Kim Cochran Kiesewetter
Skills: Qualitative & quantitative data analysis, Program evaluation & impact assessment, Public library data collection & reporting, Strategic planning for libraries & library systems, Data dashboard development
Kim Cochran Kiesewetter is a social scientist and data analyst specializing in applied research, strategic planning, and program evaluation, particularly in public libraries, nonprofits, and the education sector. She has led statewide library initiatives, including the LSTA Five-Year Evaluation, the Wisconsin Data Landscape Study, and the City Library Collective Staffing Study, helping libraries harness data for better decision-making. With a strong background in qualitative and quantitative research, she has also contributed to NSF-funded STEM education projects and strategic planning for multiple library systems. Previously, she was an Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Sandhills Community College, bringing expertise in research methods and program evaluation. Holding advanced degrees in Applied Cultural Anthropology and Sociology, Kim is dedicated to equity-focused, data-driven solutions that enhance public services and community impact.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-cochran-kiesewetter-600a06154/
Paula J. McCoy, MEd, MSW
Skills: Community Development & Engagement, Leadership & Organizational Management, Entrepreneurship & Business Development
Paula J. McCoy is a seasoned non-profit executive, community development specialist, and educator with over 30 years of experience in program development and nonprofit leadership. She currently directs the Partnership for Prosperity in Winston-Salem, NC and operates McCoy Enterprises, her consulting and coaching firm specializing in organizational and community development.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-mccoy-m-ed-m-sw-b7496660/
Alfredo Cruz
Skills: Community Engagement & Advocacy, Affordable Housing Initiatives, Early Childhood Development, Social Justice & Equity
Alfredo Cruz is the Founder and Chief Fixer at Let’s Fix It! in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with over 20 years of experience in program management and community initiatives, focusing on affordable housing, early childhood development, and racial equity. His work centers on leveraging community feedback to drive changes in systems, policies, and practices, ensuring the success of community-centered initiatives through strategic planning, program design, and execution.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-cruz-690ab741/
Brooks Ann McKinney, MSW
Skills: Healthcare, Medical Respite, Vulnerable Populations, Homelessness, Housing Equity
Brooks Ann McKinney, is a healthcare and housing equity consultant with BAM Consulting LLC. She has over 20 years of experience in case management, administration, and development of projects including medical respite care and permanent supportive housing. She serves on the boards of North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness and Respite Care Providers’ Network, was appointed to the NC Governor’s Interagency Council for Homelessness, and has been recognized for her work to end homelessness and eliminate barriers for those in poverty.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooks-ann-mckinney-msw-8a29b316/
A. Lynn Cochran, AICP
Skills: Land Use Policy, Zoning Administration, Ordinance Development, Watershed Management, Public Engagement
A native North Carolinian, Lynn is a public servant living and working in the Carolina Core. He has studied at both UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Greensboro. Working in Planning since 2017 he has served in progressively senior roles with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, Rockingham County and the Town of Lewisville.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-lynn-cochran-47b0b336
Brett Byerly
Skills: Housing Inspection & Compliance, Healthy Homes & Indoor Air Quality, Non-Profit Leadership & Advocacy, Homelessness Prevention & HUD Programs
Brett Byerly, owner and CEO of Circle 2 Investments, is a former NC Licensed Home Inspector , who transitioned to the non-profit sector at Greensboro Housing Coalition (GHC) as an advocate, Healthy Homes Inspector, and eventually Executive Director, before starting his own business as a Licensed North Carolina Commercial General Contractor. Brett is a subject matter expert in Radon, Indoor Air Quality, Healthy Homes, Lead Safe Housing and Remediation, HUD Housing Quality Standards, foreclosure prevention, homeownership programs, and Homeless prevention programs. Brett currently provides HQS compliance inspections and certifications for Rental Assistance Demonstration projects.
https://circle2investments.com/
Karon McKinney
Skills: Community Advocacy, Trauma-Informed Practices, Housing Initiatives, Youth & Community Services
Karon McKinney is a multifaceted professional with expertise in community advocacy, strategic development, and the arts, currently serving as the Strategic Housing Initiatives Program Officer at the United Way of Forsyth County. With a background in psychology from Wake Forest University and a certification in the Trauma Resilient Communities Model, she has led initiatives to address housing challenges, foster resilience, and support trauma-informed practices, previously holding significant roles such as Director of Trauma Resilient Strategies and Executive Director at CHRISTALine Studios.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karonmckinney/
Ryan Jones Garner
Skills: Grant Acquisition & Management, Executive Leadership, Strategic Planning, Marketing
Ryan Jones Garner is a seasoned professional with over ten years of expertise in grant acquisition, community engagement, executive leadership, and strategic planning. As the Director of Grants Acquisition and Impact at the United Way of Forsyth County, she secures over $1.5 million annually, managing the full grant process from research and proposal writing to budget development and post-award compliance. She has previously held notable roles including Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Lexington/Davidson County and writer for a variety of print and online media outlets.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-jones-garner/
Francisco Martinez Oronoz, PhD
Skills: Program Coordination, Strategic Planning, Educational Services Development, Federal Fund Management & Compliance, Supporting Marginalized Communities.
With a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Leadership Studies and a Master’s in Public Affairs, Dr. Martinez Oronoz has extensive experience in program coordination, data analysis, and strategic planning for various organizations, focusing on marginalized communities and enhancing socially driven projects. Before founding Concéntrico, he served as a Partner at TNTP and Deputy Secretary of Federal Affairs for the Puerto Rico Department of Education, specializing in innovative solutions to cultural and social challenges, overseeing large-scale initiatives, and managing federal funds and disaster recovery grants.
Michael Blair, AICP
Skills: Affordable Housing Policies, Community Development, Urban Planning, HUD HOME Program Administration, Land Use Planning
Michael Blair has over 20 years of experience in the field of affordable housing and community development. He actively advises on affordable housing policies, leads community workshops, and mentors aspiring professionals. His dedication to sharing knowledge and driving meaningful change is evident in every aspect of his work. His extensive experience encompasses land use planning, affordable housing finance, and HUD HOME Program Administration and Regulations.
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