writing your own bio. it’s weird. here goes.
I was born and raised in the Research Triangle, a genuinely wonderful place that I couldn’t endorse more. In 2000, I went up the street to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) to study Economics and Urban Planning. After completing my graduate studies in Applied Economics at UNCG, I moved to Atlanta to fulfill every young adult’s dream: a career in economic development.
After a couple of years as an analyst, I found my way to Market Street Services. I gained my experience as a consultant over twelve years at Market Street, working alongside a team of exceptionally talented researchers and strategic advisers from our office in Midtown Atlanta. As Executive Vice President and Principal, I worked with more than 60 different communities and nonprofit organizations influencing community well-being, economic prosperity and the built environment: economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, metropolitan planning organizations, community foundations, convention and visitors bureaus, workforce development agencies, downtown development corporations and others.
In every place we worked, we studied challenges, helped identify opportunities and worked with community and business leaders to develop strategies and tactics to support community improvement and organizational effectiveness. In partnership with our clients, we developed and refined programs, policies and investments influencing their region’s economic future. Experiences in metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Austin, and Nashville were complemented by work in smaller communities that have been equally inspiring in their devotion to community improvement.
I started providing guidance as an independent advisor in January 2020, working with places, organizations, and executives that want to make their community more competitive, their operations more strategic, or their leadership more impactful. Every engagement has been different; generally speaking, I am just helping my clients figure stuff out.
Working with staff and community leaders in Wichita to adjust tactics and identify new opportunities during a pandemic. Aiding three organizations in Evansville as they evaluate and advance a merger. Developing a programmatic roadmap for an innovation district in Indianapolis. Helping staff in San Antonio operationalize a new regional strategy while supporting an ambitious new fundraising campaign.
Again, just helping figure stuff out.
so that was an attempt at a professional-ish bio. here’s a little bit more about me.
because good advice is professional but also personal.
Amy and me.
That’s Amy and me at a friend’s wedding on my 40th birthday. She has an inspiring career that overlaps with mine just enough to be fun and not be annoying: advising commercial real estate professionals, properties and developers on brand strategy and brand management. Check her out.
Atlanta.
That’s the Atlanta Pride Parade, our favorite day of the year. For six years, Amy and I lived on Peachtree St. overlooking the parade route and hosting brunch for friends, families and the occasional stranger that we met during the parade. We often talk about selling our loft and moving back to Midtown, mostly so we can host those annual Pride brunches again.
Dogs.
That’s Millie in the foreground, Walter in the background. Generally good pups that like to make an appearance on Zoom calls from time to time. Love ‘em tons and joke with (threaten?) Amy that we should just open a dog day care. Also, please feel free to send me pictures of your dogs. No shame.
ATLUTD.
If you have yet to witness an Atlanta United match, please come visit. We give them so much of our disposable income but it’s worth every penny. Matchday is an unrivaled demonstration of community pride and inclusion. Despite growing up in a place where identity is heavily linked to college athletics, I didn’t appreciate the true impact that sports can have on a city until Atlanta United arrived.
Castleberry Hill.
Amy and I left our little bungalow in Candler Park in 2020 and moved to a loft in Castleberry Hill. On the southern edge of downtown, the neighborhood was known as “Snake Nation” in the mid-1800s for its reputation for snake oil peddling. Freight trains still run at all hours but the mills have been converted to lofts, galleries and bars. It’s a wonderfully diverse neighborhood with some good murals (but not enough).
Hobbies.
I started painting in 2017 and it’s quickly consumed my free time. Check it out. I’ve enjoyed cooking since I was a teenager, continuing my father’s never-ending quest to make the perfect biscuit. I’ve become that annoying plant person we all know. And who doesn’t like traveling? We’re particularly fond of hikes with the dogs in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests.