Visionary yet pragmatic planner/organizer with 17 years experience in domestic and international project and organizational development and management. Committed to sustainability and to stakeholder-driven planning and improvement processes. Navigates comfortably in community, government, and higher education environments. Especially skilled at synthesizing complex information into coherent, practical strategies and systems. Adept at seeing the "big picture" while focusing on the details. Known for high standards grounded in exceptional analytical, organizational, and writing skills and a self-directed, thorough, disciplined work style. A natural, resourceful, enterprising leader whom others trust to get the job done.

Formal Education

• Ph.D., Department of Resource Development (now the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies), Michigan State University (2003)
• M.S., Department of Resource Development with a specialization in International Agricultural Development, Michigan State University (1998)
• B.A. (summa cum laude), History with International Studies, Dartmouth College (1991)

• Developed and managed 21 projects, programs, and organizations
• Served in executive leadership roles with 5 different organizations
• Hired and supervised 25+ staff, and led various management teams
• Raised millions of dollars from a wide variety of government agencies and foundations
• Brokered partnerships with scores of public and private organizations
• Facilitated 100s of goal-oriented meetings and open-ended dialogues
• Adept at thorough, organized, priority-driven multi-tasking
• Excellent writer
• Award-winning, interdisciplinary scholar and researcher
• Strong computer skills

• Planner, Long Range Planning Division, County of Hawaii Planning Department (2007-present)
  
• Principal, Integra Consulting (2005-present)
• Founding Executive Director, NorthWest Lansing Healthy Communities Initiative (now the NorthWest Initiative) (2000-2005)
• Consultant, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Food and Society Initiative (2001-2002)
• Fellow, Bailey Scholars Program, Michigan State University (1999-2001)
• Founding Co-Coordinator, Participatory Research Network, Michigan State University (1998-2000)
• Founding Coordinator, Michigan State Sustainable Agriculture Network (1997-1999)
• Coordinator, University in Transition Summer Colloquy, Michigan State University (1999)
• International Program Development Assistant, Bean/Cowpea Collaborative Research Support Program (CRSP) Management Office, Michigan State University (1996-1999)
• Technical Trainer, Pre-Service Integrated Aquaculture Training, Peace Corps Africa Region (1995)
• Volunteer Leader, Cameroonian Intensive Fish Culture Project, Peace Corps Cameroon (1994)
• Aquaculture Extension Agent, Cameroonian Intensive Fish Culture Project, Peace Corps Cameroon (1992-1994)

• President, Hilo Halai Kumiai (2011-present)
• Coach, Hilo AYSO Under 10 Boys Soccer (2011)
  
• Member, Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (2007-present)
• Member, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce (2008-present)
• Member, Hilo Downtown Improvement Association (2009-present)
• Friend of the Palace Theater (2006-present)
  
• Board Member, Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council (2003-2007)
• Founding de facto President, Renaissance Neighborhood Association (1999-2005)
• Board Member, Downtown Neighborhood Association (2000-2003)
• Board Member, Great Lakes Bioregional Land Conservancy (1999-2000)

• Innovators Award to the NorthWest Lansing Healthy Communities Initiative by the Neighborhoods Association of Michigan for the WestSide Alliance commercial corridor revitalization project (2005)
• Regional Excellence Award for Cooperation in Social and Community Services awarded to the NorthWest Lansing Healthy Communities Initiative by the Regional Economic Development Team (2004)
• Bea Christy Neighborhood Volunteer of the Year, Lansing Neighborhood Council (2003)
• Service Recognition Award, Michigan State Sustainable Agriculture Network (2000)
• Volunteer of the Year, Land Stewardship Center (1999)
• Outstanding Master's Scholar, Department of Resource Development (now the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies), Michigan State University (1998)

(1% of population)
Known as the "mastermind", the "scientist", or the "free-thinker", INTJs are pragmatic strategists, planners, and organizers. They thrive on strategic analysis directed toward useful applications. Highly observant, insightful, and non-linear, INTJs quickly absorb and synthesize large amounts of information and generate new ideas and possibilities. Their primary interest, however, is not in simply understanding concepts but in applying them and taking action. INTJs are natural brain-stormers and very open-minded, so if Plan A isn't working, they will readily embrace contingency plans. Though natural leaders who confidently take-charge, INTJs are reserved and prefer to work in the background.
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In his free time, Ron enjoys swimming, soccer, reading, and playing with his family.

 Ron has become an invaluable business partner and trusted friend. His ability to clearly, concisely and eloquently articulate systems-based social change efforts is a true gift. Brainstorming with Ron is particularly fun because of his ability to hone in on weaknesses or barriers from the 30,000 foot view as well as ground zero. His patience for process is also quite commendable. It is rare to find someone with such emotional and cognitive depth, breadth and balance. It's been a real pleasure collaborating with him on our projects. I'm already looking forward to more fun on future efforts!

-Kevin Vaccarrello, Executive Director, Sustain Hawaii

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