Results Sought

Results Sought The Creativity Connection My Experience
Economic Development Creativity is the key to innovation, new ideas, an inquisitive and nimble workforce and – therefore – prosperity. Evidence.

I can create programs that demonstrate the creativity connection as well as demonstration projects that blend the arts and economic development.
  • I created a robust and innovative community arts program for Peoples Housing that blended the arts, education, training and micro-enterprise. Learn more...
  • I organized experiential workshops for the Government of Saskatchewan on how to use the arts and culture for economic development. Learn more...

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Civic Engagement Creativity fuels democracy. We ask questions and wonder “why?” and that’s the start of civic engagement. Evidence.

I can create public initiatives, training programs, classes and campaigns that defend creativity and the arts and which use the arts to inspire and activate citizen participation.
  • I’ve been working to engage artists and creative professionals in civic life since 1990. Learn more...
  • I organized a Center for Cultural Policy at Roosevelt University in 1991.
  • I organized Greater Chicago Citizens for the Arts to help elect candidates who supported the arts and freedom of expression. Learn more...
  • I organized a national effort to inspire and train creative professionals to run for local office. Learn about the Creative America Project.

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Breakthrough Insight Sometimes you need a little bit of frame-shaking, assumption-bending and creative stimulus to reach new and profound insights. Evidence.

I design and execute retreats, events and Internet experiences that entertain, educate, stimulate exploration of new ideas and lead to collaborative problem-solving.
  • I'm a student of the Experience Economy and I design promotions, workshops and hands-on discovery experiences that reveal principles of customer passion and loyalty. Learn more...
  • I produced a full-day workshop on applying the principles of the Experience Economy to regional development for the Business Retention and Expansion International 2007 conference in Regina, Canada. We explored the city of Moose Jaw. Learn more...
  • I designed a two-day immersive learning experience for the CEO and his 30 direct reports at the Gettysburg National Battlefield that was mapped to the strategic objectives of the company. It was dramatic, memorable and extremely effective.
  • I do an interactive, entertaining and informative presentation that lays out the basics of the Experience Economy, “Welcome to the Experience Economy!” – that is in the format of a talk show – complete with music, audience participation, prizes and surprise guests!One conference organizer said “This is great stuff. ..you really got what is normally a slow-to-motivate morning crowd up and running! I am totally excited when I think of the potential for other events like this for the Chicago AMA." Details of the presentation...
  • I produced and facilitated a number of unique ideation and networking events called the BrainStir, where problem-solving occurred while participants made and consumed a stir-fry meal. See how it worked.

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Nonprofit Advancement I’ve started or led eight nonprofit enterprises since 1974. Creativity and passion are at the heart of all nonprofits. What makes a nonprofit successful and long-lasting? When passion and creativity marry with mission and strategic planning. Evidence.

I know how to connect nonprofit mission to bold and sustainable program development.
  •  I worked for Collaboraction Theater to develop a branding and program development planning process. The project is in process but has already led to new funding, enhanced board participation, a new position statement, new marketing initiatives, a newsletter, audience surveys, an online video and more.
  • I was a member of Mayor Daley’s Digital Divide Committee and for that group I devised a program to create a network of community technology centers that got over $1 million in funding and serves 20 neighborhoods across Chicago. Read about the Community Technology Center Accelerator Program
  • I was the Managing Director at Pegasus Players for five years. During that time I created a series of innovations that dramatically increased our effectiveness, including computerization, co-productions, novel earned revenue projects and co-op advertising. Twice I had three shows running at the same time. My most significant accomplishment was the creation of the Chicago Young Playwrights Festival, which is now in its 22nd season!

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Community arts program for Peoples Housing.



Making creativity a national value and trigger for public policy and political engagement.



It is becoming increasingly evident that companies are offering “experiences.”



Develop a branding and program development planning process.