Non-profit
- Farmworker Housing Needs Assessment, SeaMar Community Health Centers
Created an updated assessment of the need for farmworker housing in Washington to brief the Governor and state legislature. Reviewed available data to update a 2005 needs assessment. Assessed the progress of the state’s investments in permanent and seasonal housing for farmworkers, and estimated the current needs. Suggested strategic options legislators could consider to fill the needs.(2012)
Results: Governor Gregoire included $15 million for farmworker housing in her budget for the 2013 legislative session. The report, On Common Ground: Meeting the Need for Farmworker Housing in Washington State, was distributed to legislators.- Grant Writing, Seattle Children’s Hospital
Wrote two grant proposals to the state Attorney General’s Office, one to expand the Medical-Legal Partnership to assist low-income persons with schizophrenia, dementia and autism, and the other to provide community-based interventions for children with diabetes. Helped facilitate discussions to shape the proposals with project partners Harborview Medical Center, SeaMar Community Health Centers, and Northwest Justice project.(2012-2013)
Results: The Attorney General’s Office accepted both proposals, awarding a total of $1.03 million.- Yakima Infant-Toddler Region, Organizational Research Services
Facilitated a collaborative process among members of the Kittitas-Grant-Yakima Infant-Toddler Region and the Investing in Children Coalition Central to develop a plan to carry out a new state program for interdisciplinary consultation to child care centers. Helped the parties work through differences in approach. (2011)
Results: The parties came to unanimous agreement and submitted a plan to the state. The state accepted the plan and provided funding for the consultations.
- Strategic Planning, PCC Farmland Trust
Facilitated a strategic planning process with the Trust’s Board of Directors and staff. Tasks included conducting extensive stakeholder interviews, developing a series of option papers, conducting Board workshops, and preparing a written plan with recommendations and an implementation plan. (2011)
Results: The Trust’s Board adopted the strategic plan, agreed on a direction, and developed a roll-out plan.
- Potrero Hill, Bridge Housing
Assisted a statewide housing organization in California with identifying options for supportive services to assist housing residents. Conducted a national survey of best practices in education and supportive services connected with housing. Developed a workshop for staff. (2011)
Results: Submitted best practices report. Staff workshop was postponed.
- Facilitation, Lummi Tribal Business Council
Facilitated meetings and a retreat to develop a strategic plan for the tribe. The retreat participants explored challenges and opportunities, developed a vision statement, and outlined six initiatives for the coming year. (2010-2011)
Results: The Council adopted the strategic plan and an action plan to move the six initiatives forward.
- Strategic Visioning, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition
Facilitated a strategic planning process as the Coalition faced the challenges of increasing population density, escalating costs of acquiring land and increased demand on funding sources. Engaged the Board in discussion of key questions about the Coalition’s future; conducted interviews with internal and external stakeholders; created a white paper on strategic options based on the issues and ideas that emerged, and led a Board workshop on these choices. Provided a written summary of the workshop and the chosen strategic direction; assisted staff in drafting an implementation plan for the Board’s ratification. (2007 – 2009)
Results: The WWRC Board adopted the strategic plan and obtained $140 million in state funding for open space preservation.
- Eastside Sustainability Plan, Eastside Human Services Forum
Assist a collaboration of staff for five Eastside cities (Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island and Redmond) and King County to identify sustainability strategies and gain agreement to apply the cost savings to help fund human services. Researched examples of entrepreneurial, sustainable practices in governments locally and nationally (including an initial summary from the Bainbridge Graduate Institute), identified best practices, conducted key-person interviews, and identified potential strategies. Prepared research summary, and agendas and materials for meetings with potential partners. Key strategies relate to energy efficiency in public buildings and operations. Facilitating discussions with potential public, private and foundation partners and funding sources, and with municipal decision makers. (2011 – present)
Results: Ongoing
- Early Learning and Development Guidelines, Thrive by Five Washington
Served as a co-facilitator of a 51-member steering committee guiding the development of the state’s redesigned and updated Guidelines, and led editorial work. Facilitated planning meetings of sponsoring agencies: Washington State Department of Early Learning, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Thrive by Five Washington. Developed schedules for the steering committee and three subcommittees, helped design agendas and facilitated decision making. Facilitated the subcommittee charged with developing the Guidelines’ content; coordinated the work of content experts; compiled and edited text; and sought and edited personal stories and quotations. Supervised outreach and two rounds of public review. Produced draft text for committee review, and draft text and layout for public review; reviewed public comments and suggested revisions in response; and worked with a graphic designer to produce draft and final layouts. The Guidelines are a statewide resource for everyone who loves, cares for and educates children from birth through 3rd grade. They offer information on children’s growth and learning by age group, and suggestions for ways adults can help support and enhance this development. (2011-2012)
Results: The steering committee recommended the Guidelines document, and the three co-sponsor agencies approved it. The Department of Early Learning is disseminating the Guidelines in hard copy and online.
View link ›- Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (GAPPS) Repository Business Plan
GAPPS, an initiative of Seattle Children’s, is dedicated to accelerating the Global Action Agenda to prevent prematurity and stillbirth. The GAPPS repository is central to GAPPS’ ability to meet two of its strategic objectives—translating discoveries into diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies, and building global research capacity—and will provide a foundation for its evidence-based advocacy. In addition, the repository will be a core service for the Seattle Children’s Research Institute (SCRI), with the systems created available for other SCRI repositories. Cedar River Group helped GAPPS develop a business plan for the repository. (2010)
Results. GAPPS adopted a five-year business plan for the repository that includes performance criteria and implementation recommendations.
- Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (GAPPS) Strategic Plan
- GAPPS is an initiative of Seattle Children’s with the mission of leading a collaborative, global effort to increase awareness and accelerate innovative research and interventions that will improve maternal, newborn and child health outcomes. In May 2009, GAPPS and its partners convened the International Conference on Prematurity & Stillbirth which resulted in the 2015 Global Action Agenda on Preterm Birth and Stillbirth. Cedar River Group worked with GAPPS to create its first strategic plan to accelerate progress on the Global Action Agenda. (2010)Results: GAPPS adopted a five-year strategic plan encompassing five goals: make every birth count; improve maternal and newborn health outcomes; translate discoveries into diagnostic, treatment, and prevention strategies; build global health research capacity; and advocate for policy changes and increased resources.
- Facilitation, Washington Early Learning Partnership
Facilitate monthly meetings of the ground-breaking, public-private partnership of Thrive by Five, the State Department of Early Learning, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The partnership supports the state’s efforts in early learning. The focus of the meetings is to ensure effective communication among the parties, and to identify and track the joint work program. (2010 - present)
Results: Ongoing
- Strategic Plan, University of Washington Botanic Gardens (UWBG)
Worked with university faculty and staff to identify strategic direction for the Botanic Gardens, including the Washington Park Arboretum, the Center for Urban Horticulture, and the Union Bay Natural Area. (2010)
Results: The UWBG adopted the strategic plan.
- Business Engagement in Early Learning, United Way of King County
Conducted research to help United Way determine how to focus an effort to engage business leaders in supporting early learning. Conducted telephone interviews and literature review to research lessons learned from similar efforts nationwide. Identified and invited business managers and owners to attend focus groups. Facilitated four focus discussions to determine business people’s understanding of early learning, to test messages and materials, and to identify potential ways to involve business in early learning. (2008)
Results: Provided a report and recommendations. United Way has since launched a major capital campaign for a targeted home visiting program to improve the school readiness of children under age 5.- Strategic Plan, Seattle Art Museum
Staffed a Strategic Planning Committee of Board members and staff leaders to develop a sustainability plan for the next two years, as the museum faces the significant budget challenges of the economic recession. Developed a six-point action plan to make the most of the museum’s assets, and boost attendance, memberships and contributions in the near term, and to work with other arts organizations to secure a public funding mechanism that could help support the museum’s operating budget over the long term. (2010)
Results: The museum’s Board unanimously approved the Sustainability Plan. SAM is implementing the plan.- Haiti Environmental Restoration, World Vision
Wrote a concept paper proposing environmental restoration as a key part of post-earthquake recovery for Haiti. World Vision embraced this concept and sponsored a conference at Yale University to explore the potential. Attendees included Haiti’s Minister of Agriculture and 100 experts in environmental restoration, emergency recovery, and poverty reduction. (2010)
Results: Conference participants used the conference communique to develop specific programs to employ displaced Haitians in restoring the environment and the agricultural economy of Haiti.
- Research Advice, Senior Services of Seattle and King County
Assisted Senior Services in choosing and analyzing demographic data to provide a picture of the future needs for housing, transportation and services for seniors in Southeast Seattle and in Shoreline. Reviewed summaries for use in community planning meetings. (2010)
View link ›
Results: The background summaries were the starting point for vision-action workshops among seniors in the two communities.- North Cascades Initiative, Wilderness Society
Assist the society to develop a comprehensive plan for enhancing the preservation and protection of the North Cascades, especially the designated wilderness areas and locations that could be so designated, in a way that both enhances recreational opportunities and the economic development of local communities. Interviewed key stakeholders, and prepared a report on issues and opportunities. Developed strategic options for the Wilderness Society and conducted two staff workshops. See downloads for the report. (2009 - 2011)
Results: The society adopted the recommendations, received a $1 million challenge grant, and is carrying out specific projects in line with the report’s recommendations.
- New Headquarters, Seattle Indian Health Board
Work with the Health Board, the Seattle Indian Services Commission (a public development authority) and the City of Seattle to identify the means to improve the Health Board’s physical facilities so as to better serve the Native American community. (2009 - present)
Results: In progress.
- Child Welfare Transformation, Partners for Our Children
Staffed a committee created by the state legislature to transform the child welfare system in Washington. Planned agendas and facilitated meetings of the 26-member committee, which included state agencies, private child welfare providers, courts, tribal governments, labor, birth and foster parents, and a former foster child. Helped the group achieve consensus to move forward with system improvements, including performance-based contracting. (2009 - 2010)
Results: The task force developed a plan for transformation, which the state is implementing.
- State Early Learning Plan, Thrive by Five Washington, Department of Early Learning and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Facilitated the process of developing a comprehensive, 10-year plan for a statewide early learning system, prenatal through third grade. Coordinated the work of a multi-agency management team, an advisory council created by the legislature, a 36-member steering committee, and five work groups involving 150 people. Served as primary drafter of the plan and assisted with public outreach planning. Reviewed public comments from 3,500 respondents. Revised and finalized the plan. Our team was brought in to help focus an existing process and blend it with a similar request from the governor, which had a shorter deadline. (2009 - 2010)
Results: The draft plan was completed to meet the governor’s request for a product by Dec. 1, 2009. Finalized the plan after extensive public review and comment. The plan was released in September 2010.
View link ›- Green Seasonal Housing, Archdiocesan Housing Authority
Worked with Mithun Architects and the Archdiocese to create a model for on-site seasonal farmworker housing, with three prototypes, including one that uses solar power and has a zero carbon footprint. Helped to ally with Catholic Housing Services (CHS) to be the developer for a village of green units on a nine-acre site in Skagit County. The project was to include some acres for the farmworkers to grow their own crops and gain agricultural business skills. The units were to be operated by a local nonprofit. Cedar River Group helped CHS to refine this concept and seek funding to begin building the units. (2008 - 2010)
Results: The project was featured in the Fall 2009 American Institute of Architects Seattle Forum (see link).
View link ›- Strategic Plan, Housing Resource Group
Created a five-year strategic plan for this nonprofit that builds, owns and manages affordable housing. Organized and facilitated a panel discussion with key community stakeholders; and led a Board retreat. Worked with the strategic planning committee to develop the draft and final plan. (2009)
Results: The Board unanimously adopted the strategic plan.
- Securing Permanent Sites, Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance
Managed the alliance’s efforts to secure permanent locations for farmers’ markets in three neighborhoods: University District, Capitol Hill-Broadway, and Columbia City. Identified sites; contacted and held discussions with property owners; developed letters of intent; secured the necessary public agency approvals; and conducted a financial analysis of the markets’ operating budget structure. (2008 - 2011)
Results: Columbia City Farmer’s Market relocated within the Edmunds St. right-of-way, increasing its visibility and sales. The Capitol Hill Farmer’s Market relocated at the Link light rail station through an agreement with Sound Transit.
- School Reuse Plan, Fauntleroy Community Service Agency
Served as project manager to acquire Fauntleroy Elementary School (declared surplus by Seattle Public Schools) for continued use as a community center. Negotiated the terms of agreement; assisted with community outreach; identified building renovation needs and costs; and assisted in securing nearly $3 million in public funding to acquire the site. (2007 - 2010)
Results: Acquisition was completed at the end of February 2010.
- Recovery Act Research, Intercommunity Mercy Housing
Conducted research immediately after passage of the federal stimulus bill in 2009 to determine what sources could be used to build or improve affordable housing. (2009)
Results: Mercy Housing has received more than $9 million in stimulus funds to retrofit their housing units, winning seven of 15 total Section 8 grants awarded in Region X for green retrofit programs.
- Retreats, various organizations
Led retreats for the Arboretum Botanic Garden Committee, Arboretum Foundation, Burke Museum, Dunn Gardens, Fauntleroy Community Service Center, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Harborview Medical Center, History Link, Neighbor to Neighbor, St. Andrews Housing Group, San Juan County Land Bank, SBRI, Seattle Housing Authority, Seattle Parks Foundation, and UW Botanic Gardens. Helped each organization identify the objectives and outcomes needed from the retreat; ensure involvement of the necessary people; and develop the agenda and format. Facilitated the retreats and conducted follow-up activities including decision summaries and recommendations. In some cases, assisted with further work on the recommendations. (2006 - 2011)
Results: Each retreat helped set the direction for the organization’s next phase of work.
- Affordable Housing Collaboration, Snohomish County Tomorrow
Worked in partnership with Building Changes to explore the feasibility of creating an inter-jurisdictional collaboration of Snohomish County governments (county, cities and tribes) to create additional affordable housing. Explored similar collaborations across the nation; conducted extensive stakeholder interviews; and identified and assessed options for structure and governance. Staffed a subcommittee composed of multiple jurisdictions. Presented recommendations to separate Snohomish County Tomorrow committees for elected officials, planning directors, and city managers and administrators. (2008 - 2009)
Results: The report and recommendations were accepted by Snohomish County Tomorrow.
View link ›- Philanthropic Role in Emergency Management, United Way of King County
For United Way of King County, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Seattle Foundation, facilitated a collaborative process to explore the roles the philanthropic sector can play in disaster preparation, response, recovery and mitigation. Facilitated meetings of a 24-member, statewide task force; organized workshops; researched nationwide best practices, and the strengths and gaps in the state disaster response system; conducted key-person interviews. Prepared final report and recommendations: Moving to Higher Ground: Potential Roles for Philanthropy in Helping Washington’s Communities Cope with Disasters. See project downloads. (2009)
Results: The co-sponsors are disseminating the report, including to United Ways of Washington. United Way of King County is working with Public Health - Seattle & King County to strengthen communications between the King County Emergency Coordination Center and the nonprofit human services sector so as to improve the exchange of information in disaster situations. The project’s results also were presented at a Philanthropy Northwest member briefing.
- Children’s Hospital Transportation Plan
Assisted Children’s in creating and implementing a progressive transportation management plan emphasizing “green” alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips, and strategies for affordable housing near the hospital. (2008 - 2009)
Results: The hospital launched its “Green Line” shuttle bus in 2008 to connect to the downtown transit hub, with service every 15 minutes, and its “Purple Line” in 2009, connecting to the University of Washington. The hospital has also launched a groundbreaking loaner bike program for employees, as well as a system of financial incentives for employees who walk, bike, or use shuttles, van pools or transit.
- Ready by Five (East Yakima Early Learning Initiative)
Worked with a diverse local team of early childhood education experts to develop the initial business plan for this initiative to improve early learning opportunities in a low-income area of
Results: Business plan was accepted for funding by Thrive by Five Washington as one of two local demonstration projects, and renewed in 2009.
View link ›- Marsha Rivkin Center
The Marsha Rivkin Center works in collaboration with the Swedish Medical Center and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to support research and find a cure for ovarian cancer. Cedar River Group worked with their Board to develop the first strategic plan for the center. The process involved planning and facilitating a Board strategic plan retreat, conducting stakeholder interviews and working with a strategic planning committee to develop strategies and implementation plans. (2006 - 2007)
Results: With Board and staff, created a five-year strategic plan.- Health Policy Papers, Urban Indian Health Institute
Wrote reports on diabetes and cardiovascular disease among urban American Indians/Alaska Natives, based on a thorough review of the published research studies. These papers are to be part of a series intended to inform decision-makers about the most serious health challenges facing the American Indian/Alaska Native population, and to identify research and program gaps. (2006 – 2007)
Results: After review by a panel of national experts and health professionals, the papers formed the basis of a report published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Invisible Tribes: Urban Indians and Their Health in a Changing World.
View link ›- Strategic Planning, YouthCare
- Planned and led a strategic planning process for YouthCare, which has provided services to homeless youth in the Seattle area for more than 30 years. Development of the plan followed a period of significant organizational change. Work included conducting stakeholder interviews and focus groups; working with a board-staff planning committee to conduct a strategic assessment and SWOT analysis; and developing the strategic plan for the committee and then the Board of Directors’ approval. (2005 - 2006)
Results: Plan completed and presented to the Board. - Organizational Leadership, WA State Farmworker Housing Trust
- Built a statewide partnership to create farmworker housing. Incubated the organization; staffed the Board; led strategic planning and research; developed funding and communication strategies. (2003 - 2007)
Results: 2005 and 2006 Legislatures tripled state funding for farmworker housing. - School Readiness Summit, WA State Child Care Resource and Referral Network
- Coordinated six state agencies and statewide organizations to convene the Washington School Readiness Summit on November 8, 2004, and to launch school readiness teams in communities across Washington. Recruited and coordinated speakers and panel moderators; developed conference materials; coordinated logistics. Coordinated regional meetings statewide. (2004 - 2005)
Results: Summit brought together 500 people in early childhood education, K-12 education, and community agencies. This and the regional teams led to ongoing collaboration around school readiness in many communities statewide. - Getting School Ready Pilot Teams, WA Alliance for Better Schools
- Led a pilot project to develop neighborhood/school “transition” teams in four elementary schools in King County, and prepared a handbook to train new teams. Each team involved kindergarten teachers, child care providers, parents and community-based agencies in working to improve the school readiness of three- and four-year-olds and their families in the local community. (2004 - 2005)
Results: The Washington Alliance for Better Schools used the handbook to train new teams. View link › - Project Lift-Off, United Way of King County
- (See under Public Agencies - City of Seattle Human Services Department and King County Children & Family Commission)
- Greater Skagit Delta Initiative, Trust for Public Land
- Assisted the Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy, Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland and the Skagit Watershed Council in developing a long-term strategy to preserve the biodiversity of the Skagit Delta. (2002 - 2003)
Results: Preservation plan led to additional funding from state, federal and philanthropic sources for natural areas preservation and fisheries enhancement. - Skagit/Whatcom Apple Growers Feasibility Study, Skagit Valley Economic Development Association
- Determined the feasibility of constructing a controlled atmosphere/cold storage facility in the Skagit/Whatcom county area and creating a successful niche market strategy for area apple growers. (2001)
Results: Completed study and provided recommendations to apple growers. - Seattle Chinese Garden Development, Seattle Chinese Garden Society
Provided key leadership to energize a stalled project to create a Chinese garden at
View link ›
Results: Project re-designed and successfully issued Master Use Permits, negotiated lease with- Strategic Planning, Seattle Biomedical Research Insitute
- Assisted this nonprofit in designing and implementing a strategic planning process that included the involvement of Board members, staff, and representatives of partner organizations. SBRI is the largest nonprofit in the world focused on research related to curing global infectious diseases. The strategic plan provided new directions for investments in capital and staff resources, research activities, and fundraising needs. (2004 - 2005)
Results: Strategic plan was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors, with funding support for many of the near-term strategies incorporated into the approval of the annual budget. - Negotiation, Rainier Valley Community Development Fund
- Facilitated an agreement among the City of Seattle, King County, Sound Transit and the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF, a community-based nonprofit) regarding the use of a $50 million mitigation fund created as a result of the decision to construct light rail through the Rainier Valley. (2004 - 2005)
Results: Agreement approved unanimously by the Boards and Councils representing all parties. - Business Feasibility of a New Pacific Northwest Salmon Center, Pacific Northwest Salmon Center
Conducted a business feasibility study for the creation of a new center on
View link ›
Results: The Board has used the report to guide Center planning. In 2006 the PNWSC signed an option for the irreplaceable 90-acre “Johnson Farm” in Belfair for development of the Center for offices and educational program areas. The Board opened the Center in late 2010.- A New Home for the Museum of History & Industry
Provided conceptual design and business planning project management services to assist the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) in relocating from its long-standing Montlake site to the Armory at Lake Union Park. Our staff assisted MOHAI in the negotiation of a lease with the City; the development of a project schedule, business plan, and marketing plan; and the selection of a design and construction project management team. (2007-08)
Results: The new museum at Lake Union Park opened in December 2012.
View link ›- Retreats, Harborview Medical Center
- Planned, organized and facilitated retreats for the Harborview Board of Directors and senior staff. Conducted interviews, prepared summary reports, and assisted planning committee identify key issues. (2004 - 2009)
Results: Successfully completed retreats during time of significant change and transition at the medical center. - Retreats, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
- Planned, organized and facilitated two retreats for faculty and staff regarding the center’s role in creating an initiative in molecular diagnostics and an initiative in global health. Work included interviews with faculty in advance of retreats. (2005 - 2006)
Results: Successfully completed two retreats that increased the level of consensus around two new initiatives. - Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
- Assisted a national research team led by FHCRI in developing a proposal to become a national center for the development of AIDS vaccine. Services included writing portions of the proposal and helping the team make a strategic presentation to the National Institutes of Health. (2005)
Results: While the proposal was not accepted, portions were subsequently funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. - Creating a Center for the Filipino Community, Filipino Community of Seattle
- Served as planning consultant to study the options for renovating or rebuilding the Filipino Community of Seattle’s community center. Conducted key-person interviews and a written survey to identify community needs; reviewed lessons from similar projects; and identified public capital fund sources. (2000)
Results: Provided the Board with the work plan for tasks needed to successfully complete the campaign for the new center. View link › - 30th Anniversary, El Centro de la Raza
- Planned and produced a community-wide celebration for El Centro’s 30th anniversary of serving the Hispanic community in Seattle. (2002)
Results: Event attracted 300 people, and nationwide attention, as national public television host Bill Moyers broadcast his weekly program live from El Centro that night. - Workshop Facilitation, Common Ground and the Ford Foundation
- Facilitated a workshop of national experts to develop strategies to create housing alternatives for the hardest-to-house populations. (2006)
Results: Ford Foundation created a program to fund pilot projects that provide incentives for private developers to provide housing for this population. - Institutional Review Board, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
- Developed a plan to ensure that the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Children’s Hospital is reflective of the community’s cultural and demographic makeup. Held a series of focus groups and developed a plan to reach out to communities of color and various interest groups, and to recruit and train community members to function successfully on the IRB. IRBs focus on the protection of human rights and are required by law for federally funded research activities. (2002 - 2003)
Results: Children’s adopted and implemented the plan. The plan was also a factor in their creation of a Center for Medical Ethics focusing on the care of children. - The Cascade Agenda, Forterra (formerly Cascade Land Conservancy)
- Wrote portions of the Cascade Agenda, a visionary 100-year strategy for the preservation of working landscapes in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kittitas counties. (2005)
Results: The organization adopted and is implementing the Agenda, which has received wide acclaim for its vision and leadership. View link › - AIDS Housing of Washington
- Assisted the organization prepare a strategic plan during a period of significant change. Guided Board and staff discussions regarding alternative strategic directions, and facilitated several Board retreats over a two-year period. (2005 - 2006)
Results: Board adopted new strategic directions for the organization, and staff began to implement those strategies.
