Q:  I’ve seen your resumes and am familiar with your work.  But how did you, Stephen, get to this point in your career?  More importantly, who are your professional heroes?

A:  For me, the opportunity was too good not to take.  I’ve worked with Eliza over the years when our paths crossed professionally.  We share a similar set of ethics and outlook on the industries that Truman LaCombe serves.  Combining our skills to do the work that brings challenges and joy is a no-brainer.

Professionally, my list of heroes is too long to name names.  But my previous employer–Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)–and specifically, my former boss Barbara, allowed me to travel the country interacting with the country’s best rural and urban community development professionals while viewing their work firsthand.   I already knew of their social value and impact.  My work at LISC allowed me to see the business side of the industry which includes complex financial deals, sophisticated government relations, and often close relationships with the private sector in order to get the work done.  In short, my LISC experience completed a big picture perspective that grad school and my time on Capitol Hill started.