The Design Process
The Berrett-Koehler Publisher Board of Directors commissioned a Design Team to steer the design and development of the Berrett-Koehler Foundation until a Board of Directors was established in the fall of 2013.
Guidelines for Design and Decision-Making
These principles guided the design of the Berrett-Koehler Foundation:
- Use high-involvement, collaborative processes to design the organization.
- Design a simple organization that can be effective with a low budget.
- Start small and focused, allow for organic growth.
- Use rapid prototyping, test processes before finalizing them.
- Do not require BK staff to be involved or use BK resources.
- Support the work of other organizations with similar missions (not competing with them).
The Design Team Members
Steve Piersanti – (Design Team Leader) President and publisher of Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. Prior to founding Berrett-Koehler in 1992, Steve served as president of Jossey-Bass Publishers. He began his career at Jossey-Bass in 1977 as a promotional copywriter then served as marketing director, editor, editorial director, and executive vice president before becoming president in 1989. Read Steve’s bio here.
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Jesse Lyn Stoner – (Design Team Facilitator) Principal at Seapoint Center for Collaborative Leadership, former nonprofit executive director, and bestselling author, Jesse consults with leaders and facilitates high-involvement organization change. Recognized by the Huffington Post as one of the Top 100 Leadership Experts, she writes an award-winning weekly leadership blog. Read Jesse’s bio here.
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Mal Warwick – An author, serial entrepreneur, impact investor, consultant to nonprofit organizations, and progressive activist, Mal has written 20 books and founded or co-founded several successful companies. Read Mal’s bio here.
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Si Kahn – A social activist, nationally recognized composer, lyricist and book writer for musical theater, and singer/song writer with 16 CDs, Si founded Grassroots Leadership, a Southern-based national organization, in 1980, and served as its Executive Director for 30 years. Read Si’s bio here.
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Charlotte Ashlock studied Science, Technology, and Society at Bard College. After working for Americorps and as a web developer for a network of nonprofits, she joined Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc. as Digital Producer & Editor. She is involved with the BK Foundation because she is passionate about connecting young idealists with resources to succeed.
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Volunteers
We also want to recognize the generosity of many volunteers who worked to establish the Berrett-Koehler Foundation, and in particular:
Administrative Support: Brenda Price
Fundraising: Jamie Showkeir (Chair), Ann Matranga, Shah Hasan, Marilee Adams, Steve Piersanti, Jesse Stoner
Services: Paul Wright, Stewart Levine, Charlotte Ashlock, Jesse Stoner
Design: Dianne Platner (design standards); Josh Piersanti and Susan Malikowski (graphic design)
Fundraising: Jamie Showkeir (Chair), Ann Matranga, Shah Hasan, Marilee Adams, Steve Piersanti, Jesse Stoner
Services: Paul Wright, Stewart Levine, Charlotte Ashlock, Jesse Stoner
Design: Dianne Platner (design standards); Josh Piersanti and Susan Malikowski (graphic design)