Agri-food Systems Consultant

• Jan 1994 - Present

Diagnostics, design and delivery of educational interventions and facilitation for a wide variety of client needs using the intentional practice model: teach, apply, coach, reteach. We capitalize on talent, knowledge and innovation to achieve results. Diagnostics, design and delivery of educational interventions and facilitation for a wide variety of client needs using the intentional practice model: teach, apply, coach, reteach. We capitalize on talent, knowledge and innovation to achieve results.

Farm Human Resource Coach

• Apr 2015 - Present

Provide consulting services to farm leadership teams and management who desire to launch or improve their HR systems with more effective integration and understanding of the interdependent parts, from recruiting to performance coaching. The end goal is to build a recognizable employment brand and reputation in the community and region. Provide consulting services to farm leadership teams and management who desire to launch or improve their HR systems with more effective integration and understanding of the interdependent parts, from recruiting to performance coaching. The end goal is to build a recognizable employment brand and reputation in the community and region.

Principal Mover & Shaker

• Apr 2018 - Present

A non-profit entity serving food and farming stakeholders in an 11 county region of NE Michigan with a standing Food Policy Committee. A non-profit entity serving food and farming stakeholders in an 11 county region of NE Michigan with a standing Food Policy Committee.

The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team

• Sep 2014 - Jan 2018

The single most untapped competitive advantage is high performing teams, i.e. teams that understand what to discuss, how to act and where to apply their resources. To achieve this advantage, team members must be open and vulnerable with each other and be willing to benchmark and monitor their progress in the critical areas of conflict and accountability. This guided process harnesses the power of Everything DiSC and the simplicity of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team model to help teams achieve clarity and engagement around their purpose.

Internal Evaluation Champion/Project Evaluator

• 2005 - 2014

Selected to pilot an innovative model of "Internal Evaluation Champion" to build fund-raising capacity and evaluation skills of non-profits. Conducted evaluation workshops, coached staff in the evaluation process, and designed tools and systems to track outcomes for decision-making by funders, staff and the leadership team at MIFFS. Authored an Employee Evaluation Handbook for non-profits. Completed both Process and Outcome evaluations for several grant-funded projects. . Selected to pilot an innovative model of "Internal Evaluation Champion" to build fund-raising capacity and evaluation skills of non-profits. Conducted evaluation workshops, coached staff in the evaluation process, and designed tools and systems to track outcomes for decision-making by funders, staff and the leadership team at MIFFS. Authored an Employee Evaluation Handbook for non-profits. Completed both Process and Outcome evaluations for several grant-funded projects. .

Ag Innovation Counselor (AIC)

• Jun 2002 - Dec 2008

Served on the Project Implementation Team and consulted in curriculum design and organizational development of the Product Center for ANR. Coached over 50 agri-food entrepreneurs and helped one client with a new product launch. Presently I facilitate courses for the ongoing AIC certification process and teach beginning farmer business workshops. Served on the Project Implementation Team and consulted in curriculum design and organizational development of the Product Center for ANR. Coached over 50 agri-food entrepreneurs and helped one client with a new product launch. Presently I facilitate courses for the ongoing AIC certification process and teach beginning farmer business workshops.

Associate Director of Marketing Campaign

• Jun 2002 - Dec 2005

Conducted a three year consumer awareness (Buy Local/Select Michigan) campaign that increased purchases of Michigan grown food by 100% in retail markets. Led the development of printed campaign materials and 3 new Farmers Markets, coordinated monthly promotions and special events, and served as editor of the first West Michigan Guide to Local Food which is still in publication today. Served concurrently on the Michigan leadership team and a national Buy Local Learning Community that resulted in a presentation on "Buy Local Initiatives" featured on the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Knowledge Center website.

Marketing Coordinator Office of Extension & Community Education

• Jan 2000 - Jun 2002

Leadership of community-based initiatives and Chair of the Marketing Team that increased enrollment and visibility of OECE via a multi-channel marketing approach. Leadership of community-based initiatives and Chair of the Marketing Team that increased enrollment and visibility of OECE via a multi-channel marketing approach.

Charter Chapter President

• Sep 1996 - Jun 1998

Led the formation of a new Toastmasters Chapter, served as Charter Chapter President, competed in several local and state competitions and completed my Advanced Toastmasters designation. Also served on the District Leadership Team and was nominated for a regional officer position just prior to my departure from Minnesota. Led the formation of a new Toastmasters Chapter, served as Charter Chapter President, competed in several local and state competitions and completed my Advanced Toastmasters designation. Also served on the District Leadership Team and was nominated for a regional officer position just prior to my departure from Minnesota.

Regional Representative

• Dec 1984 - Aug 1987

Leadership, volunteer and staff recruitment, development and retention. . Liaison to County Farm Bureaus in six county region. Leadership, volunteer and staff recruitment, development and retention. . Liaison to County Farm Bureaus in six county region.

Agri Science Instructor

• 1980 - 1984