The best ideas rise in cities and percolate upwards to inform the national and global conversation. I help facilitate the dialogue between city leaders, business leaders, philanthropic leaders, and avowed urbanists of all stripes. Ultimately, through team building, on-the ground engagement, research, speaking, writing, and more, I seek to uplift the work of city leaders to drive positive change.

As a senior executive at the National League of Cities and the Director of the Center for City Solutions I lead the organization’s research agenda, oversee technical assistance efforts and leadership education, cultivate talent and develop staff, and serve as a spokesperson on a myriad of city issues. I lead a team of twenty-five experts across the field of urban policy, and regularly advise cities both in the United States and globally on critical issues faced now and yet to come.

Throughout my career, I have published reports and articles on innovative solutions that lead to vibrant and successful cities. My primary research interests are on the digital economy, mobility innovation, the future of work, and the impact of state preemption on local authority. My thoughts have been read, heard, and seen on NBC’s TODAY Show, the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CNN, NPR, BBC, and the New York Times. I also contribute writing to Fast Company, Business Insider, TechCrunch, US News, and Fortune.

During my tenure at the Center, we have grown and developed a host of new areas from entrepreneurship and equitable development to alternative energy and resilience to urban innovation and enhanced city governance strategies. I serve on numerous boards with current and past service to the STAR Communities Board, the American Library Association Public Policy Advisory Council, the International Advisory Board for the City of Rotterdam, and the Arlington County Environment and Energy Conservation Commission.