Team
Public Sphere Projects is structured like a think-and-do tank.
Our team is as intentionally diverse as the urban places we help create and steward. And we are as adrenalized as the clients we serve.
We are thought leaders with expertise in governance, policy, planning, placemaking, finance, and more. At the same time, we are tactical doers who grind alongside place management partners, city agencies, community organizations, and property owners. We offer inspiration and exude perspiration. (Yuck!)
In community: Public Sphere Projects draws energy from thinking and working alongside each other — and many clients, community partners, and fellow travelers along our journey. Our work at the Charlestown Navy Yard too was a product of collaboration. Read more on Medium ➭
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F. Philip Barash
Placemaking leader ~ Strategic thinker ~ Community engagement expert
Philip (he/him) has a major crush on public places. A visionary placemaking leader, he brings both a strategic and deeply empathic perspective to the life of urban places.
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Luis Edgardo Cotto
Municipal thinker ~ Small business advocate ~ Cultural expert
Luis (he/him) is energized by conversations about the creative economy. A former City Councilor for the city of Hartford, Connecticut, he brings small business expertise to PSP's work as a past owner of a Latinx-focused coffeehouse and bookstore.
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Alyson Dressman
Urban planner ~ Sustainability advocate ~ Community development expert
Alyson (she/her) approaches urban challenges with thoughtful, equitable, community-centered solutions. With a passion for accessible planning processes, her work centers on social justice, sustainability, and community development.
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Dillon Goodson
Veteran business district leader ~ Tactical thinker ~ Economic development expert
Dillon (he/him) knows what it takes to make memorable public places. A tactical thinker and consensus builder, he is energized by the idea of turning urban challenges into success stories.
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Anita Morson-Matra
Arts and culture leader ~ Organizational strategist ~ Public health expert
Anita (she/her) is an urban planner, creative, place leader, and organizational strategist. A former nonprofit leader, she works at the intersection of arts, culture, and economic development.
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Naima Murphy Salcido
Strategic advisor ~ Arts administrator ~ Partnerships expert
Naima (she/her) leverages her experience in organizational development and philanthropy to add capacity to teams across the country. Throughout her career, she has been committed to learning from and forging mission-driven partnerships across sectors to progress movements.
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Kalindi Parikh
Urban planner ~ Equity and justice advocate ~ Urban innovation expert
Kalindi (she/her) has a deep interest in making innovation accessible and rewarding for communities. She works with a broad range of civic, business, and cultural stakeholders to create engaging and inspiring urban experiences for all.
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Sarah Rathbone
Organizational strategist ~ Arts and culture fundraiser ~ Creative economy expert
Sarah (she/her) is an advocate for the power and potential of music and art in urban regeneration. She helps clients bring their communities together in conversation to develop novel — and sometimes radical — solutions to complex problems.
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Kate Reese
Policy nerd ~ Cultural resource advocate ~ Violence prevention expert
Kate (she/her) is called to public places as arenas for creativity, community, and care. As a policy nerd, she is committed to understanding the intersection of challenges facing our communities in order to pursue radically inclusive solutions.
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Sean Webster
Social entrepreneur ~ Place activation leader ~ Youth development expert
Sean (he/him) is a social entrepreneur with extensive experience in supporting emerging businesses and cultural enterprises. His work is focused on transforming communities and cultivating the next generation of change agents.