Jennifer Ralston
Jennifer Ralston is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and thought leader in organizational excellence, business transformation, and energy innovation. As the CEO and Founder of HKPO and the HKPO Veterans Academy, she has spent over two decades empowering organizations, leaders, and transitioning service members to innovate, execute, and sustain operational excellence. Her work spans Fortune 100 and 500 companies, federal agencies, universities, and nonprofits, consistently driving measurable performance improvement, cultural transformation, and strategic growth. Jennifer is recognized for her ability to guide complex organizations through change, leveraging Lean Six Sigma, executive coaching, and systems-thinking approaches to achieve lasting results.
Her professional journey reflects a commitment to both business innovation and service. With a degree in biology and chemistry from Longwood University, Jennifer began her career in healthcare before pivoting to entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, HKPO has delivered transformative projects across industries including manufacturing, energy, defense, and technology, with notable achievements such as a congressionally mandated engagement with the U.S. Navy that reportedly saved $2 billion through operational redesign. She also serves as CEO of Vita Energia and President of the Board for Channel Wind, driving energy innovation and sustainable solutions in the distributed wind and renewable energy sectors.
Jennifer is equally dedicated to veterans and community service. She founded the HKPO Veterans Academy, a U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge partner, to support transitioning service members with leadership training, mentorship, and career development. Her volunteer work extends to organizations like Blue Star Families and Special Olympics, and she has been recognized for her leadership and community service, including receiving the Spirit of Excellence Award from the American Red Cross. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, licensed Shingo Institute facilitator, and respected executive coach, Jennifer combines operational expertise, strategic vision, and servant leadership to inspire organizations and individuals to thrive.
• Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
• Department of Defense SkillBridge Provider
• Lean Six Sigma Executive White Belt
• ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor
• ASQ CQE
• College of American Pathologists Inspector
• Project Management Professional
• Longwood University- B.S.
• Spirit of Excellence Award American Red Cross
• American Society of Quality
• Blue Star Network
• Blue Star Mom
• Department of Defense SkillBridge Provider
• ACP
• NAWBO
• Society of Manufacturing Engineers
• Member of International Society for Six Sigma Professionals Master Black Belt Circle
• Vistage CEO Peer Group
• ASQ - World Headquarters
• Fort Meade Alliance
• National Small Business Association
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• Channel Wind
• Boys & Girls Club
• DoD-SkillBridge
• Blue Star Families
• HKPO Veterans Academy
• Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority
• National Mililtary Youth of the Year Committee Co-Chair
• Mentor ACP Veteran Support Program
• Leadership Council National Small Business Association
• Coach for Special Olympics
• Former Girl Scout Leader
• Former Athletic Booster Club Member
• Nonprofit for Transitioning Military Service Members
• GAMBRILLS-ODENTON RECREATION COUNCIL INCORPORATED
• We Salute Half Marathon
• Anne Arundel Striders
• Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
• Arundel Athletic Boosters
• American Red Cross
• Special Olympics
• Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce
What do you attribute your success to?
I definitely attribute my success to relationships. Those are incredibly, incredibly important. Over the years, we've been very fortunate to build amazing relationships that have really lasted. I think having positive relationships is very important - of course, you're going to have negative ones along the way, but if you do not have good relationships and people that really trust you, you're not going to be successful. I think those relationships have just been really key to everything we've accomplished.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to be willing to take risks, to try things, to be innovative. Otherwise, you just kind of stay in a status quo. I'd say don't be scared to try new things. My dad was a huge influence on this - he was my COO for my first 10 years in business and always encouraged me, telling me I could definitely go out and try new things, start a business. That encouragement over 20 years ago really shaped my willingness to take chances.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Embrace risk and innovation—don’t be afraid to try new approaches—and focus on building strong, authentic relationships that will support your growth and impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Relationships and trust are the foundation of everything I do, both professionally and personally. I also value balance and joy, whether that’s enjoying a game of pickleball or exploring new places through travel.