About Harness

Built by people who've lived the mission—delivering expert back-office support so schools and nonprofits can focus on impact.

Why Harness?

Founded in 2023 by a seasoned school leader and former C-level executive, Harness was built to give schools, charters, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations a smarter, more strategic approach to back-office support. We focus on the right steps and processes so you'll better understand your financial position—with reports that are easy to track and read.

  • Small, agile, and deeply experienced—we provide personalized support that larger firms can't match
  • Cutting-edge tools and AI-powered systems—modernizing outdated processes to make operations faster and clearer
  • First-hand industry knowledge—we understand the challenges schools, charters, and nonprofits face because we've lived them
  • Commitment to clarity and care—your mission is our priority
  • Focused on skilling and training—empowering your team to become better stewards of their financial responsibilities
Rock climber ascending a cliff face, symbolizing growth and support

Meet the Team

Experienced leaders who've worked inside the organizations we now serve.

Carrie Wagner, Founder and CEO of Harness

Founder & CEO

Carrie Wagner, CPA, MBA

Carrie Wagner founded HARNESS in 2023 to reimagine back-office support for mission-driven organizations—delivering expert financial and strategic guidance so they can focus on what truly matters: their impact.

Prior to HARNESS, Carrie founded the Girls Athletic Leadership School Los Angeles (GALS), the first all-girls charter middle school in LA. She previously served as COO of Bright Star Schools, CFO/COO of Citizens of the World Charter Schools, and spent 9 years at ExED as President and COO.

Carrie holds an M.B.A. from UCLA Anderson, a B.S. in Accountancy from Notre Dame, and an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Ranie Lambe, Chief Strategy Officer of Harness

Chief Strategy Officer

Ranie Lambe

Ranie Lambe joined HARNESS to help reimagine back-office support for mission-driven organizations—bringing strategic insight, systems thinking, and a deep commitment to the people at the heart of the work.

Ranie began her career as a fifth-grade teacher, an experience that shaped her belief that strong systems enable meaningful impact. She went on to support charter schools through technology and data-driven strategy before moving into leadership roles at big tech companies, where she focused on operational transformation to better serve students and educators.

Ranie holds a Master's in Education from Seattle Pacific University and a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from the University of Washington. She has served on the boards of several large California charter schools.

Ready for Financial Clarity?

Schedule a no obligation 15-minute discovery call. We'll discuss your needs, confirm fit, and outline next steps.

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