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About George Myers

A Career of Giving Back

Being of service to people, communities and the world has been the most important value of my life. 


I began volunteering with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity about 30  years ago through my church. My volunteer roles included building, family selection and serving on an interfaith coalition. In 1995 I departed from a sales and marketing job for Americus Georgia to be a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity  International's headquarters. In  1997 I became a full-time employee of Habitat as an Affiliate Support Manager, assigned to Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota. 


After multiple promotions I ended my service with Habitat as an Organizational Development Consultant supporting many of  their core programs. I created and led Habitat's evaluation of their Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative in partnership with NeighborWorks America's Success Measures platform. I helped author operations and capacity building manuals and was a subject matter expert in Family Selection and Support. I presented workshops at dozens of Regional and National Habitat conferences. 


I founded gmars Consulting in 2013. I've built a strong practice, with repeat engagements, and many referrals from satisfied clients. I maintain strong partnerships with Habitat  state support organizations and statewide nonprofit associations.
 

I enjoy working with small and mid-sized nonprofits, often with a focus on housing, the environment and social justice. I love working in rural America.  I've served as an interim Executive Director, and held a contract in 2018-19 as contracted staff for a homeless  HUD Continuum of Care.  I continue to support Habitat affiliates and have a passion for housing and homeless issues. I enjoy being a frequent trainer and acclaimed workshop presenter. I am seen at conferences locally, regionally, and nationally.
 

In 2015, I moved from the Midwest to Sisters, Oregon, and am enjoying an active lifestyle and exploring the Pacific Northwest. In 2016, I was honored to join the board of directors of Bethlehem Inn, the largest homeless shelter east of the Cascade mountains. In 2019 we  completed a $10M capital campaign to rebuild the campus. In 2017 I helped establish a  cold-weather shelter in Sisters, and continue to advocate for the homeless living here. 


In 2020 after the death of George Floyd I became involved with social justice protests in Sisters. These have been some of most impressive community building experiences I have witnessed.  

George and first assistant Lola

George and his "assistant" Lola

Education, Certification and Skills

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Bachelor of Arts

Macalester College, St Paul MN; BA with Honors in Music Performance and Composition; Core concentration in English, and a broad liberal arts education. 

Certifications

  • Fundraising Management Certification: Major Gifts, Annual Fund, Capital Campaigns and Planned Giving: The Fundraising School at the Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University, 2006
  • Certified TOPS (Technology of Participation) Facilitator: ICA Institute, 2005
  • Community Development/Neighborhood Revitalization: NeighborWorks America, 2011 and 2012

Coursework and Training

  • Ryan Dowd  Homelessness Training 2019/2020
  • Adult Mental Health First Aid 2019
  • NTL Institute: Appreciative Inquiry Foundations and Strategic Planning 2008 
  • Harvard Business School: Habitat University Leadership Conference 2003
  • ABCD Institute: School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University 1998, 1999, 2002, 2007, 2011
  • Christian Community Development Association: Online and Conference Events: Annual training 2011 to 2018
  • Center for Courage and Renewal: Circle of Trust retreat series: Personal Leadership  and Growth Series 2014, 2015, 2016
  • Wilder Foundation: James Shannon Leadership Renewal Program and training in Collaboration 2004
  • Designed Learning: Peter Block’s Flawless Consulting 2005
  • BoardSource: Governance and Board Development Training: 2004
  • Minnesota Nonprofit Assistance Fund: Budgeting 2001
  • Habitat for Humanity International: Conflict Resolution and Negotiation 1995, 1999, 2007, 2009

Other Notable Facts

  • Skilled in presentation software, virtual meetings, networking, coalition building, team development throughout the US and Central America
  • Training and Experience in: Adult Learning Theory, Workshop and Curriculum Planning, Writing, and Development and Online Learning Technologies
  • Experienced onsite and virtual trainer and speaker: Webinars, Conference Calls, and Podcasts
  • Skilled in presentation and audio production software, virtual meetings, networking, coalition building, and team development
  • Communities of Practice: Group formation and facilitation
  • Creative: Authored manuals, presentations, assessments and multiple other resources
  • Always volunteering for something! 

Copyright © 2020 gmars Consulting, LLC - All Rights Reserved.


All photography by George Myers