Meet Kenna Valentine

Kenna’s excitement about working with entrepreneurs dates back to her childhood, when she worked at the family retail pharmacy in Fort Scott, Kansas. In high school, Kenna worked alongside her mother, who was a downtown project manager primarily focused on supporting local entrepreneurs. In college, she continued her involvement with entrepreneurs as an intern working for the Center for Business Innovation (an incubator and resource for small businesses) in Kansas City, Missouri while completing her MBA.

Most recently, Kenna was Senior Vice President of Finance for Mariner Holdings, LLC, a rapidly growing global financial services firm headquartered in Leawood, Kansas. She successfully led and managed a team of finance professionals through the company’s growth from 5 consolidating subsidiaries and 50 employees to 33 consolidating subsidiaries and over 600 employees. During this time, she provided critical oversight and hands-on guidance while integrating acquired and start-up subsidiaries into the consolidated financial structure. She was instrumental in converting cash-basis financials to accrual-basis financials as well as converting the accounting software for multiple entities. In addition, Kenna led the Mariner Finance Team Leader round-table discussions to enhance collaboration and implement best practices. Her team managed key financial responsibilities for the parent company and multiple partner firms.

After spending several years in public accounting as a Certified Public Accountant with BKD, LLP, Kenna served in the lead finance and accounting role for multiple small, entrepreneurial distribution and manufacturing companies, where she routinely oversaw the preparation of financial analyses critical to making strategic business decisions.

Kenna serves on the board as Treasurer of True Light Family Resource Center, as well as on the board of FEI of Kansas City. She is also regularly involved with activities and events at Kansas City Christian School and is a member of the worship team at Southwoods Christian Church.

Kenna’s other interests include spending time with her husband, Gary, and kids playing board games, watching movies and attending sporting events. Kenna also enjoys spending time with friends and keeping fit through Jazzercise.