Testimonials
Kate jumped right in . . . navigating and internalizing extremely complex material . . . respectfully integrat(ing) varied perspectives and shar(ing) an actionable set of recommendations that all sides got behind and which the City has already adopted. . . . I appreciated all she brought in terms of IQ, EQ, and fun!
Micah Intermill
Budget Director
City of Minneapolis
Kate and her colleague conducted a rigorous and thoughtful evaluation of the City of Minneapolis’ health inspections program in 2019. The City had been stuck in a cyclical debate about the “right” level of resources to devote to this important regulatory activity – with policymakers on either side of the argument; some felt there was over-regulation occurring and others felt the existing staff resources were not enough to get the job done.
Kate jumped right in to study the issue, navigating and internalizing extremely complex material in a very short time. She respectfully integrated varied perspectives and shared an actionable set of recommendations that all sides got behind and which the City has already adopted. As a result, the City has redeployed staff from non-critical work to more high-impact areas of our health inspections program. Businesses feel heard, residents can have confidence in the establishments they dine out at, and policymakers are able to focus their efforts on solving other problems.
This multiple-win experience has shown City leaders the value of Program Evaluation as a tool to help us increase our efficiency and effectiveness as a service delivery organization. As the City’s contract manager working directly with Kate on the project I appreciated all she brought in terms of IQ, EQ, and fun! I was able to parachute in and out of the project because I trusted her abilities and drive for results – and I look forward to being able to hire her again to help the City work through any future problem we may encounter.
(Kate's) project management skills were impeccable. . . . (and) she brought a great deal of knowledge and expertise . . . . She was an excellent communicator and was able to use her interpersonal skills to create a truly collaborative experience.
Erica Orton
Learning and Evaluation Manager
Bush Foundation
I worked with Kate (through her former employer) to evaluate our Ecosystem grant program. Kate and her team conducted document reviews, interviews and surveys to gather insights from grantees, their partners, and community members to help inform decisions about future grant funding. We had a very positive experience working with Kate. She did an excellent job managing a complex project on a tight timeline–her project management skills were impeccable. Her work on the project was both efficient and effective and she brought a great deal of knowledge and expertise to every aspect of the project.
She was an excellent communicator and was able to use her interpersonal skills to create a truly collaborative experience. She was both adaptable and flexible and because of this we were extremely happy with the work she produced. We were sad to see the project end because we had such a great time working with Kate! We used the reports she created to make data-informed decisions in our grantmaking, which is so vital to the success of the organization. I would highly recommend Kate and hope to work with her again in the future!
Kate is an exceptional partner . . ., knowing when to ask probing questions to coach you through a problem (and when) to participate as an active and engaged contributor. (She) has creative ideas that acknowledge the unique characteristics of the project . . .
Sara Stalland McGarraugh
Director of Consulting
The Improve Group
Kate takes a growth based attitude and strategy in understanding how clients work and finding solutions to their needs. Kate is an exceptional partner and teammate, knowing when to ask probing questions to coach you through a problem, (and when) to participate as an active and engaged contributor.
Kate has creative ideas that acknowledge the unique characteristics of the project environment and subtle nuances that impact the project approach. At the same time, she is skilled at ensuring projects stay on time and budget, having cultivated the knowledge and experience of managing multiple projects and teams at (the same) a time.
Kate leads with humility; respecting the knowledge and skills she . . . offer(s), (and) also those of her clients. Her humility in combination with exceptional organizational, communication, and facilitation skills offer a refreshing transparency to her work.
Tia Bastian
Epidemiologist Senior
Minnesota Department of Health
I worked closely with Kate for a year to co-design and implement evaluation activities designed to support positive social change. What I appreciate most about Kate is that she exemplifies what it truly means to co-create a project with clients and project team members.
Kate leads with humility; respecting the knowledge and skills that she has to offer, but also those of her clients. Her humility in combination with exceptional organizational, communication, and facilitation skills offer a refreshing transparency to her work.
Kate’s inclusive and transparent approach to her work was key to fostering clear and effective communication required to keep many of the large projects we worked on together running smoothly. I continue to draw on the facilitation and communication techniques I learned from Kate in my project work today!