Ken’s Career

Ken Keener provides coaching to executives and rising leaders in organizations that appreciate the critical link between talent and business success.  Over the course of his corporate career Ken excelled at coaching executives and high potentials to higher levels of performance and impact. 
 
Ken most recently served as Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at NiSource, one of the largest multi-state natural gas and electric companies, from 2018 to 2021. Ken led the human resource function to enable high performance, build talent, shape culture and deliver a rewarding experience to over 7,500 employees across six states. He was responsible for all aspects of Human Resources.  Prior to his appointment to CHRO, Ken served as Vice President of Talent & Organization Effectiveness from 2012 to 2018.

Previously Keener served at American Electric Power as Director, Leader & Organization Development, from 2005 to 2012. There he helped leaders build the culture and talent needed to achieve success. His team partnered with business unit leaders in areas such as leadership talent planning, leadership development, workforce planning, change management, performance management, and team effectiveness.

Prior to that, Keener was Director, Organization & Talent development at Nationwide Property & Casualty Group, through 2005. There he was responsible for the execution and sustaining of leadership development and talent management/succession planning strategies across all of Nationwide’s Property and Casualty Insurance Operations.

Keener’s earlier career afforded numerous opportunities to grow and excel through a range of HR, Talent Management and Organization Development positions  

He is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and brings a wide range of certifications and training in leadership assessment and development. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communication with a concentration in Human Resource Management from The Ohio State University. 

Ken and his wife live in Columbus, Ohio, and enjoy engaging with community and international service organizations.