Professional Summary

An innovative leader with strong management, planning, marketing, government relations, human resource, and communication skills. A visionary, results-oriented executive with proven ability to mobilize collaborative teams to achieve organizational goals.

Executive Skills

Team Builder

To address company concerns and federal regulations, created/managed a new internal communications department for Fortune 50 manufacturing/technology company; recruited, trained, mentored 50 on-site business unit coordinators, introduced new, state of the art communication avenues.
Working with volunteer board and small staff, lead multi-faceted effort to secure future of largest cable-captive community television channel in U.S.; created "Campaign for 6" which resulted in new production studio, 300 percent increase in community programming partners, 50 percent increase in operating revenue through voluntary contributions; established a one-year budget reserve and bank line-of-credit.

Turnaround Leader

After three decades of unsuccessful citizen effort, retained to create and manage two unique start-up organizations to serve as national model for education/advocacy of a unicameral state legislature; resulted in overwhelming public support, endorsement of 100 newspapers, involvement of more than 100K citizens, voluntary contributions of $1M.
As president of a health services and research foundation, ended 5-year deficit spiral by generating $2.3M from 20K givers in first fiscal year; expanded program services to more than 100K clients; two-year action plan resulted in $1.1M budget reserve.

Creative Entrepreneur

After 20 years of fiscal inattention, closed 92 savings and investment accounts; established single-source financial manager to achieve optimal return on multi-million dollar savings, checking, investment portfolio; improved fiscal integrity.
To leverage new business development funds for technology firm, negotiated three-way, $20M joint venture with Illinois-based telecommunications firms, establishing a new consumer videotext business.

Skilled Negotiator

As part of select task team, negotiated complex merger between 1200 student liberal arts college and 300-student start-up law school.
Working in confidence as representative of business community, joined with governor and president of AFL-CIO to craft compromise State Unemployment Compensation plan which improved support for unemployed workers while curtailing costs for most employers.

Career History

*1990-present*	President/Founder - The Williston Group, Minneapolis, MN Provides professional business development services for companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies; confidential consulting in market research, strategic planning, leadership development, financial development, organizational change, communications and government relations; on-site management services.
*1999-2000*	General Manager / President - Single House Minnesota, Fridley, St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN Established infrastructure, strategic vision, retained staff/consultants and administered operating plans for 14-month unicameral citizen educational and advocacy effort seeking to amend the Minnesota Constitution.
*1996-1999*	President / CEO - The Arthritis Foundation Minnesota Chapter, Twin Cities & Duluth, MN Led diverse board of 35 volunteer, 10 working committees and special task forces for the 45 year old 501c3 non-profit organization. Responsible for budget of $2M raised each year from individuals, corporations, and foundations; services to 100K clients.
*1992-1996*	Executive Director / CEO - Metro Cable Network/Channel 6, Minneapolis, MN Oversaw management and operations of this non-profit Twin Cities regional community television channel serving 800,000 homes. Telecommunications reform architect.
*1984-1990*	Executive Director / COO - Minnesota Business Partnership, Minneapolis, MN Directed operations for this CEO-only economic research and advocacy organization. Managed statewide research projects, public policy analyses, strategic planning, and communications on behalf of 90 CEO's from larger Minnesota-based companies representing one-third of state's privacy sector economy.
*1978-1984*	Manager - Honeywell, Inc., Minneapolis, MN Venture Market Development (1983-84) Directed strategic planning, marketing, and two new product niches for Applications Systems Division business unit. *Corporate Business Planning (1981-83)* Developed business plans with operating groups and divisions to determine long-range goals. Evaluated competitive environment, ventures, acquisitions, and financial opportunities. Corporate Employee Communications (1978-81) Conceived and supervised development of innovative internal communications initiatives. Developed and managed network of communications professionals.
*1977-1978*	First Vice President - Westmoreland, Larson & Hill Duluth, MN Equity partner in 20-member marketing and public relations firm. Developed and managed new client accounts; responsible for new business development.
*1975-1977*	State Chairman / CEO - Independent Republicans of Minnesota Elected to serve as full-time chief executive of this statewide $1M volunteer organization. Directed party programs, including candidate search, fundraising, leadership training, voter identification, and public relations.
*1973-1975*	Governmental Affairs Coordinator - Dayton Hudson Corp., Minneapolis, MN Developed and directed a new state and local government relations programs for the 41-state retail chain. Served as registered lobbyist.

2000-present	America's Promise, Life Coaches, founding mentor
1991-present	Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota, Outstanding Citizen Award
1982-present	Rotary International, Paul Harris Fellow, Officer
1996-1999	MN Ethical Practice / Campaign Finance Public Disclosure Board
1996-1999	United Way, Council of Agency Executives, Officer
1994-1997	Pioneering Partners Education Consortium (Governor Carlson appointee)
1990-1991	U.S. Education School of Choice Task Force (President Bush appointee)
1981-1988	Hamline University Board of Trustees, Officer Distinguished Alumni
1980-1983	Minnesota Council on Wellness (Governor Quie appointee)