Facilitator directory
AWC is occasionally asked for a list of potential facilitators to assist cities in a variety of ways, including team building, community engagement, meeting and retreat facilitation, strategic planning, and on-site workshops. This directory serves as a starting point for cities looking to explore potential facilitators to assist in these endeavors.
Disclaimer: Association of Washington Cities is providing this facilitator directory as a convenience to cities and does not in any way confer or imply an endorsement of the person, group, business, organization, or association contained herein.
Aperture EQ
Janelle Tarasewicz, Principal Consultant
www.apertureEQ.com
I'm a learning and development professional with over 20 years' experience helping managers and employees improve individual and team performance. My areas of expertise include the design and implementation of talent management systems as well as processes encompassing recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, employee relations, PIP development, succession planning, and classification and compensation. I have a talent for developing and delivering training at all levels, including supervisory training and management coaching (as listed above). I've also spent over 10 years as a psychology instructor and am currently a faculty member at both Bellevue College and Highline College.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Diversity & equity training
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Communication & Trust
- Supervisory Skills
Previous clients
My core services include training, coaching, and human resource consulting. My most popular training programs in the past few years have been as follow: managing challenging conversations, foundations of implicit bias, leveraging communication style in the workplace, the art and science of de-escalation, and my online "How to" guide for supervisors' program. I also conduct trainings on topics such as managing employee behaviors, communication strategies, bias in supervisory hiring and decision making, building trust within a team, intergenerational team conflict, as well as custom training content. Additionally, I provide coaching and guidance to executives, managers, and employees regarding employee relations issues, conflict resolution, and communication strategies.
As for clients, I work closely with Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) as part of their continuous training program. Besides WCIA, I currently have ongoing contracts with Sno-Isle Libraries, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, and Sammamish. In these roles, I provide coaching and HR consulting services. In the past few years, I've work with the following organizations for custom training and consulting services – Redmond, Renton Police Department, Mercer Island, Enduris Risk Pool, Des Moines Police Department, Anacortes, Copiers Northwest, Snoqualmie Casino, Navia Benefits Solutions, and SABA Architects. In 2021, I will start providing ongoing training services for Washington Counties Risk Pool (WCRP) as well.
I have also been invited as a speak at the Lake Washington HR Association (LWHRA) conference and the Washington Public Employee Labor Relations Association (WAPELRA) conference. I've also conducted webinars and podcasts for the National Labor Relations Association (NPELRA) and Illinois Labor Relations Association (IPELRA).
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
I am a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) as well as the American Psychological Association (APA). I have earned both my SPHR as well as my SHRM-SCP and am a certified Harrison Assessment consultant.
Archway Consulting Group International LLC
Dorian Waller, Managing Partner
www.archwaycg.com
Archway provides your organization with tools to cultivate inclusiveness in your workplace. We work at a broad, strategic level to facilitate dialogue around implicit bias in areas such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age and ability. We provide keynotes, leadership support, and ongoing diversity and inclusion management.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Diversity & equity training
- Community engagement
- Team building/conflict resolution
Previous clients
Covington, Fife, Kent, Lakewood, Puyallup, Renton, Seattle
Athena Group
Faith Trimble, Owner
www.athenaplace.com
Based in Olympia, WA, The Athena Group has provided exceptional organizational development, change management, and management and business analysis services to state, regional, and local governments and nonprofit organizations for over 20 years. Over seventy percent (70%) of our work is with state and local governments.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Diversity & equity training
- Community engagement
- Budget development
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Team building
- Inner leadership development
- Executive leadership
- Organizational health and change
- Community engagement and facilitation
Previous clients
- City of Olympia – Facilitation and data analysis services;
- City of Olympia – Equity assessment services;
- City of Tumwater – Regional fire authority planning;
- City of Lacey – Diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting services;
- Clackamas County – Diversity, equity, and inclusion rraining;
- City of Seattle (SCL) – Leadership alignment;
- City of Seattle: Seattle Housing Authority – Anti-racist leadership training;
- City of Sedro-Woolley – Strategic planning;
- Washington State Department of Correctional Services – Organizational development;
- State of Washington Recreation and Conservation Services – Business operations and structure analysis;
- Grays Harbor Transit – 2022 board retreat facilitation
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
- Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
- OMWBE Certified
BERK Consulting, Inc.
Michele Eakins-TeSelle, Marketing Manager
www.berkconsulting.com
BERK has a 30+ year history of providing interest-based facilitation services combined with technical analysis. Our projects involve multiple parties, many with conflicting interests and varying levels of engagement. We use engaging, interactive facilitation techniques to bring people together around problem identification and optimal policy recommendations. While a good facilitator can assist a group through a discussion of a topic that he or she is not intimately familiar with, the most effective facilitator understands the topic from an analytic perspective, and appreciates the differing viewpoints and interests each participant brings to the table.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
Previous clients
BERK has worked with cities across the state on a variety of projects, including providing facilitation support.
Our strategy and policy practice provides meeting and retreat facilitation; committee, board, and council support; community visioning; strategic planning; and community engagement. We are currently working with the Seattle Department of Transportation as part of the project team for the West Seattle Bridge Communications project, the City of Shoreline on their annual council strategic planning retreat, the Port Townsend Public Library Strategic Plan, and the City of Centralia Strategic Plan.
Our finance and economics practice provides facilitation, research, analysis for fiscal and economic impact studies, city fiscal strategies, partnership evaluation, and optimization of municipal service delivery models. Recent clients in the finance and economics realm include the cities of Auburn, Everett, Seattle, and Tacoma.
Our Planning practice provides facilitation, analysis, community engagement, and planning support for parks, recreation, and open space planning efforts, as well are subarea, planned action EIS, and comprehensive planning work. Recent clients in the planning realm include the cities of Port Townsend, Burling, Pullman, Chelan, Moses Lake, Leavenworth, Renton, Federal Way, Sammamish, and Tacoma.
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
BERK’s staff of 27 include analysts, facilitators, and planners. Some of our staff are certified Planners, Recreation Professionals, or Project Management Professionals. Many participate in community volunteer organizations and nonprofit organizations.
We take a flexible, client-focused approach to scoping and executing our work. We believe a good facilitator provides a carefully considered meeting design and agenda; preparatory materials; and excellent in-the-moment guidance of the conversation, all of which frees participants to focus on providing productive input and listening to others.
Cascadia Consulting Group
Eric Franzen, Business Development Manager
www.cascadiaconsulting.com
Cascadia Consulting Group has worked for over a quarter century to advance its mission to make a positive difference for our clients and the communities they serve. Our clients look to us to ensure their projects and programs are inclusive of local priorities, grounded in stakeholder support, and successfully communicated to diverse communities' resulting in more positive and productive relationships with their constituents. We have led facilitation for some of the Northwest's highest-profile strategic initiatives, and our multilingual team has delivered inclusive outreach and communications efforts that have reached over 25,000 businesses and residents in the Puget Sound area.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
- Virtual/remote engagement (e.g., online open houses and stakeholder workshops)
- Communications planning, marketing, inclusive/equitable outreach
Previous clients
Cascadia has worked with Washington's cities, counties, and state-level agencies on facilitation and communications projects for nearly a quarter century; our experience covers everything from creating equity-focused communications plans and implementing community outreach, to facilitating contentious regional stakeholder groups and supporting stakeholder-driven organizational change. We've included some examples highlighting our experience below, with additional detail of our relevant experience available on request.
- Seattle Public Utilities – leading marketing and outreach for Seattle's EnviroStars program; managing large-scale public engagement for multiple stormwater infrastructure projects. Facilitating and managing the development of SPU's comprehensive solid waste management plan. Our outreach work through SPU contracts has allowed us to engage with well over 10,000 residents and businesses citywide.
- Seattle Department of Transportation – managing communications for a range of capital projects, including inclusive outreach in Rainier Valley and other diverse neighborhoods; led stakeholder engagement and service equity analysis for an electric vehicle charging station siting plan.
- Seattle City Light – led stakeholder workshops with SCL staff and commercial customers to develop new programs; led internal facilitation focused on business planning and organizational change for SCL's Lighting Design Lab. Also led outreach to thousands of residents and businesses while managing the Community Power Works energy efficiency program.
- City of Tacoma – engaging with City staff and the Tacoma community around climate vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies.
- Cities of Bellevue and Redmond – leading sustainability planning efforts for both cities with large facilitation, community outreach, equity, and policy-development elements.
- City of Edmonds – currently facilitating the City's Housing Commission and providing citywide public engagement support related to housing and zoning issues; managing a comprehensive communications campaign in support of the City's ongoing climate action planning process.
- City of Shoreline – facilitation of stakeholder groups and internal City staff as part of multiple climate action and adaptation projects; led recent City effort to improve its sustainability communications with emphasis on updating its digital offerings; leading bilingual conservation outreach focused on reaching underserved groups.
- King County – facilitated an extensive range of stakeholder processes throughout the past decade, including facilitating the Black River Pump Station replacement, leading local workshops for the Green Tools program focused on reducing environmental impacts of parks, and working with local residents affected by the County's Riverbend restoration project.
- Pierce County – leading an inclusive outreach campaign to raise awareness of a Pierce Transit program that provides discounted transit options to those in need.
- City of Tumwater & Port of Olympia – leading stakeholder facilitation for development of a Habitat Conservation Plan for the endangered pocket gopher.
- State of Washington – facilitation/management of Orca Task Force; facilitation of Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committees (diverse and contentious watershed-level stakeholder groups); facilitation of multiple Puget Sound recovery efforts; public communications and stakeholder engagement for DNR's wildland fire strategic planning effort; internal stakeholder engagement and planning for DNR's efforts to make its fleets and facilities carbon neutral; led engagement with local jurisdictions statewide for a DNR project focused on local-level climate resilience; managing marketing, communications, program development, and facilitation of over 30 municipal Member Agencies for the statewide EnviroStars program.
- Puget Sound Partnership – providing stakeholder facilitation and communications support for a range of projects related to Puget Sound recovery, including a recent Action Agenda update, integration of climate change considerations into planning efforts, creation of a Communications Plan and Toolkit for PSEMP, creation of a policy workshop, and planning for PSP's annual Day on the Hill federal lobbying event.
- Other facilitation/engagement clients in Washington State (project details available on request): Everett, Renton, Auburn, Kirkland, Kenmore, Bothell, Vancouver, Burien; Thurston, Kitsap, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties; Puyallup Tribe, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, Yakama Nation; The Nature Conservancy, Stewardship Partners; large Seattle-area technology companies and a leading Seattle-based global philanthropy (clients protected under NDA).
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Gretchen Muller, Cascadia's lead facilitator, is trained in Open Standards.
- We also have staff certified by the International Association for Public Participation.
- Cascadia is a Washington-certified WBE and DBE and a small business (certified SCS in King County).
Community Mediation Services
Savenia Falquist, Executive Director
www.mediationclarkcounty.org
Community Mediation Services has been operating in Clark County for about 25 years. We have staff and volunteers who are certified mediators and have many years of experience facilitating meetings.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Diversity & equity training
- Community engagement
- Budget development
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Team building
Previous clients
- City of Vancouver – Facilitation of Community Forums
- Board of Directors – Strategic Planning
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
Community Mediation Services is the organization that certifies Mediators in Clark County. We are members of Resolution Washington & National Association for Community Mediation.
Craemer Consulting
Mark Craemer, Principal
www.craemerconsulting.com
I have been a leadership coach and organization development consultant for 13 years. In addition to serving clients in corporations, non-profits and educational institutions, I have conducted workshops for Braver Angels (formerly Better Angels) to facilitate difficult conversations in an effort to bridge the political divide.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Emotional intelligence, workplace communication
Previous clients
University of Washington: EQ workshop & keynote presentation, Conflict Negotiation keynote, DiSC workshop, Coaching
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
Hogan Assessment and EQ in Action tools.
Cultures Connecting, LLC
Caprice Hollins, Co-Founder
www.culturesconnecting.com
We have been facilitating conversations on race for over 20 years. My doctorate is in psychology with a minor in multicultural and community psychology. We have worked with hundreds of organizations including, county, city, and state.
Areas of expertise
Diversity & equity training
Previous clients
City of Tacoma, Renton, Bothell, Bellevue, San Antonio, Fairfax, Seattle. There are many more. We provide race related workshops, keynotes, and coaching.
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
Women and minority owned business
Doug Mah & Associates, LLC
Doug Mah, Owner and Principal Consultant
dougmahassociates.com
With a solid grounding in public process and governance, Doug Mah & Associates is uniquely qualified to assist public organizations. Doug Mah brings the cumulative experience of 10 years in elected office, 23 years of public service, and 8 years of private consulting to help clients focus on strategic planning, partnerships, and community participation. We have literally “walked in your shoes” and understand the challenges and opportunities facing public officials and organizations. We are well suited to help you with outreach and public process, facilitating public meetings, and ensuring meaningful and respectful outcomes with constituents, staff, appointed, and elected officials.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
- Budget development
Previous clients
- City of Tenino – meeting facilitation/annual retreat/strategic planning
- Graham Fire and Rescue (Pierce County Fire Protection District 21) – meeting facilitations/strategic planning
- Thurston Economic Development Council – meeting facilitation/stakeholder engagement
- Green River Community College – meeting facilitation
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County – meeting facilitation/strategic planning
- Thomas Architecture Studios – meeting facilitation/community engagement
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Doug is active in his community and continues to refine his skills serving on the Board of Trustees for the South Puget Sound Community College and on the Board of Directors for WSECU, a member owned financial services cooperative.
- Doug Mah is a past Mayor of the City of Olympia, Washington (2008-2011) and served 10-year on the City Council (2001-2011). He also served on several highly regarded inter-local organizations including the LOTT Cleanwater Alliance Board of Directors and the Thurston Regional Planning Council / Transportation Policy Board.
- In addition, Doug Mah enjoyed a 23-year career in State Government (1989 -2012). He held appointments in four different state agencies in positions of research, budget, and policy, as an analyst or manager. He concluded his state service at the State Office of the Chief Information Officer where he assisted in setting and implementing the State's strategic technology direction for emergency communications and justice information. Doug intimately understands the challenges and opportunities facing cities, municipal organizations, and public service.
ECO Resource Group
Sandra Davis, Managing Partner
www.ecoresourcegroup.com
ECO Resource Group specializes in facilitation, conflict resolution, strategic planning, process design and management, organizational change, and collaborative strategies to support the development of resilient, sustainable communities. For over 20 years, ECO Resource Group has been working with cities, counties, special-purpose districts, tribes, special interest groups, and the public to facilitate partnerships, develop solutions to complex organizational and environmental issues, and produce collaborative, sustainable outcomes.
ECO is available to support cities as they adapt their organizations and processes to continue to provide key government services and fulfill level of service requirements during these uncertain times. We can also coach your elected officials, commissions, leadership teams, and staff in working more effectively within virtual environments.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
- Budget development
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Communications and dialogue; process improvement; virtual collaboration and engagement; facilitation
Previous clients
- Seattle Public Utilities (2 projects for different parts of the organization) Both projects included process design, interviews, and facilitation. One resulted in plan development, the other in implementation of a proposed organization realignment option.
- Puget Sound Partnership (2 projects for different part of the organization). One project evaluated a program and provided recommendations for greater participation, engagement and alignment. The other supports integrating socio- cultural- economics into the work of the organization and the rural and urban jurisdictions it serves.
- Seattle Police Department (division survey, identification of key issues, facilitation, strategic plan, diversity and equity, and process improvement).
- WA Technology Services (team assessment, facilitation, conflict coaching, and team building).
- City of Redmond (workshop design for facilitated workshops [as subconsultant]).
- Work with Clark County and its associated cities plus 8 Oregon counties and their associated cities to evaluate an integrated public health preparedness network (assessment, agenda development, facilitation, workshops, organization options, governance, diversity and equity, organization design, implementation plan).
- Work with multiple cities and counties in Oregon facilitating in-person and virtual meetings and workshops around water and endangered species issues (agenda development, goal setting, outreach, individual meetings and meeting series, technical and policy workshops, engagement plan, report development)
- Design, agenda development, and facilitation of council and commission workshops from annual retreats to single issues in the previous 5 years, such as with a city and state agency or city and federal agency. More information about these engagements are available upon request.
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Certifications: Psychological First Aide, ICISF; Message Mapping, WHO; Facilitation, ICMA, CDE; Large and Small Group Facilitation, ICISF; Conflict Resolution and Consensus Building, UW; Dispute Resolution, Willamette University; Mediation, UW; Strategic Planning, ICA; Scenario Planning, Global Business Network; Professional Coach (business, life, and conflict coach), CU, CCU; Climate Change Adaptation, UW
- Affiliations: Huxley College of the Environment Advisory Board; Federal Executive Board for Facilitation and Mediation; US Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution Practitioner; Team Oregon Consensus Affiliated Practitioner; Resilience Institute Advisory Board; International Association of Public Participation Trainer; American Water Works Trainer; City of Seattle Planning Commissioner – two-terms – former; City of Bainbridge Island Harbor Commissioner – two-terms – former; City of Tumwater Councilmember – former; Environmental Technical Advisory Committee chairman – former
- Memberships: IAP2; Association for Quality and Improvement; American Water Resources Association; Women in Public Policy; Chamber of Commerce; PAW president and first vice president – former; APA liaison – former
- Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB)
- WA OWMBE Woman Business Enterprise (WBE)
- King County Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS)
Integris Performance Advisors
Brett Cooper, President
Integrispa.com
Integris has been serving cities, counties and other local government agencies since 2011 with great success. We help leaders at all organizational levels be more effective and efficient. We help teams be more productive and cohesive. And we help improve processes so customers receive the best outcomes possible.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Leadership development
- Lean & Six Sigma
Previous clients
- Shoreline, WA | King County, WA | Santa Cruz, CA | Los Angeles, CA
- Leadership development
- Team development
- Process improvement
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- The Leadership Challenge Master Facilitator
- Certified Facilitator in both Everything DiSC and The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team
- Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
JLA Public Involvement
Adrienne DeDona, Senior Facilitator + Public Involvement Program Manager
www.jla.us.com
JLA Public Involvement provides facilitation, public engagement and strategic communications services exclusively for public agencies. Founded in 1988 and with a staff of 25, we support collaborative process, transparent decision-making, and public-friendly information campaigns of all sizes around the Pacific NW. JLA has a reputation for helping governments and communities navigate complex, and sometimes contentious, issues that result in successful outcomes and positive participant experiences.
Our services include engagement strategy and decision-making process advice; facilitation; strategic communications, graphic design and copywriting; stakeholder interviews, surveys and research; public meetings and event planning; in-person engagement; online engagement and interactive platforms; and full-service video production.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
- Budget development
- Team building/conflict resolution
Previous clients
Facilitation, public event planning + public engagement for:
- Cities of Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, Longview
- Clark County
- WSDOT, ODOT
- Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties
- Cities of Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hood River
- JLA works exclusively for public agencies clients. We have worked with many local, regional and state agencies throughout Washington and Oregon.
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- International Association of Public Participation (IAP2)
- Women in Transportation (WTS)
- Certified in SDIC (Systematic Development of Informed Consent), Institute for Participatory Management
- Trained in Technology of Participation: Group Facilitation Methods, Institute of Cultural Affairs
Jurassic Parliament
Ann Macfarlane, Professional Registered Parliamentarian
jurassicparliament.com
Jurassic Parliament offers training workshops to cities and local governments across Washington State and the nation since 2005. We provide a user-friendly and entertaining approach to meeting procedure and Robert's Rules of Order. Our workshops and materials distill the essence of parliamentary procedure and make it practical and easy to apply. As a result, meetings run more smoothly and elected officials make better decisions to serve their community. Our website, www.jurassicparliament.com, publishes over 200 free articles and PDFs, including materials in Spanish. We also offer live and on-demand webinars, an online course, and coaching services.
Areas of expertise
- Conduct of excellent meetings
- Parliamentary procedure
Previous clients
Training workshops in-person and online in meeting management and Robert's Rules of Order for:
- Association of Washington Cities
- Cities of Bainbridge Island, Bellingham, Burien, Edmonds, Gig Harbor, Kenmore, Kirkland, Liberty Lake, Lynnwood, Maple Valley, Medina, Port Angeles, Port Orchard, Renton, Sammamish, SeaTac, Seattle, Sultan, Sumner, Tukwila, Yakima
- Sound Cities Association
- Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys
- Yakima Valley Conference of Governments
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Professional Registered Parliamentarian
- Member of National Association of Parliamentarians
- Member of American Institute of Parliamentarians
Karen Reed Consulting LLC
Karen Reed, Owner
206-932-5063
kreedconsult@comcast.net
Karen's facilitation work over the last 16 years has included a wide array of project types including: City task force efforts; assisting standing community review/oversight panels; multi-agency negotiations on a range of topics.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Inter-agency negotiations
- Governance facilitations
Previous clients
- City of Everett Financial Sustainability Advisory Committee
- Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee facilitation – North Whatcom County/Whatcom County Fire District 4; City of Lynnwood/Fire District 1; City of Marysville/Fire District 12; City of Arlington/North County RFA
- City of Seattle – City light customer review panel facilitation
- Seattle Public Utilities – Customer review panel facilitation
- Snohomish County 911 – Agency merger facilitation
- South Sound 911 – Governance facilitation
- Snohomish County Housing Affordability Task Force
- Homelessness task force facilitations for Redmond, Auburn, Everett
- City manager evaluation facilitation – Bothell and Mill Creek
- City council retreats/team building – Bothell and Medina
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Member of the Washington State Bar Association.
Kenbrio Inc.
Dave Mercier
kenbrio.com
My public sector management career spans more than 35 years and my consulting experience began in 1999. In Washington I served as Battle Ground's first city manager after their change of form of government. I subsequently spent seven years as Spokane Valley's first city manager after the community of 82,000 people incorporated in 2003. In addition, I served six years as deputy city manager in Vancouver. I have been facilitating city manager annual evaluations for more that a dozen years as well as City Council retreats, orientations and strategic thinking exercises. In the past I have also managed an international diagnostic mission and a two-year technical exchange between Dubrovnik, Croatia and Monterey, CA. I have also managed the absorption of a health district with 155 employees thus creating Clark County's Public Health department.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Budget development
- Team building/conflict resolution
Previous clients
- Battle Ground
- Ben Franklin Transit
- Gresham, OR
- Kelso
- Longview
- Mount Lake Terrace
- Pasco
- Port Angeles
- Sequim
- Tigard, OR
- Toppenish
- Washington Cities Insurance Authority
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Life member of the International City/County Managers' Association and the Washington City/County Managers' Association and have been designated as a Credentialed City Manager by ICMA
- I served on the Board of Directors on the Municipal Research and Services Center for 10 years (two as president).
Laura Todd Consulting
Laura Todd, Owner
www.lauratoddcoaching.com
Laura Todd offers facilitation, leadership training, effective communication strategies, strategic planning, coaching mentoring with a strong emphasis in collaboration with the client. Laura has served whole departments for cities and counties as well as supported individual divisions, teams and unique needs of the government, private or for non-profit organizations. Utilizing a background in leadership development and training in the corporate world, co-active coach certification and extensive background in creating experiential learning opportunities, Laura creates an engaged productive and enjoyable experience for clients.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Leadership coaching, effective communication strategies, giving and receiving feedback,
Previous clients
- City of Ferndale – Annual retreat facilitation, leadership coaching
- City of Blaine – Annual retreat facilitation and leadership consultation
- Whatcom County Public Works – Effective meeting training, servant leadership training, executive meeting facilitation, annual retreats facilitation for departments, leadership skills tools for mentorship program
- Washington State Department of Health – Strategic planning retreats, leadership workshops at annual retreats, division annual retreats
- Whatcom County Health Department – Executive coaching, leadership training, retreat facilitation
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Certified Professional Co-Active Coach
- Mediation Certification – in process
Miller Management & Consulting Group
Pamela Miller, Owner, Principal
millermcg.com
We have been working in and with local governments for several decades, are are dedicated to the growth and development of current and emerging local government leaders, and the agencies and communities they serve. We focus on developing conversations that are meaningful, insightful and lead to systemic and sustainable transformation – individually and organizationally.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Various soft skills
Previous clients
A small sample includes:
- Marin County – HR dept., executive leadership team, county counsel and clerk of the board office – HPO implementation, strategic planning, team building
- Alameda County Leadership Academy – Leadership development
- Sacramento Valley Leadership Academy – Leadership development
- City Clerks Association of CA (CCAC) – MMC Academy, virtual training
- Alameda County Transportation Commission – Executive leadership team – Team building
- City and County of San Francisco – Training
- City of Davis – Communication styles with department head team
- San Mateo County revenue services department – Team building and training
- Municipal Management Association of Northern CA (MMANC) – Training
- County Clerks of the Board of Supervisors (CCBSA) – Training
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- CMC designation as a former Deputy City Clerk and Clerk of the Board
- Masters degree in organizational leadership
- Member of CA Women Leading Government.
MMBConsulting
Marilynne Beard, Consultant
425-984-4030
mmbconsult1@gmail.com
Over 35 years experience working in municipal government as a Deputy City Manager and Finance Professional. Over twenty years providing meeting facilitation including City Council retreats, community outreach, strategic planning and team building. During my career in municipal government I also provided training and facilitation services for a variety of outside governmental and non-profit organizations. I am currently retired from local government and started a consulting business, MMB Consulting LLC, to provide a range of professional services to local governments and non-profits.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
- Budget development
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Communication styles
Previous clients
- Retreat facilitation/strategic planning: Cities of Kirkland, Snoqualmie, North Bend, Mercer Island, Federal Way and the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool
- Community outreach and customer service training: Cities of Renton and Kirkland and Washington State Association of Building Officials
- Communication styles and leadership training: University of Washington, Washington State Permit Technician Association, Cities of Kirkland and Bothell
- Community task force facilitation: Lake Washington School District and City of Kirkland
- Budget development: Northeast King County Public Safety Communications Agency
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Washington City/County Managers Association
- Trained as a mediator (City of Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center)
- Community involvement practitioner (International Association for Public Participation)
- Communication styles training (Success Signals)
Northwest Leadership Strategies
Jenny Scott, Owner, Facilitator, Speaker
nwleadershipstrategies.com
I served as Town Administrator in La Conner, WA from 2004-2007, where I gained extensive knowledge and experience in municipal governance and leadership. Through my business, I provide facilitation, speaking, and development services ranging from strategic planning retreats to community visioning sessions, to moderating contentious community forums. I have provided council/staff training, as well.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Ethics; emotional intelligence; servant leadership
Previous clients
- Port of Lewiston – 5-year Strategic Plan
- Lewis-Clark Valley Chamber of Commerce – Strategic planning; Leadership presentations
- Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives – Annual conference presenter on bylaws
- Full client list on website
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Organizational leadership, Master's degree
- Servant leadership, certificate
Parfait Bassale, LLC
Parfait Bassale, Diversity and Equity specialist
www.parfaitbassale.com
Parfait earned a Masters of Arts from Portland State University in Conflict Resolution. Additionally, Parfait has years of experience leading and consulting with both private and public sectors, on matters of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He is currently the Executive Diversity Equity and inclusion at South Puget Sound Community College and the chair of the Institution wide DEI committee. He brings over 20 years of field experience, coupled with his passion and lived story to every speaking engagement and coaching session. Parfait shares his critical message of empathy through the Story and Song Centered Pedagogy; a framework that leverages the introspective virtues of music and the power of stories to shape and alter meaning.
Areas of expertise
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Diversity & equity training
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Barriers and keys to belongingness
Previous clients
- Multnomah County in Oregon – Transforming Othering through Empathy
- Washington state conference on DEI – navigating micro-aggressions
- Bonneville Power Administration- Transforming Othering through Empathy
- Thurston Regional Planning Council – Equity Explained
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Executive Diversity Officer at South Puget Sound Community College
- Washington State Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council
PDSA Consulting, Inc.
Lyn Wiltse, President
www.pdsaconsulting.com
We provide training and coaching services in the areas of leadership, process improvement, systems thinking (to reduce unintended consequences of our actions), communication styles (understanding and appreciating the value of diverse communication styles), time management, and effective feedback and listening. We also facilitation for management teams, process improvement, strategic planning retreats, and embracing change. Everyone deserves to have pride and joy in their work and to contribute to the greater good. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology, we provide the facilitation, tools, and training to help individuals and organizations reach their short- and long-term goals.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Process improvement
- Communication Styles
Previous clients
- Puget Sound Energy
- City of Tacoma
- Tacoma Power
- PacifiCorp
- Chelan County PUD
- Seattle City Light
- Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Association of Humanistic Psychology
- The Deming Study Group
- In2In Thinking Institute
- Institute of Noetic Sciences.
Profound Results Consulting
Ron Morey, President & CEO
www.profoundresults.com
I've worked with several city leaders and state agencies, primarily focused on Strategic Planning and leadership/team development. I also have develop a customized 75 page workbook for employees to be cross trained as facilitators to effectively lead internal meetings and community events / citizen engagement.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Facilitation training to cross train city/state employees to facilitate effectively
Previous clients
- Charlie Bush, City administrator at City of Sequim
- City of Issaquah, City of Renton
- Leadership Development and annual strategic planning sessions, along with facilitation training for employees to facilitate team meetings effectively.
Sapna Strategies, LLC
Sapna Sopori, Owner/CEO
www.sapnastrategies.com
It is said that "A bad system will beat a good person every time." So, let's change the system! I work with leadership teams to set and achieve their diversity goals. Together, we can develop Just Strategies for Just Solutions!
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Diversity & equity training
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Equitable administrative strategies: decision-making, giving and receiving feedback, etc.
Previous clients
I work with nonprofits, government agencies, and for-profit firms.
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
Please visit my website for a thorough list of my professional affiliations.
The Mejorando Group
Patrick Ibarra, Co-Founder and Partner
gettingbetterallthetime.com
Since our inception in 2002, we have partnered with hundreds of local government leaders helping translate the headwinds of change into a tailwind in their efforts to build stronger, more vibrant communities. We have a deep appreciation for the role of leaders in local government and in-depth expertise in providing valuable services. Understanding the council-manager partnership, in particular creating an agreed upon set of priorities, is one of the major outcomes of creating a strategic plan.
In a rapidly changing world, the role of local government is evolving at breakneck speed. To remain credible, it must adapt to these shifting winds as it creates its future. Public service is a noble profession and I'm appreciative of the opportunities I have to partner with leaders as they modernize their approach to community building. I bring them experience of having worked 15 years in city management and the last 18 plus consulting with hundreds of cities nationwide, along with expertise of designing and facilitating an Advance (as opposed to a retreat) session to clarify their focus and create cohesion towards the future.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
- Budget development
- Team building/conflict resolution
- I provide a range of training workshops that can be found on our website. These are presented in person and virtually.
Previous clients
Scores of cities including several in Washington – Anacortes, Bainbridge Island, Centralia, Chehalis, Kennewick, Longview and Richland. A majority of these were for strategic planning sessions involving their governing bodies, while others were for their executive leadership teams. I also design and implement contemporary approaches to talent management, including succession planning, and conduct organizational performance and staffing reviews.
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Member of ICMA
- Member of WCMA
- Certified in facilitation skills by Development Dimensions International
The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond
Dr. Kimberley Richards, Executive Director
www.pisab.org
Founded in 1980 by long-time community organizers Ronald Chisom of New Orleans and Dr. Jim Dunn of Yellow Springs, Ohio, The People's Institute has impacted the lives of nearly 1,00,000,000 people both nationally and internationally. The process developed and shared by PISAB's founders supports a cadre of anti-racist organizers who build leadership and accountability in communities for which organize. Speaking to outreaching nation-wide organizing, a 2002 Aspen Institute survey of eleven top racial justice organizations, five acknowledged and credited The People’s Institute for the most effective anti-racist analysis. Today, The People’s Institute is recognized as one of the foremost anti-racism training and organizing institutions in the nation.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Diversity & equity training
- Community engagement
- Undoing Racism Workshop
Previous clients
- PISAB is a national organization that has regional offices at every corner of the country servicing major corporation and universities, as well as community/grassroots organizers.
Triangle Associates
Kizz Prusia, Marketing Assistant
www.triangleassociates.com
Since 1979, Triangle Associates has helped local, state, federal and tribal governments work with each other and with community members to address pressing issues facing the natural and built environments. We provide neutral, third-party services to ensure inclusive participation, clear access to information, and durable decision-making. We offer an extensive set of facilitation tools and public involvement methods and design and facilitate meetings of all types and sizes such as workshops, open houses, public meetings and hearings, retreats, and online meetings.
Triangle staff also have significant experience integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) both within our company and in the work we do with agencies, communities, and schools. Triangle has a DEI Plan, implemented by our DEI committee, which guides regular staff DEI trainings and events as well as the implementation of our DEI skillset in all of our projects. Our DEI work includes ensuring small, woman and minority-owned businesses are subcontractors on projects, facilitating multilingual outreach and meetings, securing funding to ensure community-based organizations can participate in decision-making processes, and other DEI practices. See Triangle's DEI webpage for more.
As the world adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual meetings are being held on a larger scale than ever before. Virtual meetings have advantages and drawbacks compared to conventional meetings; they can increase access and engagement by stakeholders with limited access to physical meeting spaces and can also create new barriers for stakeholders with limited access to virtual meeting technology. Triangle Associates has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with expertise in developing strategies and innovative tools for communicating digitally and assisting clients to adjust effectively to managing meetings and conflict resolution processes remotely, all while developing trust and collaboration. Triangle held several webinars in 2020 to train teams and partner agencies on how to use online meeting platforms, stream meetings, and provide the best virtual meeting experience for all those involved.
We also offer the following services:
- Conflict resolution
- Mediation
- Organizational development
- Strategic planning
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Strategic planning – Community visioning and goal setting
- Strategic focus facilitation – Implementation of major organizational change
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Community engagement
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Virtual trainings
Previous clients
Federal
- U.S. EPA, Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site – meeting facilitation & communications; environmental management & environmental services; project management; Organizational development; public involvement
- U.S. EPA, Portland Harbor Superfund Site – meeting facilitation & communications; environmental management & environmental services; project management; organizational development; public involvement
County/Regional
- Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council – meeting facilitation & communications; project management; organizational development; public involvement; strategic, secretariat, and facilitation services
- King County Household Hazardous Waste – meeting facilitation & communications; project management; organizational development; public involvement
- King County Charter Review – meeting facilitation & communications; project management; organizational development; public involvement; design and facilitation of King County Charter Review Commission process
- King County Roads & Bridges – meeting facilitation & communications; project management; organizational development; public involvement
- King County Metro – meeting facilitation & communications; project management; organizational development; facilitation and public engagement for Community Connections Program and Renton-Kent-Auburn network restructure
- Community Transit – meeting facilitation & communications; project management; organizational development; public involvement
- Sound Transit – retreat facilitation; project management; organizational development
- Kitsap Transit – design and facilitation of annual retreats
- Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) – design and technology support of virtual general assemblies
City
- Seattle City Light – meeting facilitation & communications; environmental management & environmental services; project management; organizational development; public involvement
- City of Seattle Public Utilities – meeting facilitation & communications; environmental management & environmental services; project management; organizational development; public involvement
- City of North Bend – meeting facilitation & communications; public involvement
- City of Bellevue (utilities) – meeting facilitation & communications; environmental management & environmental services; project management; organizational development; public involvement; environmental education & training; recycling & sustainability
- City of Everett – environmental education & training
- City of Sammamish – meeting facilitation & communications; environmental management & environmental services; project management; organizational development; public involvement; environmental education & training; recycling & sustainability
- City of Port Orchard – design and facilitation of annual retreats
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications
- Triangle Associates, Inc. is a Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) in the states of Washington and Oregon
- Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) certified firm in King County
- Federal Supply Service (FSS) GSA Contract Holder (contract #GS10F-0223S).
Vanessa Bronsema
360-739-9624
vanessa.bronsema@gmail.com
I'm a professional mediator and facilitator, as well as an HR director in local government with particular emphasis in labor relations. I have a master's degree in conflict resolution and an MPA. I've been in the conflict resolution field for about 12 years. I enjoy every bit of designing and running group processes. I also emphasize the importance of capturing agreement or movement in a post-process summary. I am open to working in new areas such as budget development or community involvement as well; I'd be happy to support another facilitator and/or have support from another facilitator if the situation warrants it.
Areas of expertise
- General retreat facilitation – Defined agenda
- Project/meeting facilitation – Single purpose/short term
- Team building/conflict resolution
- Workplace
Professional affiliations, memberships or certifications