Leading Together: Theresa Kouo named Managing Partner
July 14, 2026
This year, Theresa Kouo was named Kinetic West’s first Managing Partner. This transition reflects not only a change in leadership, but an extension of the firm’s ownership expansion: seven partners now share in guiding the firm and hold one another accountable for how it grows. The title of Managing Partner was intentionally chosen by the partnership group to reflect a structure defined by collective leadership.
Theresa and Marc
Kinetic West Founder, Marc Casale, remains an active partner and consultant at the firm. His transition from the CEO role was a choice he made, shaped by a long-held conviction that strong organizations require new leadership over time, and by his belief that this is the right team to carry the work forward. He continues to contribute directly to client work, leadership transition, and the firm’s ongoing development.
Since January, Theresa has served as Managing Partner of Kinetic West, bringing deep experience at the intersection of systems change, community engagement, and organizational strategy to this role. Her background, rooted in social work, nonprofit leadership, and years of consulting practice, reflects the values-based, ground-level approach that has defined Kinetic West’s work since its founding. As a partner and consultant at the firm, she leads in a way that is a natural extension of the culture and commitments already in place.
“A social worker is someone who helps people help themselves. Isn’t that the crux of what we do as consultants? If you’re doing a good job, you’re empowering your client.”
— Theresa Kouo, Managing Partner
Theresa and Marc interview one another
With this transition, a broader set of perspectives and life experiences are shaping Kinetic West’s next chapter. This positions Kinetic West for continued growth and commitment to our clients, deepening expertise in the sectors we know well, expanding our reach, and pursuing new ways to make our work accessible to the organizations that need it most. The firm’s commitments to rigorous, human-centered consulting, to the communities of the Pacific Northwest, and to clients across the country remain unchanged. We are excited for this chapter and to have you join us in the journey.
Theresa has led significant projects for the firm, including work with the City of Seattle, Washington Roundtable, Washington State Labor Council, Seattle Foundation, Gates Foundation, and many others. Since coming to Kinetic West, Theresa has led our firm’s community engagement practice and helped to grow our economic development work, while also being deeply involved our workforce, apprenticeship, and education sector work, especially as it relates to hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and clean energy.
