History
Monica and Aaron Kennedy met while serving in the United States Marine Corps. Five days later, they were engaged. More than 20 years later, they have combined their passion for helping others into a unified front called Clowder Consultants. The Kennedys have been in leadership and management roles since the ‘90s. Throughout their marriage, they found that their individual business pursuits were complimentary and could provide a holistic approach to any organizational endeavor they encountered. By combining their efforts, they have seen success both personally and professionally. Choosing to specialize in a field that they are both passionate about means that they are completely devoted to it. That is the energy that sets them apart.
The Kenendys have been mulling around the idea for many years to join forces, and have informally brought their skills to assist in several small business. It wasn’t until recently that they had the time and resources to fully commit to the business. The name came about because of their mutual affection for cats. A group of cats is called a clowder. But more than that, they have found an uncanny resemblance between herding cats and managing employees when trying to make progress in anything. Thankfully, they are far more successful with human change than their own clowder of fur babies.
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We at Clowder Consultants know that finding the right consultant to transform your business is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we will take as much time as needed to determine your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
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Consultants
Executive CONSULTANT
Public Speaker
Monica Lynn Kennedy
SPHR, SHRM-SCP, PSHRA-SCP, ADAC
Monica has held leadership positions for over 20 years, with a significant portion of that time involving training. After serving in the Marine Corps, she found her niche in human resources and hasn’t looked back since. Her roots were in recruiting and talent management, but over time, she has found passion in compliance and employment law. She has had the opportunity to work in almost every functional group in an organization, enabling her to understand how all the pieces of the business fit together in the best way. Monica has also worked in both the public and private sectors. All these experiences bring invaluable insights to her ability to recognize opportunity and elevate those around her.
Monica loves knowledge and learning. In the last 15 years, she has earned a bachelor’s degree in global business management, a master’s degree in human resources and employment relations, and a dual MBA in business intelligence and project management. She began her doctorate program in April 2022, with a concentration in organizational leadership and development.
She obtained the Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certificate in 2018, the HR Certification Institute Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) five months later, and the Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA) Senior Certified Professional in 2021. Since 2019, she has been active in her local SHRM chapter and a member of the state and local PSHRA boards. With her remaining free time, she is active in military-focused organizations that help veterans and their spouses transition out of military service by reviewing their resumes, helping them create professional LinkedIn profiles, and conducting mock interviews.
She remains focused on completing and publishing her first book. She is building up her speaking portfolio, with repeated invitations to speak at the Mid-Atlantic ADA (Americans with Disabilities) conference, ADA National Symposium, and the HR Virginia and Maryland state conferences. She is an active runner, participating in several runDisney race weekends, completing the 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances, as well as the Marine Corps Marathon series throughout the year.
Education
University of Phoenix, 2009
Bachelor of Science / Business
Global Business Management
The Pennsylvania State University, 2011
Master of Professional Studies,
Human Resources / Employment Relations
Capella University, 2018
Master of Business Administration
Business Intelligence and Project Management
Capella University, current
Doctor of Business Administration
Organizational Leadership and Development
Activities & Affiliations
Diveristy Director, Human Resoruces Association of Southern Maryland (HRASM), a SHRM affiliate chapter
President, Patuxent River Basin PSHRA chapter
Volunteer, Hire Heroes
Veterans Ambassador, USAA / SHRM Foundation
Verteran Committee volunteer, PSHRA
Certifications
Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
HR Certification Institute Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
Public Sector Human Resources Association Senior Certified Professional (PSHRA-SCP)
ADA Coordinator
Lean Six SIgma Black Belt
Emplyoment Law Certification, GMU
Mental Health Ally, SHRM
Leading Workplace Investigations Certification, SHRM
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the USF Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education
Executive ConSULTANT
Aaron M. Kennedy
Aaron has been in leadership positions for over 25 years, with a primary focus on training and development. While serving in the Marines he developed a love for the science of leadership and has been formalizing his education since. He has taken a systems based approach to organizational development and sustainable leadership. He has worked in the Intelligence and Law Enforcement communities as well as the Construction Industry in both the private and public sectors. These experiences have granted him a unique perspective on how functional areas are interrelated and co-dependent.
Like Monica, Aaron believes there is always more to learn and more importantly knowledge must be shared to be useful. He has completed a masters degree in Leadership, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Business with a Leadership focus. Additionally, he is a licensed tradesman in Virginia. He has published articles in the Army Times and the Army University Press (NCO Journal).
His goals for this year are the completion of his second book, publishing additional articles for the Leadership discipline, and adding a new trade designation (Electrician). He also co-hosts a weekly podcast on writing that focuses both on the creative and technical aspects of the craft. Like Monica, he runs a variety of races and has completed up the ultra-marathon distance.
Education
Capella University, 2017
Masters of Leadership
Capella University, current
Doctoral Candidate
Business Management - Leadership
Activities & Affiliations
Member, International Facility Management Association
Certifications
Tradesman - Master Heating Ventilation and A/C (MHVA), Virginia
Tradesman - Journeyman Electrician, Virginia