Rip Van Winkle Effect

I have been struck often recently with the thought of the old story about Rip Van Winkle, the man who wakes up after sleeping for a number of years and sees how time has passed and the world has changed - it has become almost unrecognizable to him.

How we do business in the communications industry and many others has changed. It looks and feels different. We still seek to engage our stakeholders to influence their perceptions and behavior. However, we have added some new ways of doing it, and some old ways have gotten less important.

For in this world of constant change with technology washing over us in new ways daily, a king-sized recession, and rule changes about how we communicate with each other and get our information (among ALL age groups!), things are changing at lightning speed. Without a mental shift, openness to innovation and new ways of doing things, I sense that a number of people are going to wake up one day and reemerge only to find that the world has completely changed despite their best efforts to keep it the same...

Those who look for ways to reinvent, retool and reeducate will stay on top and those who do not may stare straight in the face of the Rip Van Winkle effect.
Happy holidays!

Resources for Non-Profits Interested in Leveraging Social Media

There is no question that the digital age is changing the opportunity for non-profits. Consider the following: According to University of Massachusetts and Dartmouth Center for Marketing Research:

• 89% of charitable organizations are using some form of social media
• 57% of these are blogging
• 45% reported social media is very important to their fundraising strategy

In fact, non-profits are well-positioned to leverage these cost effective set of tools to build enthusiasm to spread viral awareness. Measurable fundraising results are less clear now, but using the principle that you need 4-5 touch points with a stakeholder to change their behavior, social media can be an effective part of an overall strategy.

Working with non-profits, I have assembled some resources for those looking to incorporate social media into their awareness and development efforts. Thanks to http://www.Techsoup.org for some of the leads:

Engaging “inactive” supporters online: http://blog.givezooks.com/?p=82
Case study by Beth Kanter: http://widgetfundraising.wikispaces.com//
Facebook Groups and Pages – Features, Benefits And Killer Tips: http://johnhaydon.com/2009/04/facebook-groups-pages-tips/
15 tips for fundraising on Twitter: http://www.diaryofareluctantblogger.com/2009/06/small-pebbles-make-big-waves-15-tips.html
Nonprofit Technology Resource: http://www.nonprofittech.com/event/question/
10 Tips for Asking Bloggers to Write About Your Cause: http://havefundogood.blogspot.com/2007/12/10-tips-for-asking-bloggers-to-write.html
Social by Social: Handbook launched!: http://www.socialbrite.org/2009/07/08/social-by-social-handbook-launched/
12for12k raised $14,500 in 12 hours: http://12for12k.org/2009/03/19/thank-you/

We've recently launched a new on-site training geared to non-profits who want to understand basic social media tools, create a simple communications plan and get started. Contact us if you are interested.

How to Use Social Media as a Female Legislator

I have the opportunity to join a panel with Leslie Bradshaw who created this presentation on ways to leverage social media as a female legislator. Men candidates I know, you will find it helpful as well!

How to Use Social Media as a Female Legislator

View more presentations from Leslie Bradshaw.

Effective Global Citizens - Skill #1

In this brave new world, what is it that will distinguish individuals with all the hats they wear -- as employees, board members, students, entrepreneurs, parents, and future leaders?
Answer: The ability to determine what is really going on, and act accordingly.

Critical thinking, inquiry skills - bottom line, how to glean information, inspire new conversations, think in new ways - all by asking the right questions, will be skill #1.

How are your questioning skills? Are you confident in your ability to ask questions?

• Key tip: think like a reporter: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How.

Make this your mental checklist when you are going about your daily activities.

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How are the pegs I use to make sure I am asking all the right questions or in my writing covering all the relevant points.

Journalistic training unfortunately does not reach everyone, which in this day and age, where all have been anointed citizen journalist status, can become problematic!

Schools have an important role to play in encouraging these new skills, and, in fact, the ability of our students to be effective global citizens rests partly in their hands. Rote skills are important, and command of facts is impressive, but one who can question, synthesize, adjust and turn on a dime will come out ahead in this brave new world!

Making a Difference, Diversity Awareness Partnership

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead

Intentional thought, and a steady hand; relentless follow through, and a meandering journey took me to the annual dinner for the Diversity Awareness Partnership, an organization I, the St. Louis Rams (with whom I worked at the time) and a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens helped to found, last night. (http://www.dapstl.org/)

I am proud of playing a small part in making a difference.

Following is an overview of the organization:

The Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP) is dedicated to promoting diversity in the St. Louis region around issues of race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. This is done through collaborative community and school-based education and awareness efforts. Themed Make a Difference By Accepting Everyone Else's , the DAP has become a replicable model for communities across the nation in advancing public acceptance of diversity.

The work of the DAP is accomplished through the following:

School-Based Educational Programs: involving schools from throughout the St. Louis region in an effort to address the diversity in today’s schools and encourage respect and acceptance among students (Give Respect – Get Respect Youth Program and We’re All Alike, We’re All Different Disability Awareness Tool Kit);

Awareness Efforts: a comprehensive media campaign positively highlighting issues of diversity and promoting messages of acceptance and inclusion;

Community Resources: a website (www.makeadifferencestlouis.org), online diversity resource guide and information line (1-866-ONE-CITY);

Collaboration: facilitate the development of innovative, collaborative projects, events and programs between partner organizations by serving as a forum for the exchange of research, ideas and best practices.

Diversity Presentations: offer diversity presentations and trainings to businesses, schools, and community groups that foster ideas of diversity, inclusion, and respect.

The Diversity Awareness Partnership is supported by the following organizations:
Ameren UE
National Conference for Community and Justice
AHC Consulting
Pulaski Bank
Anti-Defamation League/AWOD Institute
Special School District of St. Louis County
Behavioral Health Response
St. Louis Blues
Cooperating School Districts
St. Louis Cardinals
Coro Leadership Center
St. Louis Rams
Edward Jones
Saint Louis Science Center
Fair St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis
Greater St. Louis Federal Executive Board
Webster University
International Institute
YWCA
KMOV Channel 4

Reed School Named First Green School of Month

A Walking School Bus, Waste Free Wednesdays and a whole lot of committed parents can make a difference!
Our elementary school named first Green School of the Month by ECOlifeSTL!
And featured on KMOV-TV Channel 4 News:
http://www.kmov.com/video/featured-videos/Go-Green-Reed-Elementary-70076432.html
Congratulations to Debby Siegel who got the ball rolling, and Jenny Duncan and Lynn DeLearie, the current chairpersons of Reed Sustainability Committee!

Best Lessons from Sports Legends...

Sports Lessons, nope, more life lessons... I've had the opportunity to observe some great sports legends in their worlds off the field. I've learned some surprisingly humble lessons from these people.

On What Is Important
Guess who asked me to decide which was more memorable to him: Being presented a car in front of a home crowd after breaking a record or watching his children grow up?
The answer: watching his children grow up; the player, NFL legend Walter Payton. Admittedly, a lesson lost on a 23 year-old Fleishman-Hillard public relations assistant account executive, but now I understand, and I never will forget his words.
On How To Treat People
NFL QB Kurt Warner came from being an unknown back up QB to turning into Cinderella during the 1999 St. Louis Rams season that began the team's Greatest Show on Turf era. You will not meet a more unassuming person than Kurt. He treated each staff member and all that he met with dignity and respect regardless of their position. For that matter, this is how he treats everyone with whom he interacts. When his time with the Rams was over, he went out of his way to come and say good bye to every single staff member.
Treating all how you would like to be treated, no matter what your station in life. This is a valuable lesson for all of us.
On Being Humble and Quiet
Sometimes leaders feel as if they always have to speak and have the last word. A person who I respect so much for his quiet demeanor on and off the field is WR Isaac Bruce. His style is one to emulate, as he quietly goes about his business and makes plays.
On Kindness and Loyalty
Late Rams owner, Georgia Frontiere loved extending her kindness and hospitality to those she met and all of their friends. Mrs. Frontiere attended Hamilton Elementary School in St. Louis. It was fitting that she moved her team back to St. Louis – and hosted her elementary school classmates at every single home game in a luxury box as long as she was alive. She was kind, fiercely loyal, and always taking care of her "Rams family," of which I was a part. My children will never forget her holiday parties, and I will never forget the opportunity to work with this incredible woman.
I take so many valuable lessons from those I meet along the way... remember these universal truths on what is important, and ways to live your life. They will serve you well in whatever endeavor you tackle!

First posted on The Real Athlete Blog

All Star College Chancellors and US News in STL 11/1

Earlier this year I joined the board of the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, and have been impressed with the leadership role the organization has taken in regards to access to higher education. This will be a great panel of chancellors moderated by Kim Clark, who is with U.S. News and World report, one of America's key sources for college information.

CRISIS IN STUDENT FINANCIAL NEED

A college education is more essential than ever — and more expensive than ever. Yet there is not enough financial aid available for qualified students who need help covering the costs. What are area colleges doing about it?

Seeking solutions to this crucial problem, the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis is presenting a special session with the chief executives of several of our region’s top institutions of higher education.

On Sunday, November 1, chancellors Mark Wrighton of Washington University in St. Louis, Brady Deaton of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Elizabeth Stroble of Webster University and Zelema Harris of the St. Louis Community College system will discuss how their schools are dealing with the issue. Kim Clark, a senior writer for U.S. News & World Report and specialist on the issue of higher education finance, is the moderator.

The event begins at 2 p.m. in the theater auditorium at COCA ( Center of Creative Arts ),
524 Trinity Ave., in the Delmar Loop district in University City . Doors open at 1:30.

Admission is free, but space is limited. Call the Scholarship Foundation at (314) 725-7990 to reserve your seat or e-mail rsvpNovember1@sfstl.org to request a reservation.

Athlete Tweets: New Source

It's not just about what you had for lunch: Twitter, that is. Let's say you are an avid fan of the NFL, MLB or NHL. Player interviews are great, but often get edited before they even reach you. Had a great conversation today on The Press Box show on KFNS radio in St. Louis with Rams - Bob Wallace and hosts Howard Balzer and Andy Strickland about how Twitter is giving athletes another great way to engage their fans and build their brand.

No need for a filter between you and the athletes you watch. Get your information right from the athlete right on your handheld or desktop. Here are a few St. Louis athletes who Tweet:

Rams: Stephen Jackson @sj39, Donnie Avery @donnieavery Blues: David Perron @DP_57
Cardinals: Blake Hawksworth @BlakeHawksworth, Todd Wellemeyer @Todalion

I follow each of the team Twitter accounts for team news/scores/stats:

Rams: @OneRamsWay
Blues: @St_Louis_Blues
Cardinals: @stl_cardinals

Many St. Louis media are found on Twitter, here are a few:

Bernie Miklasz @miklasz
Howard Balzer @HBalzer721
Jeremy Rutherford @jprutherford
KFNS @590thefanKFNS

You can follow any of these and others by going to: http://www.twitter.com/
Sign up for a free account, then search for people to follow by name. Click and they will be added to your list of those you are following and you will receive their updates.

Resources:

Good list of other NFL players and athletes who Tweet: http://twitter-athletes.com/index.cfm?CatID=2&People=1

And watch out for the fake Twitter sports accounts: WSJ: PR guy busts fake athletes on Twitter just for fun http://bit.ly/29byUW

Top 10 Athletes on Twitter by Numbers of Followers courtesy of Twitter-Athletes.com:

Shaquille O'Neil
Cleveland Cavaliers - Center
2,424,867 followers

Lance Armstrong
Cycling - Pro Cyclist
2,123,094 followers

Tony Hawk
Skateboarding - Pro Skateboarder
1,744,240 followers

Serena Williams
Tennis - Pro Tennis Player
1,257,337 followers

Paul Pierce
Boston Celtics - Forward
1,235,401 followers

Dwight Howard
Orlando Magic - Center
1,188,293 followers

Ryan Sheckler
Skateboarding - Pro Skateboarder
1,142,102 followers

Stewart Cink
PGA - Pro Golfer
1,005,006 followers

Nick Swisher
New York Yankees - Outfielder
965,878 followers

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Retired NBA - Center
933,614 followers


Get on board, it's easy... get the inside scoop and stay up to date on your sports via Twitter!

St. Louis - Fresh Eyes

I moved to St. Louis in 1988 to participate in the Coro Fellows Program, a year-long public affairs training program with rotations in business, government, media, elected politics, community and labor organizations. (http://www.coro.org/) What an amazing year I had in St. Louis -- with fresh eyes every day, I got to see first hand all the great things going on in this region. Seeing it with fresh eyes (and no high school lens) has been something that I carry with me every day. I bring this perspective everywhere... to my clients, to long-time residents, to newcomers - truly there is always something to discover in this town, if you look for it!
The glass is half full!
St. Louis is full of so many wonderful assets -- attractions, parks, neighborhoods, sports, family events and, may even make the A-list of cities with a variety of locally-owned restaurants.
This morning I enjoyed a walk through Forest Park, one of America's largest urban parks, and got an opportunity to reflect on the region's rededication to this park. When I moved here the park had a number of areas of neglect, but due to some behind the scenes organizing by a former boss of mine at Fleishman-Hillard and the generosity of the civic community, this park is more amazing than ever before.
This region is a treasure that people who have always lived here don't always see....
Fresh eyes every day make the difference!

Does Rush Really Believe?

I listen to Rush Limbaugh, not because I agree with his views, but because he represents a voice in America that I think is important to understand.

The past week has been particularly interesting to me as a person who has worked for the NFL and, in particular, for the St. Louis Rams. I helped to relocate the team from Los Angeles in 1995 after assisting a group that sought to attract an NFL expansion team to the area. Having a team in St. Louis has a tremendously positive effect on the region's psyche -- particularly during the Greatest Show on Turf days of 1999-2001.

Limbaugh's brief involvement in a possible bid for the ownership of the Rams has stirred many conversations here and around the country. Race, politics, interpretation and misinterpretation of dialogue .... The merits of owners who will work to keep the team in the St. Louis region (one of whom is a controversial entertainer) versus other possible contenders. Civic debate about what price you pay to keep your team. Free speech... The question that keeps coming back to me, does Rush really believe everything he says or is some of it entertainment? In listening live to yesterday's show, I thought I heard him say he believed in second chances (and perhaps starting a new). Was he somehow alluding to his own fresh start?

Having had the opportunity to work for the late Georgia Frontiere, one of few women owners in professional sports, and a woman I greatly respected, I heard and saw first hand the challenges she faced in the sports business world. I wonder how she might feel about this today? After all, it is a business first and foremost.

It used to be that sports were relatively untainted by the issues of the day. However, be it steroid use or minority hiring, sports have become an interesting playing field and lightning rod for politics and issues ... and it leads me to wonder... does Rush really believe??

Collinger on KMOX Charlie Brennan Show

I had the opportunity to visit with Charlie Brennan on KMOX this morning about social media. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter: the basics... The link is below:

http://podcast.kmox.com/kmox/1999331.mp3

For those who would like more information on the topic in a small group format, Susan Iskiwitch and I will be doing our popular Introduction to Social Media seminar on Oct. 27th from 8:45 to 11 a.m. at The Heights. We'll also be doing Social Media Policy on November 5th from 8:45 to 11 a.m. for those looking to create a policy for their business or non-profit organization. More details are available here:

http://ahcconsulting.org/Events.html

It Starts With Passion

It Starts With Passion

I am now a contributor to The Real Athlete Blog. This article is all about how athletes who find their passion can make a tremendous difference.

Shared via AddThis

Top Five Ways to Involve Yourself in Local Sports

Top Five Ways to Involve Yourself in Local Sports

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Technology Tools - Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

The social media revolution has taken hold. Those of us who cut their teeth in the field of public relations in the 90s have a unique position: a level of solid strategic experience, and a whole new set of tools to deliver communications messages. I was fortunate enough to work for public relations giant, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc., learning everything I know about communications, client service and navigating the work place there. (Yes, I do see elements of the Mad Men series in my experience.)
In the day, Budweiser in the corner refrigerators (available after 5), client lunches, extracurricular activities (?!?) ruled.
Just as the media landscape has changed so too has public relations... no more control of the message, more partnering and engaging your stakeholders. As one who started in Montessori school and one who has been most influenced by my experiential education experiences (Coro Fellowship, Study in London) and constantly seeking out the new, I am a great example of "teaching an old dog new tricks."
Identifying your stakeholders will not change. How they like to be reached is shifting. Since starting my own business, AHC Consulting, in 2007 I have embraced the opportunity to learn all that I can about new ways to reach and engage audiences. I will never be an expert, no one can know everything, but are there new ways to reach people and influence and change their behavior. Tomorrow I will visit a bit about Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook on Charlie Brennan's KMOX radio morning program. Not because I am an expert, but because you can "teach an old dog new tricks...."

Going Green - One School at a Time

On Oct. 7th, children and volunteers from Reed Elementary (Ladue School District) will receive the first ever “Green School of the Month Award” from EcoLifeSTL.com when the school kicks off of their Waste Free Wednesdays, an initiative to reduce waste generated at lunch. Students are encouraged to bring lunch and snack to school that are waste-free every Wednesday, beginning 10/7. The award will also highlight Reed’s other green efforts going on that day, including instituting a Walking School Bus (in conjunction with Trailnet), and hosting a Bike Rodeo safety clinic from 4-5 p.m.
At 12:15 pm in the school cafeteria (9060 Ladue Road, 63124) Dr. Chris Schreiner, Reed School Principal, and members of Reed’s Sustainability Committee, will receive the award from Cyndee Blank of EcoLifeSTL.com.
Changing the planet - one school at a time!

Coincidences Connected

My life always seems to be a series of interesting coincidences. Today I went to the Ethical Society to see Dale McGowan speak from his recent book, "Raising Freethinkers," lower case "f" as he says. His words were right on target as I strive to raise kids who are critical thinkers.
As I am looking at the program, I notice that they will be screening The Soloist on Tuesday, October 6th at 6:30 p.m. at The Ethical Society. A discussion featuring Adam Crane, the pr person at the Los Angeles Symphony who helped make the connection between Nathaniel Ayers and Steve Lopez will follow. Crane is from St. Louis and is now back running communications for the Saint Louis Symphony. (Open to all, rsvp to 314/773-1399 co sponsored by Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri.)
My mother-in-law and I were just talking about Crane's St. Louis connection and now we will have an opportunity to meet him in person after seeing such an influential film. Ironically, he is in the job that my good friend Jeff Trammel had prior to going to a new position that I helped to create when I did the rebranding of the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon and Family Fitness Weekend into GO! St. Louis... it is all about the C's, connections and coincidence. It's there every time if you keep your eyes open!

Brilliance and Life on the Streets

Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr.'s acting in The Soloist brings to light the struggles of our society to address mental health issues and homelessness in a real way. One that illuminates the 3 block difference between sanity and brilliance, and a life on the streets.
Set in Los Angeles with Skid Row and the Walt Disney Theatre in prominent geographic range, this movie is deeply moving, as it goes back and forth between these worlds, with virtually no boundaries.
Having known great brilliance with mental health issues and having watched the almost inevitable destruction, there are no easy answers and perhaps no answers at all.

New Generation of Leaders

Seeing and speaking to students about life after college and graduate school is a wonderful opportunity. I always learn from them and am inspired by the idealism and new ideas they share with me.
Universities provide a wonderful, safe learning space, that we should all try to reconnect with when we can.
Last night I spoke to students at Washington University's George Warren Brown School of Social Work about communications and in particular social media. I asked them to envision themselves as the one bringing some new ideas and strategies reflective of a new dawn in technology to the non-profits to which they are affiliated. I shared the shift in how stakeholders want to be reached, and a way to think about each stakeholder.
I shared that their talent, energy and familiarity can really help non-profits make a difference today.
I know one has already found me on LinkedIn and others are bringing their new ideas to the organizations where they are doing practicums. New thinking and new energy is exciting to see, and those who are committed to a life helping others, even better!

Education: The Great Shift

On-line text books, Smartboards, digital-based homeschooling, experiential education, Open Source Ware -- these are forces washing through the education world that are amazing to watch.
Just as Abraham Lincoln educated himself with books, today all of us can educate, expand and broaden our horizons on-line.
I walked into a room in our house yesterday to see a short YouTube tutorial on a certain algebra problem being worked with markers and highlighters to supplement an on-line text book. The short clip completely reinforced a concept learned in a classroom setting. In fact, MIT offers more than 1,200 courses on-line, free of charge. Syllabus, lecture notes, lectures -- all of it!
How will all this change schools? The way they are built, how they schedule the days? What about the university world? Will more degrees be offered on-line from major universities? What about the cost structure? What about the professors? Who will they be and how will they stay current and relevant in this new world? Will people still choose universities? Will university costs continue to rise quickly?
Watching the shift in education closely, right here at home ....

Higher Education As A Mindset

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis has been instrumental in forming a regional collaboration, St. Louis Regional College Access Pipeline Project, to look at how we are preparing young people for higher education. On October 7, the organization will join with other area organizations to host "Beyond High School: Building Better Futures."
It starts with creating a mindset that "College is a Goal," but that is only a start towards the preparation necessary to not only be academically prepared, but navigate the process, afford the education and have the persistence to graduate.
It's great to be a board member for an organization that is looking at not only the scholarship and loan process but all the pieces that surround it to help ensure that we will have the most successful students in the next generation.
As the world continues to shift, we need to keep looking for ways to help our students adapt, and adapt ourselves to the monumental shifts in the world. Creating a young adult with the resourcefulness to find the answers, the foundation to ask the right questions and an ability to determine what is going on in any situation he/she is placed will be the measure of our collective success!

Inspiration - Just Start

Inspiration and new ideas often come from thoughtful conversation and good listening. I just had the opportunity to see the co-founder of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, at Webster University in St. Louis.
To hear of his obsession with maps growing up, learning about how he got into programming, listening to his tips on start-ups was inspirational!
Immediacy, Transparency, Approachability - are the principles upon which Twitter was founded. Along the way, listening to users helped them to crystallize some of the features that make Twitter, Twitter.
He hinted at some new ventures applying some of these principles and learnings to some of our country's most pressing issues: in the health care and financial sectors.
Dorsey was born and raised in St. Louis, and is truly one of our region's best ambassador as we move towards a new innovation-based economy, one built on the promise of small entrepreneurial companies leading the way in job creation. Jack ended with "Just start." Indeed, we should.

Innovation Is Welcome Here

What are the ingredients that go into creating innovative ideas in a community that drive business creation and make a region a great place to live? Lots to do... arts, culture, a variety of interesting people, banks who will lend, venture capital, great universities... (And, yes, a significant body of water seems to be an important variable...)
Perhaps it is places to go where new ideas are welcomed such as the Youthbridge Wash U/Social Entrepreneur Competition and its series of events.
Tomorrow, I am going with a colleague, Cyndee Blank @cyndeeblank, of Emmis Communications, to see the co-founder of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, at Webster University. Jack @jack grew up in St. Louis, and I want to ask him about how we can create a more innovation-focused region, what he would do to make transformation here, and, at the same time, what are the values and education that he took with him that he got right here in St. Louis?
Every day I meet a new person doing something interesting and innovative right here in St. Louis. This week's example: An IT guy creating a new digital educational software company. It's here, you just have to open your mind and put out your Innovation Is Welcome Here sign. @ahawkcollinger

Social Entrepreneurism - Urban Studio

A few years ago I met someone who told me of a group of committed individuals who wanted to start an Urban Cafe - as a neighborhood gathering spot and as a way to generate revenue to support youth art programs for neighborhood youth. I watched as they entered the Washington University Skandalaris Center Competition, winning more than$30K to make their dream a reality. I watched as they told countless people of their idea...
In a few minutes I will go to the Urban Studio located a stones throw from Crown Candy Kitchen in Old North St. Louis on 14th Street for their grand opening! It is exciting to see this project up and running and I look forward to watching it grow. Congrats to Phil and Claire and all the team!

Bikes and Walking

Bikes and Walking.... Transportation Enhancement funds for bike and walking trails may be eliminated from FY10 Federal budget with the recent amendments introduced today in the US Senate. This is unfortunate as these funds have provided for a number of projects that promote revitalizing former rail right-of-ways, and promote additional safe paths for healthy activities.

From Micro to Macro... Collinger goes live

From microblogging with Twitter to the big blog, after all people always think I have something to say...
Transforming education for the benefit of all, leveraging new communications tools, inspiring and coaching others will be my focus.
Ran into Karen Carroll, a dynamic woman, who I first met when she bought the radio rights to the St. Louis Rams in 1995, the team's inaugural year in the Gateway City. She gets it done. Her world now is operating Sylvan Learning Centers, a growing business given the need for new ways to help our children succeed in school. Rich discussion on how outside programs can enhance our schools.