Advanced Organization Academy
Presented by
Stephanie Redman and Donna Ann Harris
Stephanie Redman and Donna Ann Harris, both nationally-known commercial revitalization practitioners – have teamed up to provide advanced organization training to help established Main Street revitalization programs grow and thrive. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive organization-focused curriculum, Harris and Redman developed the Academy as a tool to strengthen maturing revitalization organizations. The Academy includes six different training sessions focusing on several essential organizational growth and transition topics, including:
§ Leadership and Organizational Transition
§ Public Relations for Established Organizations
§ Diversifying Funding
§ Volunteer Development
§ Strategic Leadership for Main Street Organizations
How the Academy Works
All Advanced Organization Academy trainings are team-taught by Stephanie and Donna and offer dynamic, engaging and fun learning environments for groups from 5 to 45. Most Academy workshops are a half-day in length and include:
§ Two to three hands-on learning exercises
§ Practical solutions that can be implemented immediately
§ Plentiful interaction
§ Peer-learning opportunities
§ A comprehensive packet of resource materials (articles, checklists, forms)
The six sessions of the Advanced Organization Academy are available as a comprehensive training series, or on an “a la carte” basis. The Academy includes the following six topics:
§ Effective Public Relations for Established Revitalization Organizations
§ Diversify Your Revenue Sources!
§ Capitalizing on the Changing Nature of Volunteerism
§ Conquering Leadership Transition
§ Survive & Prosper from Organization Transitions
§ Strategic Leadership for Main Street Organizations
Academy sessions are perfect for statewide or regional conferences, group trainings or individual local downtown management organizations. Sessions are customized to meet the needs of the audience and can also be lengthened or shortened as appropriate. Additional session topics can be developed to meet your particular needs.
Advanced Organization
Academy Trainers
Donna Ann Harris is the principal of Heritage Consulting Inc, a Philadelphia-based consulting firm that works in three practice areas: downtown revitalization, historic preservation and organizational development. Prior to starting her firm in 2004, she was state coordinator for the Illinois Main Street for two years and the manager of the Illinois suburban Main Street for four years. During her tenure, Donna served 56 Illinois Main Street communities, led a staff of 12 and managed a budget of over a million dollars. Prior to her Main Street career, Donna spent 15 years as an executive director of three start-up and two mature preservation organizations, each with its own organizational and fundraising challenges. During 2007, Donna published a book, New Solutions for House Museums, as well as scholarly articles in Forum Journal, History News and Main Street News on business improvement district feasibility. Donna earned a Master of Science degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University in New York City, and a Master of Governmental Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Stephanie Redman has 18+ years’ experience in supporting and advising organizations engaged in the revitalization of traditional business districts. Ms. Redman is a regular conference speaker and trainer and a highly-skilled strategist and planner. Her Main Street work addresses a variety of topics, with special emphasis on local organizational structure, planning, management, and governance. She regularly facilitates visioning sessions, strategic planning processes, and annual work plan development. Ms. Redman has consulted with and trained Main Street revitalization organizations in more than 250 diverse communities in 41 states and internationally. Prior to beginning her consulting practice in 2006, Ms. Redman held four progressively more responsible positions at the National Trust Main Street Center, ending with assistant director. In her early career, Ms. Redman worked closely with several Iowa cities, towns, and a county in her capacity as a coordinator with Main Street Iowa. She holds a B.A. in English with a concentration in Afro-American studies from Grinnell College.
