About
We focus on leadership development and organizational effectiveness. Our work supports individuals and organizations in building capability and sustaining change over time.
Dr. Christopher Currens
Founder/Principal
Dr. Chris Currens is a seasoned leadership and career coach with extensive experience in organizational development, executive coaching, and strategic change. He is the Founder and Principal of Currens & Associates LLC, where he helps individuals and teams enhance performance, navigate career transitions, and achieve personal and professional growth using proven tools, assessments, and coaching practices.
Currently, Dr. Currens serves as the Chief Learning Officer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the U.S. Department of Commerce. In this role, he leads leadership development initiatives, coaching programs, and organizational learning strategies.
With a diverse background spanning the SEC, EPA, Department of the Treasury, Salomon Brothers, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Dr. Currens brings a well-rounded perspective to leadership and public service.
He holds advanced degrees including a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, an MPA from Harvard University, and an MBA, alongside a BS in Accounting/Finance. He is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and holds multiple certifications in leadership assessment, coaching, and instructional design.
Dr. Currens also contributes to the broader professional and academic community as an adjunct faculty member, board member, and mentor coach for various institutions, including the American Red Cross, Hood College, Mount St. Mary’s University, and the Partnership for Public Service.
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Catholic Elementary School Success: Governance Lessons from a Qualitative Study of Five Advisory Boards in the Archdiocese of Baltimore
Hood College DOL Highlights: Navigating Nonprofit Boards
Metro DC Chapter, Associaion for Talent Development (ATD Podcast)
NCEA Podcast
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Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, May 2021, Hood College (Frederick, MD)
Master in Public Administration, May 2007, Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
Master of Business Administration, May 1999, University of Maryland (College Park, MD)
BS in Accounting/Finance, May 1987, Mount Saint Mary’s College (Emmitsburg, MD)
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Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Certification – International Coaching Federation
Gallup Strengths Coaching (2023)
Skillsoft Group Coaching (2023)
Facilitation and Instructional Design Certification (2023)
DISC Assessment Certification (2021)
Zenger-Folkman Leadership 360 Assessment Certification (2020)
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Principal/Founder – Currens & Associates LLC
Adjunct Faculty - Hood College (Frederick, MD)
Board Member - American Red Cross, National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region
Board Member - Mt. St. Mary’s University, Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business
Senior Fellow, Coach - Partnership for Public Service (Washington, D.C.)
Mentor Coach Assessor – Heidrick & Struggles
Dr. Lisa Littlefield
Senior Associate
Lisa Littlefield, Ph.D., is an accomplished leadership consultant, professional speaker, and career counselor with more than 30 years of expertise in communications, public relations, career development, client coaching, and higher education administration. She draws upon a deep background in both real-world and academic study of leadership and communications to provide executive, workforce, and professional development training programs.
Littlefield holds a B.A. in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University, an M.A. in Communication and an M.S. in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University, and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from The University of Georgia. Her doctoral research explored the personality dimensions shaping professional identity.
Her diverse experience includes executive leadership roles, college-level teaching, and consulting at multiple higher education institutions, including The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Oglethorpe University, North Georgia College and State University, and West Georgia State University. She has guided individuals and organizations in leadership development and career strategy, becoming a sought-after advisor for enhancing communication and professional growth.
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Prior to moving to Frederick, MD, Littlefield was the Director of Evening Degree program at Oglethorpe University that assisted working adults achieve bachelor’s degrees, she supervised graduate students in Georgia State University’s Career Services Center.
She began her career as a broadcast journalist for ABC and NBC affiliates in Louisiana, covering breaking news, government, education, and the arts, and co-anchoring a news program. Transitioning to public relations, she successfully led communications for two of Atlanta’s major nonprofit attractions, Zoo Atlanta and The Atlanta History Center, where her efforts garnered national and international media attention. Her work included managing major exhibition launches, facility expansions, and crisis communications.
Littlefield’s excellence in public relations has been recognized with Phoenix Awards from the Public Relations Society of America Georgia Chapter and a Silver Flame Award from the International Association of Business Communicators, Atlanta region.
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Professional Identity Factors and Development
Strategic Communication
Career Counseling
Lifespan Development
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Ph.D., Counseling and Student Personnel Services, The University of Georgia
M.S., Professional Counseling, Georgia State University
M.A., Communications from Georgia State University
B.A., Communications from Southern Illinois University
National Board Certified Counselor
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National Career Development Association (NCDA)
Maryland Career Development Association (MCDA)
Georgia Career Development Association (GCDA) Two-time past president
National Association of College and Employers (NACE)
Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE)
Middle Atlantic Career Counseling Association (MACCA)
Eileen Marshall
Senior Associate
Eileen Marshall is a communications strategist, facilitator, and leadership development coach with extensive experience supporting mentoring, training, and engagement programs across federal, nonprofit, and community sectors. She is known for her high-energy presence and her ability to create learning environments where people feel motivated, supported, and ready to take action.
With a background in managing large-scale mentoring initiatives and delivering more than 120 coaching, facilitation, and training sessions annually, Eileen brings a deep understanding of how adults learn, collaborate, and grow. She specializes in leadership communication, mentoring program design, transition and career development, and relationship-centered facilitation. As a DISC-certified coach, she helps clients build self-awareness, strengthen their leadership habits, and communicate with clarity and confidence.
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Eileen’s coaching style blends curiosity, empathy, and practicality. She is skilled at helping individuals navigate change, uncover personal strengths, and translate insights into meaningful behavior shifts. A lifelong storyteller and community connector, Eileen channels her passion for communication, creativity, and mentoring into every engagement. Outside of coaching, she can be found supporting local theater projects or pursuing creative design through her 3D printing studio.