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Meridian Institute

Agriculture and Food Security
We seek collaborative solutions to world food problems.
Climate Change and Energy
We help parties forge alliances on these critical issues.
Environment and Natural Resources
We facilitate everything from site-specific disputes to international policy dialogues.
Global Stability and Security
We help build partnerships that foster a more stable and secure world.
Health
When it comes to health policy, we are all stakeholders.
Sustainability and Resilience
Our work helps organizations and communities thrive.
Science and Technology
Our work involves issues at the intersection of science, technology, law, and policy.

Meridian Institute helps people solve problems, make informed decisions, and craft solutions to address society’s most complex and controversial issues. We accomplish this by designing and applying collaborative approaches, including facilitation, mediation, and strategic consultation.

Featured Projects

Stakeholder Council for a “.eco” Domain

The Canadian company Big Room, Inc., is applying to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers to run a top-level domain with a “.eco” suffix. As part of the application process, Big Room engaged Meridian Institute to facilitate a 13-member Stakeholder Council and mediate a series of regional stakeholder meetings held around the world in 2009. More


Soy Food Leaders Collaborative

Meridian proviced strategic and faciitation support to the Soy Foods Senior Leadership Forum.  The participating organizations, from across the soy industry and associated NGOs explored the possibility of initiating an effort to educate consumers about the benefits of soy use in foods. More


National Academy of Sciences Advisory Panel

Meridian Institute Senior Partner Michael Lesnick serves on a 10-member panel of the National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council called the Committee on Private-Public Sector Collaboration to Enhance Community Disaster Resilience. More


Joint Ocean Commission Initiative
Broad-based, bipartisan effort to catalyze ocean policy reforms and action at the national, regional, state, and local levels.
AGree: Transforming Food and Ag Policy
Tackling long-term food and agriculture policy issues confronting the nation and the world.
Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa
Supporting African stakeholders in developing a Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) with a broad range of partners.
Colorado Outdoor Stewardship Council and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado Gap and Capacity Analysis
Designing and conducting an assessment of gaps and capacity for the stewardship of Colorado's public lands and natural resources.
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Where We Work

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Meet Our Staff

Makkah Ali

Makkah Ali

“I love working at Meridian because I enjoy learning about issues that are complex, controversial, and relevant today. I also enjoy having the opportunity to engage in processes that ultimately lead to solutions.” —Makkah Ali, Mediator and Program Associate

Jim Anderson

Jim Anderson

“I have found Meridian’s leaders and staff members to be professionals of the highest integrity, and dedicated to developing authentic, effective processes of stakeholder involvement and consensus building.” —Jim Anderson, Contracts Administrator

Deborah Atwood

Deborah Atwood

“As a relatively new Meridian team member, I’ve been impressed with the diversity, professionalism, and smarts of the Meridian staff–and how employees genuinely listen to and support each other.” —Deborah Atwood, Executive Director of AGree

Todd Barker

Todd Barker

“At Meridian, we are willing and eager to innovate. We seek to apply our collaborative problem-solving expertise to new problems in new ways and in new contexts. It’s thrilling to be a part of that.”     —Todd Barker, Senior Partner

Utsarga Bhattarai

Utsarga Bhattarai

“When passionate, impact-driven professionals with common objective unite together, the result  ̶  as exemplified by Meridian  ̶  is a flourishing organization. It’s truly a pleasure to become a part of this wonderful institution.” —Utsarga Bhattarai, Project Assistant

Jennifer Brassanini

Jennifer Brassanini

“I’ve always wanted to find a way to ‘change the world.’ Working for Meridian and supporting the people who are involved in this important work has given me a way to make a difference in my own way.”   —Jennifer Brassanini, Operations Administrator

Mallorie Bruns

Mallorie Bruns

“We are in the business of creating new opportunities by building bridges—connecting individuals and groups who are passionate about having a say, making a difference, and creating a better future. I could not be more excited to be a part of the Meridian team.”   —Mallorie Bruns, Mediator and Program Associate

Kevin Bryan

Kevin Bryan

“I appreciate Meridian’s organizational culture. We work very hard as a group to create a nurturing atmosphere and to support a work/life balance that enables us as individuals to maintain well-rounded lives.”   —Kevin Bryan, Senior Mediator and Program Manager

Kristy Buckley

Kristy Buckley

“What sets Meridian apart is that we are focused on results. We may be experts in the process of collaboration, but we work hard to make sure that process drives toward concrete outcomes.”   —Kristy Buckley, Senior Mediator and Program Manager

Laura Cantral

Laura Cantral

“Like the rest of my Meridian colleagues, I really enjoy getting into the nitty-gritty of the issues so that the processes we design and facilitate can result in meaningful, substantive, and sustainable solutions.”   —Laura Cantral, Partner

Christina Carlson

Christina Carlson

“Meridian employees are driven to do the best job possible and to make a positive difference, whether working on national policy or simply helping a colleague. I could not imagine a more supportive or effective workplace.” —Christina Carlson, Project Associate

Jeana Connaughton

Jeana Connaughton

“As a new member of Meridian, I could not be happier to be a part of this team. I enjoy knowing that the work we do is focused on making the world a better place.” —Jeana Connaughton, Project Coordinator

Holly Dobson

Holly Dobson

“My job has enabled me to meet so many interesting and intelligent people from across the political spectrum and around the world. It’s been a privilege to get to know them.”   —Holly Dobson, Senior Project Coordinator

Wendy D'Ottavio

Wendy D'Ottavio

"What I love about Meridian is knowing that the work we do is focused toward making the world a better place. And not just for today, but for future generations." —Wendy D'Ottavio, Bookkeeper

Liz Duxbury

Liz Duxbury

“As a Project Coordinator, I appreciate the expertise and wealth of knowledge of our talented staff. It is amazing to see how dedicated the whole team is to making our world and our company a better place.”   —Liz Duxbury, Senior Project Coordinator

John Ehrmann

John Ehrmann

“I am very proud to be working with such an outstanding group of colleagues at Meridian, each of whom puts their heart and soul into their efforts to achieve our mission, no matter what their role.  I see every day how their dedication and humility is making a difference in the world.”   —John Ehrmann, Senior and Managing Partner

Sherry Fetch

Sherry Fetch

“I am proud of our work and our people. Everyone is excited to be able to make a difference and determined to demonstrate excellence.”   —Sherry Fetch, Office Assistant

Shelly Foston

Shelly Foston

“I am proud to be a part of Meridian Institute because we approach each project with fresh eyes and focus our process design expertise, strategic advice, and extensive contact base on helping people approach and solve tremendously complex problems.”   —Shelly Foston, Mediator and Program Manager

Rich Innes

Rich Innes

“At its core Meridian is about helping a free society to function effectively by bringing together people with legitimate differences and providing the space and tools to work through these.  It is an honor to work side by side with such dedicated folks for such a good purpose.” —Rich Innes, Senior Fellow

Ingrid Irigoyen

Ingrid Irigoyen

"I love that Meridian works on some of society’s toughest issues. Whether the topic is reforming fisheries policy, supporting partnerships to improve ocean management, or developing a national system for community resilience, I like helping to bring together diverse parties to communicate—and reach agreement."     —Ingrid Irigoyen, Mediator and Program Manager

Mark Jacobs

Mark Jacobs

“There are no cookie-cutter processes at Meridian. I enjoy the challenge of designing a strategy tailored to the needs of each project. Consistently getting the meaningful results we do as a consequence is also highly rewarding.”   —Mark Jacobs, Senior Mediator and Program Manager

Heather Lair

Heather Lair

“What I like about working at Meridian is that the “solution space” is only constrained by the ideas and imagination of the stakeholders we engage. This allows for creative solutions that take problem-solving to a whole new level.” —Heather Lair, Senior Mediator and Program Manager

Elizabeth Lee

Elizabeth Lee

“It’s exciting to work on the big issues you see in the news, like climate change and environmental problems. The best part is engaging with stakeholders, from community members to national leaders, to develop effective options for addressing these issues.” —Elizabeth Lee, Mediator and Program Manager

Kelly Leiby

Kelly Leiby

“I truly enjoy the unique and caring people I get to interact with every day. I feel privileged to be a part of an organization where I know we are all working together for a better future.”   —Kelly Leiby, Accountant

Michael Lesnick

Michael Lesnick

“I know stakeholders often feel the processes we design result in better decisions, because they take into account the right people and the right information. There is not much better reward than feeling like you helped people solve a really tough one.”   —Michael Lesnick, Senior Partner

Connie Lewis

Connie Lewis

“I treasure Meridian because of my colleagues (smart, caring, committed), the problems we tackle (important, complicated, gnarly), the work (hard, ever-changing, satisfying), the relationship with clients and stakeholders (respectful, honest), and the results (often astonishing, always something positive). I’m so honored to be part of this endeavor!" —Connie Lewis, Senior Partner

Jackie Manguso

Jackie Manguso

“Meridian is made up of people who are really driven to do good work and apply their skills to projects that make a difference. It’s great to be a part of it.”   —Jackie Manguso, Finance Manager

Molly Mayo

Molly Mayo

“For me, it’s the span of projects at Meridian that I enjoy—from helping people develop solutions to very local problems to designing and facilitating national and international policy dialogues.” —Molly Mayo, Partner

Tim Mealey

Tim Mealey

“What sets Meridian apart for me is our willingness to take risks. We have successfully applied collaborative problem-solving processes to legislative policy issues that are both complex and fraught with political controversy.” —Tim Mealey, Senior Partner

Stephanie Moore

Stephanie Moore

“I really appreciate working for an organization that’s so focused on making the world a better place. It gives my work a sense of purpose.” —Stephanie Moore, Partner and Director of Finance

Timothy Mullin

Timothy Mullin

"What drew me to Meridian was the complexity and diversity of projects that the staff here undertake. It is such a privilege to work with a group of people who make a difference every day." —Timothy Mullin, Project Assistant

Robyn Paulekas

Robyn Paulekas

“The work Meridian Institute does is part of the next wave of problem solving; it recognizes that solutions come from connecting people and from good process design. I’m thrilled to be part of the Meridian team.”   —Robyn Paulekas, Mediator and Program Associate

Jennifer Pratt Miles

Jennifer Pratt Miles

“One of the things I enjoy most is working with people who have different points of view and helping them to develop options and integrated solutions for addressing multiple (and sometimes conflicting) interests and needs.”   —Jennifer Pratt Miles, Senior Mediator and Program Manager

Rex Raimond

Rex Raimond

“My work at Meridian challenges me to be innovative and creative, and allows me to contribute to real solutions on issues I care deeply about.”  —Rex Raimond, Senior Mediator and Program Manager

Maria Dolores Rodriguez

Maria Dolores Rodriguez

“Meridian stands out not only because of the processes we design, but also because the people who lead these processes are genuinely vested in achieving win-win solutions. Everyone on our team is professional and multi-talented, continuously aspires for improvement, and practices what they preach.” —Maria Dolores Rodriguez, Mediator and Program Associate

Brad Spangler

Brad Spangler

“Meridian is pushing the boundaries of collaborative problem solving, to help find durable solutions to the complex public policy challenges facing today’s global society. I’m proud to be a part of that mission.” —Brad Spangler, Mediator and Program Manager

Barbara Stinson

Barbara Stinson

“Meridian Institute strives to be a true learning organization. We work to improve our internal learning, and therefore our external processes, all the time. I find it exhilarating to work in an environment committed to continuous improvement.” —Barbara Stinson, Senior Partner

Sara Suriani

Sara Suriani

“Meridian gives me the opportunity to learn something new every day—from serving on the IT team to planning field trips in Africa to working with individuals who are at the top of their fields.” —Sara Suriani, Senior Project Coordinator

Charles Taylor

Charles Taylor

“I thoroughly enjoy being a part of an organization where everyone is so mission-driven. Every day, we are all trying to bring the very best of our professional skills to every project.”   —Charles Taylor, Senior Partner and Chief Operating Officer

Patti Vande Zande

Patti Vande Zande

“I enjoy learning about global social and environmental issues through the diversity of projects in which Meridian is involved. Also, it’s rewarding to work for an organization that is facilitating remedies for the world’s problems.” —Patti Vande Zande, Accountant

Sarah Walen

Sarah Walen

“I feel incredibly lucky to be working on things that matter—to be helping people talk about, illuminate, and take constructive action on issues and circumstances that impact their lives.” —Sarah Walen, Senior Mediator and Program Manager

Shawn Walker

Shawn Walker

“At Meridian, I feel like I’m doing my part to make the world a better place. I also appreciate the people and culture, and enjoy building relationships with clients and meeting participants.” —Shawn Walker, Senior Project Coordinator

Robin White

Robin White

“I love working at Meridian because we help decision makers from government and private industry craft innovative solutions to some of society’s toughest problems. Our expertise and collaborative skills really make a difference on important issues.” —Robin White, Senior Mediator and Program Director

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