Each facilitator with The Alternative Board® (TAB) is an experienced business person who has successfully completed an extensive TAB facilitator training program and participates in ongoing training sessions. Most facilitators run or have run their own businesses giving them a unique perspective to share with the board members.
The TAB facilitator guides the group discussions without dominating the meetings and encourages all members to express their views while keeping the discussion on track. They also ensure problem solving ideas are generated and the meeting does not become a gripe session.
Carol A. Crawford is the Founder and President of The Crawford Group Co., LLC a consulting firm specializing in organizational development and design. She has more than 25 years of senior level leadership experience in both the private and public sector for small and large organizations.
Before starting her own company, Crawford was a member of the Executive Staff of the Grand Rapids Public Schools where she served as the Chief Financial Officer. Prior to working with the school system, she was Vice President – Corporate Services for United Bank of Michigan where, as a member of the Senior Staff, was responsible for human resource management, branch administration, and facilities management.
In 2003, Crawford became a Certified Facilitator for The Alternative Board (TAB). TAB is a selective, invitation-only membership organization made up of Presidents, CEO’s, and business owners who meet in small-structured boards on a monthly basis to improve the profitability and operations of their companies. Crawford is also a Certified Coach in Strategic Business Leadership, a strategic planning process specifically developed for small, privately held businesses.
Crawford’s areas of expertise include: sales process development and implementation, leadership development, strategic thinking, improving profitability, system’s redesign, negotiations, and human resource management.
Carol is a member of the faculty of Davenport University teaching courses in the area of management, ethics, and organizational behavior. In addition, she is a certified facilitator in Interest-Based Strategies and strategic planning, is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the Society for Human Resource Management, and has a certificate in Medical Practice Management. Crawford received her MBA from Grand Valley State University.
Active in the community, Crawford has served on several boards including: WKACC Board of Directors, the YWCA, Girl Scouts Michigan Trails, Quota International, Project REHAB, and Arbor Circle. In addition, she is a member of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, and the International Association of Coaches. In 2005 she was recognized by Business Review Magazine as One of the Most Influential Women of West Michigan.