My career (or, as my partner calls it, my “careen”) began with exhibit design and writing, moved into historic preservation, architecture and urban design, and evolved from there into community development work with a focus on economic justice, including leadership positions as Executive Director of Seward Redesign, a nonprofit community development corporation, and as Deputy Mayor of Minneapolis. Along the way, I served as director of communications for an international architecture and engineering firm, and co-founded a community barter network designed to deliver economic value for volunteer work.
And what is the through line? At the core, it is social justice. I have consistently sought opportunities to level the playing field and expand opportunities for all individuals and families to prosper and thrive, regardless of their starting circumstances. As a white man born to an educated, upper-middle-class family with a social-activist bent, I consider it my responsibility in life to use my position of privilege as a lever to assist others.
I have done this most effectively as a change agent, working both within the system and outside it to get things done. I consider myself a “practical visionary” with the emphasis on the practical. What good is a vision that never becomes real?
As an experienced designer, project manager and communication professional, I bring three core capacities to every project: 1. creative problem-solving and integrative thinking, 2. practical action planning and 3. strategic, well-crafted communication. As an experienced organizational and community leader, I have developed a kit of effective management and decision-making tools, and strong group-facilitation skills.
Finally, working roughly equal parts of my “careen” in the corporate, nonprofit and government sectors, I have become a skillful liaison and translator between these sectors, comfortable navigating and bridging their differing cultures and worldviews.
You are welcome to review my online resume and profile at LinkedIn.