Our Perspective
We are a team of experienced and creative professionals dedicated to inspiring and engaging our clients. Our work with public and private sector organizations focuses on solutions that unlock the full potential of their local economy and the people they serve. We believe the most successful and sustainable strategies build pathways and create economic opportunity across a broad spectrum of skills and wealth. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central propositions in our client relationships, in our planning process, and in our firm. We value team members who remain curious about the world around them and who seek to make a difference through their work.
In the Field
Leadership
TIP’s Leadership team brings a practitioner’s perspective to our work. Each principal has direct experience managing economic development efforts at the state or major metropolitan area level. They have served as trusted advisors to governors, state and local officials, and private sector executives. A senior member of the firm is involved in every client engagement.
Tom Stellman
CEO & Founder
Tracye McDaniel
President
Jon Roberts
Managing Partner
Jeff Marcell
Senior Partner
Engagement Management
Our Engagement Management team is committed to getting it right. This group of highly motivated and experienced consultants helps translate TIP’s mission to inspire and engage our clients and communities into action. Our goal for each engagement is to deliver a product that meets—and exceeds—our client’s expectations.
Alex Cooke
SVP, Consulting
Elizabeth Scott
Senior Consultant
Jenn Todd-Goynes, CNU-A
Senior Consultant
Alexis Angelo
Consultant
Victoria Wilson
Consultant
Mishka Parkins
Consultant
Luke Shuffield
Consultant
Erica Colston
Consultant
Jessica Myers
2024 Summer Intern
Relationships & Outreach
The Relationship & Outreach team helps keep TIP in touch with current and potential clients by managing our participation in events, conducting marketing and social media campaigns, and responding to proposals and business opportunities. Creating and maintaining connections with our client and partner network is an essential part of our business model.
John Karras
VP, Business Development
Rachel Wise, PhD
Senior Writer & Communications Strategist
Rebecca Deranian
Proposal Writer
Behind the Scenes
Research & Development
The Research & Development team combines a suite of analytical tools and innovative techniques to provide the data our clients need for decision-making. Our researchers have a practical understanding of which data is most useful, who the audience is, and how to best present the information. Our analysts also create in-house, interactive tools to shed light on key issues.
Brent McElreath, AICP
SVP, R&D
Evan Johnston
Senior Analyst
Reece Neathery
Analyst
Ajay Kasturirangan
Analyst
Production
The Production team is responsible for the look and feel of our deliverables and presentations. This team combines high-impact graphic design expertise with a deep commitment to clearly stated, user-friendly language to make sure we leave an impression through our printed and visual materials.
Karen Beard
SVP, Production
Meredith Eberle
Senior Graphic Designer
Tina Avent
Designer
Joni Wilson
Adjunct Editor
Operations
Our Operations department keeps the trains running on time. From maintaining our vendor relationships to keeping our offices functioning and ensuring our travel plans go off without a hitch, this team plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in our success.
