Volunteer Engagement Expert, Sue Carter Kahl, Ph.D., Joins Points of Light

Carter Kahl joins Points of Light to build the case for investing in volunteer engagement that drives meaningful impact and strengthens communities. Her career spans roles in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, where she has built deep experience in civic engagement and volunteering, translating research into accessible and practical insights. 

This new role reflects Points of Light’s investment in long-term capacity building across the sector. By building programs that support nonprofits and volunteer managers, we drive lasting community impact and increase the value of volunteering on a national scale.  

“The expertise Carter Kahl brings to Points of Light comes at a pivotal moment in our organization,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “With an extensive background and proven leadership in the nonprofit sector, she will ensure our work reflects emerging best practices and the real-world needs of the field—increasing our ability to lead with purpose and impact.” 

With a focus on turning sector research and field insights into practical strategies, Carter Kahl will contribute to program delivery that supports practitioners nationwide in creating the conditions that double the rate of volunteering in the U.S. by 2035.  

“I look forward to supporting Points of Light in bridging the gap between research and practice,” said Carter Kahl. “This work is vital to our sector’s ability to meaningfully demonstrate the value that volunteers provide to nonprofits and their communities.”  

An internationally recognized expert on volunteer engagement, Carter Kahl has facilitated sessions for the White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, the National Park Service, the Points of Light Conference and more. She taught a graduate course on strategic volunteer engagement at the University of San Diego, and her writing has been featured in Transforming Disruption to Impact, Volunteer Engagement 2.0, Nonprofit Quarterly, the Sacramento Bee and the San Diego Business Journal. She was named one of the top 10 Volunteer Leadership Voices in 2025 by Galaxy Digital. 

Carter Kahl holds a Ph.D. in leadership from the University of San Diego, a master’s in social work administration and a certificate in nonprofit management. An active volunteer, she is an executive coach for nonprofit leaders through the Fieldstone Leadership Network, supports strategic volunteer initiatives and served two terms as a state commissioner with California Volunteers.