Welcome
Professional Consulting
Proven researcher, facilitator, administrator, leader, educator, and communicator
My approach
- Build agreement about what we are trying to accomplish,
- Identify the relationships and resources we have and the relationships and resources we need,
- Develop a plan for success and empower people to execute that plan,
- Measure progress and performance, and
- Recognize everyone’s contribution and hold people accountable (especially myself).
Research Services
Research is essential to decision making and the first step to bringing real change. Research projects are a partnership between an organization and me that starts with a clear idea of the purpose of the research. Helping organizations define their research projects can be the most valuable service I can provide.
Program Evaluation
There are an unlimited number of things an organization might do, but a limited number of resources available. Program evaluations help organizations target improvement efforts and make judicious use of their scarce resources. This is fundamental to continuous improvement.
Facilitation Services
I believe in the positive outcomes that can come from deliberative discussions. I have facilitated many large-scale and small group discussions using the proven methods I learned through the Kettering Foundation. This approach is invaluable for defining where a program or organization is going and building trust with its audience.
About andrew downs consulting
Biography
Andrew Downs spent 20 years as the first director of the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics at Purdue University Fort Wayne and as a professor in the Department of Political Science. The Mike Downs Center is a nonpartisan organization that helps people understand the role of politics and government in their daily lives. It does this by informing people and giving them tools they need to participate, improving life for all. The Mike Downs Center has a statewide reputation as a source for non-partisan insight, research, and assistance.
Andrew worked for the City of Fort Wayne as the Chief of Staff for Mayor Graham Richard before becoming the Director of the Mike Downs Center. While working as the Chief of Staff, Andrew also spent time as the Director of Community Development, Director of Public Information, and Human Resources Manager.
Andrew has stayed involved in local governments and community organizations while working at PFW. These efforts have required building and maintaining partnerships.