chris and karen henning

Chris and Karen Henning are lifelong advocates for service, healing, and connection, guided by 

a shared passion for supporting veterans, animals, and underserved communities. 

Chris Henning is a seasoned C-suite executive with over 35 years of leadership experience in 

the consumer products industry. He has held senior roles at Simmons, Serta, Kingsdown, and Dormeo, and most notably served as President of North America for billion-dollar market leader Tempur-Pedic from 2000 to 2008. As a key member of the executive team, Chris played a central role in leading the company through a successful IPO in 2004. The son of a decorated USAF B-52 commander who flew over 200 combat missions in Vietnam, Chris brings a profound sense of patriotism and gratitude to his work with GPP. He views his service to the organization as a meaningful way to honor those who have served—and to give back to the 

communities that have given so much. 

Karen Henning is an executive coach, crisis management expert, and leadership consultant with 

over 30 years of experience across corporate, community, and nonprofit sectors. At 25, she became a Director at Cox Cable and was named a “Woman to Watch” in her industry. 

Recognized by then-CEO Jim Robbins, a Vietnam veteran, she rose quickly as a leader in the cable television industry.  A second-generation American with seven WWII veteran relatives, Karen’s deep sense of patriotism and service shaped her path. She has coached C-suite executives, business owners, and community organizers—guiding them through crisis, change, and leadership development. 

After starting a family, she turned her focus to bridging the gap between private and nonprofit leadership, launching initiatives that empower communities and develop future changemakers. 

A strong advocate for animal-assisted therapy, Karen supports Stay in the Fight, an equine 

program for veterans, and is working to connect shelters with veterans in need of support 

animals. Her vision: “Put a dog or cat in every Tunnel to Towers mortgage-free home, and in the 

care of every vet or first responder who needs one. Let the healing begin.” 

Together, Chris and Karen Henning are deeply committed to advancing Global Provision Project’s mission through veteran outreach, animal-assisted therapy, and community-based care initiatives. Their leadership reflects a shared belief in dignity, service, and the healing power of connection.