OUR FABULOUS STAFF
Council Oak staff have a passion for good government. With an eye toward maximizing effectiveness, we bring a mix of strategic planning, neutral facilitation, policy analysis, internal and external communications and training to our clients. We have been privileged to support some of the most innovative and transformative activities currently underway in the federal government.
LINDA MANNING
President & Chief Acorn
Linda always has an eye on the big picture. From community engagement to policy development, she will help you understand the why – so you can effectively manage the what and how. No matter your focus – local projects, team dynamics, or national policies – Linda will help you fill in the details to create your masterpiece. In her downtime, Linda can be found at the rink, in the garden, or painting crew oars.
SARAH HELINEK
Analyst, Facilitator & Resourceful Generalist
Need scientific or technical information translated into language that can be consumed by a wider audience? Looking for someone to guide your workgroup through developing a product or planning a meeting? Look no further than Sarah. When she’s not at her computer, she can be found planning her next trip, volunteer refereeing on the soccer field, or heading to a concert in DC.
JUSTIN LINI
Senior Facilitator & Team Builder
Justin is an active listener always on the lookout for opportunities to connect people, concepts, and solutions in new and creative ways. Whether it’s integrating stakeholder
input or working to bring out the best in diverse teams, he can help you clarify and meet your goals. During his downtime he can be found painting landscapes along the Anacostia River in Washington DC and in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
LIZ RETTENMAIER
Senior Facilitator & Jill-of-All-Trades
Do you wonder how a certain policy or process can lead to better decisions or outcomes? Liz loves helping teams meet their goals, and will do anything she can to help. When she’s not doing that, she can be found exploring her home state of Maine’s mountains and waters, supporting the Girl Scouts, on a conference call, or in the garden.
PAT TALLARICO
Senior Consultant and Sense Maker
Pat has had the privilege of helping many clients find their way forward through challenging and bewildering territory. He blends facilitation skills, analytical capabilities and technical insights to bring clarity to issues and inspire collaborative action. When not at his desk, Pat can be found in the hills of charlottesville Virginia walking with his dog, exploring history, and pursuing creative endeavors.
JULIA BLASS
Writer & Analyst
An adaptable and detail-oriented generalist, Julia is there behind the scenes taking up any and all tasks to help teams meet their goals. From writing and editing to research and documentation, Julia is there to get the details right. Outside of work, she can usually be found outdoors with her dog, baking, or running.
NICK BRUBAKER
Policy Analyst & Complex Information Translator
Struggling to get organized to develop or finalize a deliverable? Nick will help your team convert ideas into decisions and actions, then assemble various pieces of writing into a consolidated, consistent, and comprehensive communication product. When not at his desk, Nick is likely hiking with his family in the northern California hills or taking a very long time to design and build a simple piece of furniture.
GREG FREY
Policy Analyst, Facilitator
& Problem Solver
The saying “still waters run deep” comes to mind in describing Greg’s approach to helping his clients achieve better results. He actively listens, puts together the right team, and helps communicate complex data in plain language. Away from work, Greg enjoys seeking out the best tacos in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, taking his dog for walks in the rain, and tending his fledgling bonsai collection.
CINDY MARCOTTY
Creative Guru & Graphic Designer
If you need to organize information visually and creatively – Cindy is on the job! With more than 20 years at the helm of her own studio, Marlin Design, she has partnered with Council Oak in their mission to make information make sense. When she’s not on the hunt for the illusive “magic” graphic, Cindy enjoys cooking, snuggling with her dog, traveling and spending time with her ever-frenzied family.