Jenny Burch, Knight Ridge Founder & Facilitator

Knight Ridge is forested land in southern Indiana. Part of my family settled there in the 1800's, and its rolling hills, gentle creek, and inspiring beauty bring many fond memories. As a child, it was a space to actively explore, be brave, and learn. This natural world reflected the strength of its past and a hope for the future. I design my facilitation practice to create similar spaces for meaningful exploration, social connection, and learning.

I am an empathic facilitator devoted to sharing spaces with others who build equitable nonprofit communities. My practice is informed by over 30 years serving nonprofits, both as practitioner and consultant across the arts, health and human services, faith-based, women, and youth organizations. I have served in executive and board leadership roles at nonprofits both large and small.

FACILITATION PRACTICE

I practice Technology of Participation® (ToP) facilitation methods, developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs. ToP is a participatory, consensus-building methodology grounded in the belief that people closest to the work, when guided through a well-structured process, can produce clearer, more durable strategic direction than expertise alone.

ToP methods were crafted over 20 years of global action-research efforts exploring group decision-making and collaborative governance, and ToP’s deep philosophical roots go beyond "tips and tricks" to empower profound and lasting transformation.

LIFELONG LEARNING

I am an alumna of the Getty Museum Leadership Institute, where I collaborated with peers on strategic planning, financial planning, and change management strategies. I donned my mouse ears at the Disney Institute, where I studied customer loyalty strategies. I earned my B.A. at Indiana University, and hold graduate certificates in museum studies, public affairs, and marketing strategy. These experiences continue to shape how I think about leadership, strategy, and the human dynamics of change.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

I am a member of the International Association of Facilitators and serve as Secretary of the newly established Indiana-Chicago chapter. I am also a member the Mid Atlantic Facilitators Network, and the ToP Network. As an active member of these communities, I value ongoing learning, shared practice, and professional exchange.

I have served on panels and conducted workshops at numerous professional gatherings, including the American Association of Museums, Association of Children’s Museums, Midwest Museum Association, Ohio Museums Association, Indy Arts Council, Indiana Festivals Association, and Association of Indiana Museums.

I served as Program Chair for the Development and Membership Professional Network of the American Alliance of Museums in Washington, D.C. and on the National Program Committee for the American Alliance of Museum’s 2020 national meeting. My personal philanthropy supports women’s and girls’ causes, public TV and radio, independent free press, social justice, and conservation. I am a proud alumna of the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana’s OPTIONS Class 11.