Tag: community development

Brandon A. Logan: Visionary Leader Driving Institutional Innovation, Equity, and Economic Empowerment

Brandon A. Logan is a visionary executive leader and social entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience driving institutional growth, philanthropic innovation, and economic mobility across higher education, nonprofit, and civic sectors. Currently serving as Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation at Grambling State University, he leads strategic fundraising, alumni relations, and capital development initiatives that have delivered record-breaking results. Known for his fiscal responsibility, board leadership, and strengths in learning, responsibility, and strategic thinking, Brandon is adept at building sustainable models that foster inclusion, investment, and long-term impact.

Donald Musilli: Visionary Innovator in Engineering, Air Filtration & Emerging Technologies

I'm proud to share a glimpse into my journey spanning over 40 years across engineering, manufacturing, 3D printing, and entrepreneurial ventures. From founding Pure Air Systems to empowering students through 3D printing camps, every step has been rooted in innovation, integrity, and a desire to create meaningful impact. Here is my biography.

Daniel Edrei

I'm pleased to share my professional biography, highlighting over 35 years of experience in real estate finance and investment. My journey has been driven by a commitment to innovation, integrity, and community impact.

Jonathan Oakman: Transformational Real Estate Strategist with Deep Public-Private Experience

Jonathan Oakman is a seasoned real estate executive and civic innovator whose career spans both public and private sectors, with a focus on transformative development and community impact. As Vice President of Development at Landmark Enterprises, he leads a diverse portfolio of projects from Class A industrial build-to-suits to adaptive reuse of historic properties, while also playing a central role in corporate strategy. With a background that includes launching a tax credit consultancy, managing city redevelopment initiatives, and structuring multimillion-dollar financing deals, Jonathan brings a unique blend of policy insight, financial expertise, and strategic vision to his work. His academic credentials from Princeton and Williams College, combined with years of board service and creative pursuits, reflect a well-rounded leader committed to building vibrant, sustainable communities.

Kristi J. Sturtz, ALM, AICP: Fostering Community Solutions from Insight to Impact

I'm excited to share a look at my journey as a community developer and sustainability advocate. Over the past two decades, I’ve had the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives focused on resilience, equity, and regional planning. From multi-million dollar infrastructure investments to food systems transformation, my work is rooted in collaboration and long-term change. Here is my biography.

Creating a Community-Focused Business Model

Creating a community-focused business model is a transformative approach to fostering social change and resilience. By emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability, businesses and organizations can empower local voices and prioritize meaningful engagement. Initiatives such as participatory governance, vocational training, and support for local businesses ensure long-term development while addressing unique community needs. Through personal engagement strategies that build trust and cultural respect, alongside efforts like health and wellness programs, environmental stewardship, and advocacy, organizations can create lasting impacts. This holistic strategy not only strengthens communities but also drives equity, capacity building, and social progress on a broader scale.

Selwyn D. Whitehead, Esq.: Empowering Communities Through Law, Finance, and Insight

I’ve had the privilege of dedicating my career to advocating for economic and social justice through law, finance, and community empowerment. With over 40 years of professional experience, I’ve worked at the intersection of legal strategy, public policy, and ethical advocacy—always with the goal of helping people and communities thrive. Here is my biography.

Hamza Munawar: A Trailblazer in Change Management and Strategic Communications

Hamza Munawar is a dynamic leader in change management and strategic communications, known for his ability to drive meaningful transformation through data-driven insights and behavioral psychology. With a decade of experience spanning public and private sectors, he has successfully led high-impact initiatives in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and organizational strategy. His expertise in crafting and executing innovative solutions has made him a trusted advisor to businesses, government agencies, and non-profits alike. Beyond his professional achievements, Hamza is a passionate advocate for inclusion, mentorship, and community development, consistently fostering collaboration and positive change in every role he undertakes.

Strategic Planning for Community Association Managers

Strategic planning is essential for the long-term success of condominium and homeowners associations, yet it is often overshadowed by the immediate demands of daily operations and short-term goals. Community association managers must shift their focus beyond routine tasks to lead forward-thinking initiatives that shape the future of their communities. By engaging boards and residents in transparent, collaborative processes—through forums, surveys, and focus groups—managers can help develop shared visions that enhance livability, sustainability, and property value. Whether overseeing a high-rise with complex infrastructure or a sprawling HOA with extensive common areas, strategic planning ensures that communities remain resilient, desirable, and profitable for years to come.

Roland Richardson: Technology Leader & Community-Focused Engineering Coach

Roland Richardson is a respected technology leader and community advocate known for building high-performing engineering teams and advancing innovation in the automotive and ADAS sectors. With over 37 years of experience at Chrysler and Qualcomm, he has led complex powertrain and autonomous driving software projects while fostering inclusive, collaborative work environments. Roland blends technical mastery with emotional intelligence, drawing on his engineering and management education to align teams, inspire growth, and deliver results. His people-first approach and passion for mentorship continue to shape the next generation of engineers and community leaders in Detroit and beyond.

Lydia McCoy: Transformational Leader in Senior Services and Community Development

Lydia McCoy is a dynamic executive leader with a proven track record in senior services, community development, and strategic program management. As the Executive Director of Senior Services for the City of Watertown, she spearheads initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the city’s elderly population, overseeing key programs such as the Watertown Council on Aging, the Watertown Senior Center, and The Watertown Food Pantry. With extensive experience in public housing, healthcare services, and nonprofit leadership, Lydia has successfully led large-scale programs, secured vital funding, and cultivated partnerships that drive meaningful social impact. Her expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and crisis management underscores her commitment to creating sustainable, community-focused solutions. Holding a Master of Business Administration from Springfield College, Lydia continues to be a passionate advocate for seniors and underserved communities, ensuring access to essential resources and transformative services.

Adrian Grad

I am excited to share my professional journey, which has been dedicated to designing and managing projects that shape communities, advance accessibility, and support nonprofit missions. With over 45 years of experience, I’ve led projects that range from cultural landmarks to humanitarian infrastructure, always with a focus on inclusion, sustainability, and operational excellence. Here is my biography.

Adam Rynd: Experienced Business Leader, Investor, Real Estate Advisor, and Entrepreneur

Adam Rynd is a seasoned business leader, entrepreneur, and investor with a proven track record of success across real estate, retail, technology, and finance. As the Owner and Designated Broker of Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate, he has built the firm into the premier brokerage in Central Washington, overseeing more than $300 million in annual transactions. In addition, he leads WOODIN ENTERPRISES LLC, a thriving retail business portfolio that has achieved consistent 35%+ annual revenue growth. With prior leadership roles at Salesforce and Microsoft, Adam has extensive experience in sales, contract negotiation, marketing strategy, and operational management. His ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives, combined with his commitment to innovation and community impact, has made him a driving force in every industry he operates in.

Rachael Glashan Rupisan: Empowering Communities, Advancing Equity and Inspiring Change.

I am passionate about gender justice, nonprofit leadership, and strategic impact. With 17 years of experience in fundraising, corporate partnerships, and board development, I am dedicated to fostering inclusivity and driving meaningful change in communities. My journey has been defined by building sustainable organizations, advocating for equity, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Jeff Hornstein: Driving Inclusive Growth, Fostering Collaboration and Advancing Equity Through vision, Leadership and Action.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. From leading inclusive growth initiatives to championing racial equity and fostering civic innovation, my work is guided by transparency, mission alignment, and a commitment to creating sustainable impact.

John Kollm: Visionary Retail & Real Estate Executive Driving Growth, Expansion, and Operational Excellence

John Kollm is a seasoned executive leader with over 23 years of experience in retail, real estate, and operations, including 11 years at the corporate executive level. Specializing in acquisitions, site selection, pipeline management, and business scalability, he has successfully led large-scale expansion strategies and operational improvements for multi-unit retail brands. Currently serving as senior director of real estate & business development at Independent Pet Partners, John has played a key role in streamlining market analysis, lease negotiations, and store development, optimizing portfolio performance. His leadership extends to Rally House, Batteries Plus Bulbs, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he drove business growth, enhanced customer experience, and improved profitability. A dedicated community leader, John serves on the Woodbury, Minnesota Planning Commission and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Passionate about collaboration and strategic growth, he is seeking board opportunities where he can leverage his expertise to help businesses scale and succeed.