Keepers of the Flame

Dara Ayres is currently the Executive Director of Bike Works, a nonprofit organization in Seattle that builds sustainable communities by empowering at-risk youth and promoting bicycling as a sustainable form of transportation. She holds a masters degree in public administration from the University of Washington, and has worked in the nonprofit community here in Seattle for the last twelve years within the sectors of human rights, community development, environmental protection, and work force development. Dara has played a hand in helping many organizations grow and change, and considers herself a "geek" for process consulting and organizational capacity building. 

GEOFF BELLMAN

Geoff has consulted to organizations for around thirty years, plus writing books about work, life and consulting. He is a Seattle native who spent many years following work around the country before returning to the northwest. Geoff is intrigued by what brings life to organizations.

STEVE CATO

Steve has a long and diverse career in organization change and people development. He designed and founded a graduate program in organization development. He has his own consulting practice, now in its 40th year. Appreciative Inquiry has been a central focus of that practice for the past 15 years. Steve has been continuously involved in area graduate programs as a guest presenter, thesis advisor and mentor--- an all-around supporter of student learning and growth. Currently he is the distinguished visiting fellow at Antioch University and is on the board of the Organization Systems Renewal master’s degree program at Seattle University. He finds opportunities for service in multiple areas. Currently is one of the founding "Keepers of the Flame" and also volunteers with Leadership Tomorrow as a member of the curriculum design committee.

JENNI CLARK

Jenni is an organization development consultant with a strong passion for helping organizations move from a historical to a generative mindset and in creating sustainable change by engaging people across the organization. Jenni holds a Master of Science in Organization Development (MSOD) as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Education.  She works at PeopleFirm, a Seattle-based consultancy focused on helping clients gain a competitive advantage through their people.  When not at her day job, Jenni enjoys volunteering her time consulting with nonprofit, education and faith-based organizations.

TRAVIS GREEN

Travis is an organization development consultant inspiring organizations and communities for the 21st Century. For over a decade he has provided leadership and focus in the area of organizational change and transformation across business, government, academic, and non-profit sectors. Currently, Travis is an active collaborator, contributor, and consultant to organizations and communities integrating sustainable principles and practices. Additionally, He sits on the governing board of the Community Consulting Partnership (CCP), which promotes volunteer service and learning through organizational development services to non-profit organizations. Travis holds a MA in Organizational Psychology from Antioch University and certification in Organizational Dynamics and Integrated Skills for Sustainable Change.

Sarah Murphy-Kangas is an associate at Nash Consulting Inc., where she works with groups and individuals to achieve organizational wholeness, clarity, and momentum.  She especially enjoys helping groups talk together about the future and build on what is already working.  She has facilitated conversations and change processes in churches, community non-profits, healthcare, and law firms, and finds amazing ideas and learners wherever she is.  Sarah has her M.A. in Organizational Psychology from Antioch University Seattle and lives in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood with her husband and two children. 

BUD ORR

Bud has over 30 years experience as a community organizer, human services agency executive, healthcare administrator, and as an organization development consultant. He has spent the last 15 years as a consultant to organizations with an interest in how people work together in building trust-based work places. He believes that when people experience joy in their work, anything is possible.

KATHLEEN RYAN

Kathleen has been described as "an organizational consultant with an instinct for translating complex human behavior into practical concepts." Known for her work in turning fear-based organizations into ones characterized by trust, collaboration, and high-performance, she has an extensive list of clients in government, health care, and the private sector. At the core, the principles of free speech and participation drive her efforts to make the world a better place.

PAT VIVIAN

In her organization development practice of 26 years Pat has consulted with more than 200 not-for profit organizations locally and nationally. She has worked with health, human service, and environmental organizations, advocacy groups, and multi-organization coalitions and efforts. Pat is committed to supporting and strengthening the nonprofit sector, especially organizations working for social justice and social change. Using a systems approach, she helps nonprofits with change, governance, strategic planning, teambuilding, leadership development, and conflict management. Pat has a deep interest in the impact of an organization’s work on its culture, with a particular emphasis on the effects of trauma on organizations. She loves her work and feels blessed to be able to do it.