The National Association of Women Business Owners appointed Columbus businesswoman and entrepreneur Kathleen Warnick of Warnick Consultants to chair the national organization’s 2017-18 board of directors.

According to a press release announcing Warnick’s appointment, the incoming board is expected to work on strengthening NAWBO’s initiatives of providing educational programs and resources women entrepreneurs need to be successful in all stages of business growth.

Warnick, a local business and leadership veteran, has established a reputation as professional, honest, knowledgeable, innovative and practical, and has an expansive understanding of the unique needs of a variety of businesses.

She built Warnick Consultants on the core principle of refusing to believe that one size fits all and that every business has a unique set of needs for its financial and operational systems, the press statement continued.

“Throughout our 42-year history, NAWBO has been fortunate to have national board members who are committed servant leaders,” Warnick said. “This year’s board is no exception.

“I look forward to working with these incredible women who generously devote their time and talents for the betterment of all women business owners.”

Citing the organization’s founding purpose, she said it’s the board’s pleasure to continue toward that end and work for solutions on issues, such as tax reform, workplace flexibility, government contracting and the workforce gap, that affect NAWBO members.

The 2017-18 NAWBO national board of directors includes Warnick as chair, Past Chair Teresa Meares, Chair Elect Molly Gimmel and board members Tanya Allen, Jeanette Armbrust, Diane Ferry, Loreen Gilbert, Cristina Morales Heaney, Shaila Rao Mistry, Jennifer Brand Ransom and Emily Wirowek.

The new board is scheduled to be introduced to members and partners at NAWBO’s National Women’s Business Conference, themed “Together We Dare,” Oct. 15-17 in Minneapolis.

Founded in 1975, NAWBO represents the country’s more than 9.1 million women-owned businesses — the fastest growing segment of the economy. The organization advocates the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries through program development aimed at assisting these entrepreneurs through the various stages of business growth.