PCI Hosts Workshops on
“Getting the Most Out of Collaboration”
Each workshop presenter was formerly a state leader: NPCC Executive Director Greg Wolf was a staff member in the Oregon Governor’s Office; Susan Brody is former Director of the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development; Lang Marsh is former Director of both New York’s and Oregon’s environmental agencies; Lana Oleen served 16 years in the Kansas Senate, including four as majority leader; and Jim Souby, President and CEO of the Oquirrh Institute, was Executive Director of the Western Governors' Association and also served as Director of Policy Development and Planning for the Governor of Alaska. Session moderator Chris Carlson, PCI’s Executive Director, served as a local elected official in Ohio and in numerous advisory positions in state and national government.
According to Wolf, the workshop brought together a mix of state and federal agencies and dispute resolution programs, and offered an opportunity to discuss the challenges that exist in collaborating across agencies and across federal-state lines. “We wanted to connect directly with agency managers who are interested in using collaborative approaches, so they could explore how leaders and agency staff can work together to sort out the roles of convener, sponsor, and neutral facilitator,” he said.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants said they saw significant benefit in having federal, state, and local agency leaders attend a workshop together to address the unique issues facing their regions. Acting on this recommendation, PCI and NPCC are now offering the workshop nationally to states, regions, and federal agencies to help them address their specific needs and regional issues.
For more information about the workshop contact Chris Carlson at PCI (503-725-9096).