Throughout the search, we were looking for a leader who could appreciate NAI's history and the importance of its work while bringing the experience and perspective needed to guide the organization forward," he said. "Karon stood out for diligent, strategic leadership, her ability to navigate change, and her intuitive understanding of how people connect through learning and shared experiences. We're grateful to the Board for their partnership throughout this process, and we're excited to see what Karon and the NAI community accomplish together."

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About the National Association for Interpretation

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to advancing heritage interpretation. Founded in 1988 through the merger of two longstanding professional organizations, NAI supports interpreters and institutions across the United States and internationally through training, certification, conferences, publications, and professional resources.

Learn more at www.nai-us.org.

About Cooper Coleman LLC

Cooper Coleman is a retained executive search firm serving mission-driven organizations across the nonprofit and social impact sector. The firm partners with arts and cultural institutions, museums, zoos and aquariums, public health, educational and research institutions, associations, and social service organizations nationwide. A member of The Giving Institute and the Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants, Cooper Coleman is ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media among the Top 250 recruiting firms and the Top 65 nonprofit executive search firms in the United States.

Founded by nonprofit leaders and executive search professionals, Cooper Coleman brings decades of firsthand sector experience to every engagement. The firm approaches executive search as stewardship, representing organizations and their missions with care, rigor, and integrity. Cooper Coleman is often selected by boards and senior leaders when the stakes are unusually high, and leadership decisions carry lasting organizational consequence.

For more information about Cooper Coleman LLC, visit www.coopercoleman.com or connect on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/coopercoleman.