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, Founder and Executive Director, Sustain Hawaii
Ron Whitmore is an exceptionally talented person. He
is equally adept at planning and managing programs, and working in
organizational and community settings. He's also a terrific writer,
facilitator, team member. I especially admire his personal discipline
and work ethic. Because of that, when you hire Ron you know things
will get done on time and at a high quality level. I know all of this
from experience: I've hired Ron several times in the past and have
always found his work to be top-notch. For any organizational or
community client, hiring Ron Whitmore is a "can't lose" proposition.
- Frank A.
Fear, Senior Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University
There
have been just a handful of people with whom I have worked who are able
to create and guide a complex project from visioning, to planning, to
implementation. Ron Whitmore is one of those people and is a
professional you want on your team.
- Peggy Roberts,
Coordinator, Power of We Consortium
I've worked with Ron Whitmore for
over four years on a number of projects and committees. I've found
him to be a person of impeccable
integrity and multiple skills. He is easily one of the most
highly-principled and multi-talented individuals I've ever had the
pleasure of working with. Ron has superb writing and facilitation
skills. He possesses an exceptional ability to clearly articulate
ideas and principles in a way that promotes shared understanding and
inspires those he works with. Ron is unfailingly dependable; he can
be relied upon to accomplish what he says he will do.
- Melany Mack,
Ingham County Health Department
Ron Whitmore is not only one of the smartest
fellows I've run into, but a seasoned and polished facilitator, a terrific
listener, and a real
go-to
guy when you
need insight, energy, and commitment. He's not fearful of being a voice
in the wilderness, and his honesty and integrity shine through in
all he touches.
- Terry Link, Director, Office
of Campus Sustainability, Michigan State University
Ron
Whitmore is exceptional in his ability to offer comprehensive
assessment and incisive analysis. He organizes and presents information
in ways that increase impact and promote understanding. Reports are
thorough and recommendations are practical and helpful. He has helped
to significantly advance our work. Ron is doing a phenomenal job!
- Anonymous
I
am so happy that a colleague recommended Dr. Whitmore for my project. I
needed help with revising a community leadership manual intended for
underserved populations. Dr. Whitmore quickly and efficiently made the
changes we needed so that the material was more user-friendly. He
understands the processes of community development and is a wonderful
writer.
- Patricia Farrell, Director, University Community Partnerships, Michigan State University
Mr.
Whitmore was able to handle a complex contract from start to finish
with little oversight. A most refreshing trait from a consultant.
- Tony Lentych, former Executive Director, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan
Working with Ron on transforming the West
Saginaw/Oakland corridor from an area bi-sected by two fast-moving
one-way state highways into
a healthy, walkable community has been a pleasure. Yes, the task
is a
difficult one, requiring decades-long vision and coordination of
work with state and local bureaucracies, but Ron has kept a cadre of
neighbors committed and on track. His ability to focus simultaneously
on both the big picture and the details has helped us produce a
detailed plan of work, with short and long term goals and desired
outcomes. He is thorough and trustworthy and will be greatly missed.
- Gretchen
Cochran, Cochran Public Relations
Ron is a multi-talented individual
and able to work with diverse individuals and groups. He has excellent
writing skills and is very
thorough and organized. He possesses a keen knowledge of community
organizing and mobilization and has capacity in program,
organizational and leadership development. He works very hard
and is someone you can count on to do the very best at whatever
he
commits to
do.
- John Melcher,
Associate Director,
Center for Community and Economic Development, Michigan State University
Ron Whitmore is dedicated to improving
the quality of life in neighborhoods and utilizing healthy neighborhoods
as the
foundation
for community development. Ron is adept at organizing an
ecological
approach to community growth that brings together diverse sectors
and stakeholders and builds a consensus around a shared vision
for community well being. He brings the essential qualities
of honesty,
integrity and reliability to the public arena. Ron is organized and
thoughtful and commands the respect of colleagues with whom
he
works.
- Chuck Steinberg
We
work with a volunteer group, and the group was confronting many of the
problems that are common to similar groups. Integra staff helped
work through a process for how my office could support volunteers and
strengthen their role. His performance was excellent, and we have made a
lot of progress.
- Peter Briggs, Director, Office for International Students and Scholars, Michigan State University
My
experience with Integra is very positive. Mr. Whitmore went the extra
step more than once on our project that involved the cooperation of
multiple agencies. His professionalism and commitment to excellence
were quite evident throughout the project.
- Mike Brown, President, Capital Area United Way
I got to know Ron Whitmore's work
through projects he developed to improve our community's food system
and neighborhood
business
district. I am continuously impressed with his ability
to move the community through the program development process
-- from the problem
("We've got to do something about this!") to the vision ("This
is what we'd like to see in 5 years.") to the plan ("Here's how
to get there.") and, finally, to action ("Look what we've
done!").
Most people don't have the patience, dedication, or skill
set required to
facilitate this type of work.
"I have also had the pleasure
of serving with Ron on the Board of the Mid-Michigan
Environmental Action Council. From his experience
building a nonprofit from scratch, he brings a highly focused and
intentional approach to management, which has helped
Mid-MEAC develop a clearer sense of direction, with more
conscientious
and responsible
policies and practices.
- Jessica Yorko, Owner, Sustainable
Solutions
