Consultants

Meet our consultants and learn about our capabilities. Click to send an inquiry to any of our consultants. 

Dorothy H. Air, Ph.D.

Consultant, Strategic Planning and Co-founder, Partnerships Playbook

A recognized thought-leader in entrepreneurial models, partnerships, and strategic planning, Dr. Air was associate vice president for entrepreneurial affairs and technology commercialization at the University of Cincinnati. She currently does consulting for universities, industry, and economic organizations on strategy building to create impact. She serves on several regional and national boards and is a faculty member at Venn Workshop. Learn more about Dorothy at Venn Collaborative.

Eric Dunker, Ph.D.

Vice President, Workforce and Economic Development, Arapahoe Community College and Consultant, Longview Engagement

Dr. Dunker possesses over 18 years of experience in higher education in economic and workforce development, campus design, community engagement, student affairs, fundraising, and academic leadership. Eric leads teams that co-create reciprocal partnerships with industry and the community that have led to vibrant public/private partnerships. 

Nancy E. Franklin, Ed.D.

Principal, Franklin Solutions

Nancy consults with leaders of higher education, government, and community on strategic initiatives, planning, innovation, and change agendas.  She has been engaged with higher education-community partnerships associated with regional development and community-building; has obtained funding for and managed several economic and workforce development initiatives; has managed multi-institution partnerships; and has led strategic planning efforts and implementation teams. 


Tim Franklin, Ph.D.

Principal and Co-Founder, Franklin Solutions

Tim Franklin, Ph.D., serves as principal at Franklin Solutions (FS) where he works with leaders from higher education, community, business, and government organizations on strategic projects and initiatives. Tim joined FS full-time following retirement from his career as an innovating senior university administrator. His projects and work received numerous regional, state, and national recognitions. At FS, he translates this leadership experience into client value.

H. Ky Holland

Holland Consulting

Thirty years of technical and community leadership focused on the challenge and paradox of building consensus and implementing significant change. Specialties include University administration, technology transfer, and business administration academic instruction, Innovation Ecosystem Building,  Organizational Leadership, Community Organizing, Technology Management, Industrial Operations Product Management.

Sheila Martin, Ph.D.

Principal, Triple Helix Partnerships

Sheila Martin is principal of Triple Helix Partnerships. Sheila has over 30 years of experience analyzing regional economies, developing and implementing technology based economic development strategies, and building collaborative capacity within regions. She has managed dozens of research, strategic planning, outreach, and facilitation projects funded by government, philanthropic, and private sector clients. She is committed to equitable economic development and policies that promote social mobility through investing in talent, innovation and entrepreneurship, business development, and community assets.

Julia Potter

Principal, Potter Enterprises

A nationally recognized leader in university-fueled economic and community development. Experienced developer of strategic external relations with a demonstrated history of success in the higher education industry. Skilled in establishing partnerships between universities and business/civic/economic development organizations.

A. Scott Reed, Ph.D.

Vice Provost and Director of Extension (Emeritus) and Principal, Longview Engagement Associates

Scott began his career in the private sector where he discovered the magic of community-university partnerships. He went on to roles in all academic missions before stepping into administrative responsibility in a college, Extension Service and central administrative post leading engagement across the institution.
 

Arthur Smith

Consultant and Chief Content Officer, Venn Collaborative

Arthur R. Smith is a seasoned writer and producer, with decades of experience developing digital content for educational audiences and non-profit organizations. His background includes 15 years leading digital projects for GBH Boston where he produced award-winning projects spanning K-12, adult education, and professional development. He also was senior health digital producer for AARP.ORG. For Venn Collaborative, Arthur serves in both technical and editorial roles, producing online professional development offerings, writing grants, and participating in consulting projects.   

Lou Swanson

Co-Founder and Principal, Longview Engagement Associates; Professor of Sociology Emeritus and Vice President of Engagement Emeritus, Colorado State University

Dr. Swanson retired from Colorado State University in September 2019 and is now Professor of Sociology Emeritus and Vice President for Engagement Emeritus. In 2006 he became the first VP of what today is the Office Engagement and Extension and in 2010 added Director of CSU Extension.  Presently he is a Principal at Longview Engagement Associates.

Jim Woodell, Ph.D.

Founder and Principal, Venn Collaborative

Jim Woodell helps higher education institutions demonstrate their value to economic and societal growth within their communities and regions. Jim’s 30+ year career has spanned multiple areas. As vice president for economic development and community engagement at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), he led national initiatives to foster university-based economic development and improve outreach and engagement. His higher ed experience also encompasses leadership roles in digital education, e-learning, and media production. A sought-after speaker and writer, Jim holds a Ph.D. in higher education policy from Penn State, as well as degrees from Harvard University and Syracuse University.