Testimonials

“Soon after joining Kalliopeia Foundation, I met Tom at a conference and was struck by his humble yet commanding presence in the field. I sought him out and for the next five years, through a series of almost monthly telephone calls, he helped guide and mentor me in the craft of program work. His wise counsel and encouragement has contributed greatly to my work. There are more projects and people than I can list here that have come to Kalliopeia directly as a result of Tom’s encouragement, and so the goodness goes round and round.”
~ Barbara Cushing, Former Director of Grantmaking, Kalliopeia Foundation

“In the years we spent together at Fetzer Tom was, for me, the driving creative force of the Institute. Yes, there were other highly creative people there, but Tom was the one who would always go to the edge and take the rest of us folks with him.”
~ Dave Sluyter, former President, Fetzer Institute

“Tom helped me see fund development from a new level that is more expansive, visionary, and exciting. At the same time, Tom provided detailed and immediate actions we could take that were all framed by his expertise of advising donors.”
~ Carolyne Stayton, Co-Director, Transition US

“For 18 months in 2011-12 during a formative stage of development for the 1440 Foundation, Tom served as a consultant and program officer helping us shape and implement our guiding vision, purpose, mission and program strategy. Tom’s strengths lie in seeing over the horizon to bring forth a powerful vision and the ability to articulate that vision in ways that enroll people with passion and excitement.”
~ Dinabandhu Sarley, Co-Director Programming, 1440 Foundation

“Tom recently facilitated an executive session of our Board meeting. He has a special capacity to create an open, warm, safe space for everyone to be heard and in which collective wisdom can emerge.”
~ Renee Levi, Ph.D., Co-Chair, Board of Trustees, Saybrook University

“Tom worked with the ED and Fundraising Committee at the Berrett-Koehler Foundation to develop a guiding vision and strategic fundraising plan. He also delivered a list of 14 potential granting organizations, where he had personal contact and that were based on a mission match. He then helped us tailor the necessary application documents – whether it was an LOI, grant proposal or application. He also coached us on the most appropriate way to interact with each granting organization. So far we’ve been successful in receiving funding from 4 of the original 14. Tom also helped us deal with difficult issues as they arose – especially when we were getting in our own way of pursuing funds. Tom is a man of the highest integrity and caliber.”
~ Jamie Showkeir, Fundraising Chair BK Foundation

“Tom has tremendous gifts in convening groups, leading with authentic spiritual presence and connecting people.  He brings energy to a room, sometimes creating fire out of dry wood.  This, for Tom, is not just a skill but an inner calling.”
~ Shirley Showalter, Former V.P. of Programs, Fetzer Institute

“Tom fully understands and embraces the transformational process at its very core. His guidance always takes the form of fascinating dialogue and skillful inquiry, winding its way to the ultimate core of the situation or personalities at question. To me, the highest affirmation that I can offer up to anyone is the simple acknowledgement that through him, I have been changed.”
~ Barbara Fields, ED Association of Global New Thought

“I appreciate so many of Tom’s qualities. His strong heart, fierce commitment to social change, his love of the earth and spirit, his capacity to “see” and to perceive energy. Tom leads with a loving quality that is strong yet humble. He has been an exceptional mentor to me and a unique friend.”
~ Sarah Ghiorse, Former ED Seasons Fund for Social Transformation