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Convergence Center For Policy Resolution

Who We Are

For more than a dozen years, Convergence has pioneered a distinctive approach to collaborative problem-solving across divides to help solve seemingly intractable challenges at the intersection of national politics and policy. We convene leaders in their fields representing wildly divergent views with a consistent record of success in building trust, forging consensus, and driving meaningful change. In recognition of this impactful work, Convergence received a transformational $4 million grant from MacKenzie Scott in 2021, which has allowed for expanded ambition, impact and leadership in the bridgebuilding field. Convergence’s success offers a beacon of hope for the majority of Americans frustrated by divisiveness and toxic polarization. Our work demonstrates that change is possible under the right conditions, and that we can affect lasting, consistent changes that improve people’s lives when we come together to recognize our common humanity.

Board of Directors
Staff
Leadership Council
Founder’s Circle

Board Of Directors

The Convergence Board of Directors brings an extraordinary breadth of experience, energy, and resources to our work,
helping to guide the long-term vision for the organization with wisdom and compassion.

Ellie Bertani

Ellie Bertani is President and CEO of GitLab Foundation....

Ellie Bertani

Ellie Bertani is President and CEO of GitLab Foundation....

Neil Bradley

Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce...

Neil Bradley

Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce...

Stuart Butler

Stuart Butler is a scholar in residence in Economic Studies at The Brookings Institution....

Stuart Butler

Stuart Butler is a scholar in residence in Economic Studies at The Brookings Institution....

Greg Campbell

Gregory A. Campbell Greg Campbell is President & CEO of Rainmaker, Inc. (www.rainmaker-inc.com), a strategic investment and advisory firm...

Greg Campbell

Gregory A. Campbell Greg Campbell is President & CEO of Rainmaker, Inc. (www.rainmaker-inc.com), a strategic investment and advisory firm...

Lisa Davis

Lisa Davis serves as Senior Director of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign...

Lisa Davis

Lisa Davis serves as Senior Director of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign...

Robert Fersh

Rob Fersh is the Founder/Senior Advisor of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, a non-profit organization founded in 2009 to promote...

Robert Fersh

Rob Fersh is the Founder/Senior Advisor of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, a non-profit organization founded in 2009 to promote...

Peter Goldstone

Peter Goldstone currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of Government Executive Media Group (GMEG)...

Peter Goldstone

Peter Goldstone currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of Government Executive Media Group (GMEG)...

Romanita Hairston

As Chief Executive Officer, Romanita oversees all activities (grantmaking, investments, programs, and operations) of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust...

Romanita Hairston

As Chief Executive Officer, Romanita oversees all activities (grantmaking, investments, programs, and operations) of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust...

Linda Lorelle

Linda Lorelle, Founder and CEO of Linda Lorelle Media, is best known as an Emmy Award-winning journalist...

Linda Lorelle

Linda Lorelle, Founder and CEO of Linda Lorelle Media, is best known as an Emmy Award-winning journalist...

Manu Meel

Manu Meel is passionate about empowering and elevating young people to move beyond polarization...

Manu Meel

Manu Meel is passionate about empowering and elevating young people to move beyond polarization...

Jean Molino

Jean Molino is the former General Counsel and Partner at McKinsey and Company, Inc....

Jean Molino

Jean Molino is the former General Counsel and Partner at McKinsey and Company, Inc....

Leah Ray

Nonprofit fundraising professional Leah Ray has successfully built sustainable revenue and high-performing development teams for large local and national organizations...

Leah Ray

Nonprofit fundraising professional Leah Ray has successfully built sustainable revenue and high-performing development teams for large local and national organizations...

Selika Josiah Talbott

Selika Josiah Talbott is a leading industry voice for the adoption of Transportation’s New Mobility...

Selika Josiah Talbott

Selika Josiah Talbott is a leading industry voice for the adoption of Transportation’s New Mobility...

H. Art Taylor

Herman “Art” Taylor is president and chief executive officer of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance – give.org...

H. Art Taylor

Herman “Art” Taylor is president and chief executive officer of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance – give.org...

Lindsay Torrico

Lindsay Torrico serves as Senior Vice President of Bank Community Engagement for the American Bankers Association and Executive Director of...

Lindsay Torrico

Lindsay Torrico serves as Senior Vice President of Bank Community Engagement for the American Bankers Association and Executive Director of...

Jeff Weissglass

Jeff Weissglass is a political bridgebuilding advocate and advisor....

Jeff Weissglass

Jeff Weissglass is a political bridgebuilding advocate and advisor....

Alison Acosta Winters

Alison Acosta Winters was most recently a Senior Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity and the Charles Koch Foundation...

Alison Acosta Winters

Alison Acosta Winters was most recently a Senior Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity and the Charles Koch Foundation...

Staff

The Convergence staff are experts from a range of fields, backgrounds, and geographies.

Dusie Cassata

Chief Administrative Officer

Dusie is Chief Administrative Officer at Convergence. For over ten years with Convergence,

Dusie Cassata

Dusie is Chief Administrative Officer at Convergence. For over ten years with Convergence,...

Kit Chalberg

Senior Director, Programs

Kit serves as Senior Director, Programs for Convergence. He brings nearly 20 years of experience...

Kit Chalberg

Kit serves as Senior Director, Programs for Convergence. He brings nearly 20 years of experience......

Robert Fersh

Founder/Senior Advisor

Rob Fersh is the Founder/Senior Advisor of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, a non-profit organization founded in 2009 to promote consensus solutions to issues of domestic and international importance

Robert Fersh

Rob Fersh is the Founder/Senior Advisor of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, a non-profit organization founded in 2009 to promote...

Alex Chugunova Frazier

Manager of Communications

Alex Chugunova Frazier joined Convergence in August of 2021. She graduated

Alex Chugunova Frazier

Alex Chugunova Frazier joined Convergence in August of 2021. She graduated...

Monika Glowacki

Senior Director of Programs

Monika is the Senior Director of Programs

Monika Glowacki

Monika is the Senior Director of Programs...

Mariah Levison

CEO and President

Mariah serves as Convergence's CEO.

Mariah Levison

Mariah serves as Convergence's CEO....

Emma Leyland

Senior Associate, Operations

Emma Leyland is the Senior Associate for Operations at Convergence.

Emma Leyland

Emma Leyland is the Senior Associate for Operations at Convergence....

Beth Miller

Executive Vice President

Beth is the Executive Vice President at Convergence.

Beth Miller

Beth is the Executive Vice President at Convergence....

Hannah Ollenburger

Manager of Advancement

Hannah is passionate about relationship-building and bringing her background in psychology to inform the operations, program management...

Hannah Ollenburger

Hannah is passionate about relationship-building and bringing her background in psychology to inform the operations, program management......

Holly Thomas

Advancement Manager

Holly Thomas serves as Convergence's Advancement Manager.

Holly Thomas

Holly Thomas serves as Convergence's Advancement Manager....

Lilly Visaya

Communications Assistant

Lilly Visaya is a Communications Assistant at Convergence.

Lilly Visaya

Lilly Visaya is a Communications Assistant at Convergence....

We’re hiring! To learn more about employment opportunities with Convergence, check our Careers page.

Leadership Council

Convergence’s Leadership Council is an advisory body consisting of a diverse group of professionals from the fields of policy, business, mediation, nonprofits, and more. The group meets several times a year to inform Convergence’s work and infuse invaluable perspectives into all we do.

Sami Ahmad

Sami Ahmad is CFO of Trecora Resources, a NYSE-listed (TREC) leading specialty petrochemicals company based in Houston, Texas...

Sami Ahmad

Sami Ahmad is CFO of Trecora Resources, a NYSE-listed (TREC) leading specialty petrochemicals company based in Houston, Texas...

Aakif Ahmad

Aakif Ahmad is co-founder of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution...

Aakif Ahmad

Aakif Ahmad is co-founder of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution...

Frieda Arenos

Frieda Arenos works at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a congressional affairs specialist...

Frieda Arenos

Frieda Arenos works at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a congressional affairs specialist...

Bill Belding

Bill Belding is a Professor Emeritus at American University’s School of International Service...

Bill Belding

Bill Belding is a Professor Emeritus at American University’s School of International Service...

Jamie Bernard

James Bernard is a Partner at the law firm Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP...

Jamie Bernard

James Bernard is a Partner at the law firm Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP...

Bill Bolling

Bill Bolling is the founder of the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) and has served...

Bill Bolling

Bill Bolling is the founder of the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) and has served...

Rick Callahan

Rick Callahan is presently the Owner of R R Callahan Co, which develops, owns and manages rental property in Chicago...

Rick Callahan

Rick Callahan is presently the Owner of R R Callahan Co, which develops, owns and manages rental property in Chicago...

Claudia Carasso

Claudia Carasso is a communications management consultant, creative director and marketing leader with more than 20 years’ experience...

Claudia Carasso

Claudia Carasso is a communications management consultant, creative director and marketing leader with more than 20 years’ experience...

Robert Chase

In September 2007, the Rev. Robert Chase was called to be the Founding Director of Intersections...

Robert Chase

In September 2007, the Rev. Robert Chase was called to be the Founding Director of Intersections...

Toni Clark

Toni is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the iBuildBridges Foundation...

Toni Clark

Toni is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the iBuildBridges Foundation...

Rehan Dawer

Rehan is an advocate for change and growth. He founded Ethica with a mission...

Rehan Dawer

Rehan is an advocate for change and growth. He founded Ethica with a mission...

Jessica Dibb

Jessica Dibb is the Founder and Director of Inspiration Community, an ecumenical school that...

Jessica Dibb

Jessica Dibb is the Founder and Director of Inspiration Community, an ecumenical school that...

Maggie Dunne

Maggie Dunne is President and Founder of Lakota Children’s Enrichment, Inc. (LCE), a nonprofit...

Maggie Dunne

Maggie Dunne is President and Founder of Lakota Children’s Enrichment, Inc. (LCE), a nonprofit...

Tom Dunne

For over fifty years Tom has been a teacher, coach and program developer in collaborative problem-solving....

Tom Dunne

For over fifty years Tom has been a teacher, coach and program developer in collaborative problem-solving....

Shawn Dunning

In 2017, Shawn Dunning resigned as the COO of the organizational and leadership development company, Adventure Associates, Inc. to...

Shawn Dunning

In 2017, Shawn Dunning resigned as the COO of the organizational and leadership development company, Adventure Associates, Inc. to...

Susan Edwards

Susan is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Edwards Mediation Academy, including production of...

Susan Edwards

Susan is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Edwards Mediation Academy, including production of...

Bruce Edwards

Bruce Edwards was an industry pioneer in the field of alternative dispute resolution. Since 1986 he has mediated...

Bruce Edwards

Bruce Edwards was an industry pioneer in the field of alternative dispute resolution. Since 1986 he has mediated...

The Honorable Mickey Edwards

Mickey Edwards is Vice President of the Aspen Institute and serves as Director of the Aspen Institute’s Rodel Fellowships...

The Honorable Mickey Edwards

Mickey Edwards is Vice President of the Aspen Institute and serves as Director of the Aspen Institute’s Rodel Fellowships...

David Fairman

David Fairman is Senior Mediator at the Consensus Building Institute and Associate Director of the MIT-Harvard Public Disputes Program....

David Fairman

David Fairman is Senior Mediator at the Consensus Building Institute and Associate Director of the MIT-Harvard Public Disputes Program....

Rachel Fersh

Rachel Fersh is an attorney and freelance consultant in the D.C. area, working with a variety of clients...

Rachel Fersh

Rachel Fersh is an attorney and freelance consultant in the D.C. area, working with a variety of clients...

Lance Gilliam

Lance is a partner at Waterman Steele Real Estate Advisors, a Houston-based advisory and consulting firm providing...

Lance Gilliam

Lance is a partner at Waterman Steele Real Estate Advisors, a Houston-based advisory and consulting firm providing...

Simon Glinsky

Simon Glinsky, a distinguished CEO mentor and strategy advisor, drives business and institutional success...

Simon Glinsky

Simon Glinsky, a distinguished CEO mentor and strategy advisor, drives business and institutional success...

Tom Hadlock

Tom Hadlock is a Senior Advertising/Marketing executive working at well recognized Madison Ave agencies for many years...

Tom Hadlock

Tom Hadlock is a Senior Advertising/Marketing executive working at well recognized Madison Ave agencies for many years...

Betsy Wright Hawkings

Betsy Wright Hawkings served as chief of staff to four Republican House members over 25 years...

Betsy Wright Hawkings

Betsy Wright Hawkings served as chief of staff to four Republican House members over 25 years...

Chris Hayes

Christopher Hayes has 25 years of experience in market entry, communications, quantitative research, cross-cultural training and coaching...

Chris Hayes

Christopher Hayes has 25 years of experience in market entry, communications, quantitative research, cross-cultural training and coaching...

Stephen B. Heintz

Stephen Heintz joined the Rockefeller Brothers Fund in February 2001 as its sixth president...

Stephen B. Heintz

Stephen Heintz joined the Rockefeller Brothers Fund in February 2001 as its sixth president...

Roxi Bahar Hewertson

Roxi Bahar Hewertson is a leadership expert, Presence-Based® and ICF Professional Certified executive coach...

Roxi Bahar Hewertson

Roxi Bahar Hewertson is a leadership expert, Presence-Based® and ICF Professional Certified executive coach...

John R. Jacob

John R. Jacob is a Partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Washington D.C...

John R. Jacob

John R. Jacob is a Partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Washington D.C...

Marvin Johnson

Marvin Johnson is a nationally recognized mediator, arbitrator, and trainer with more than 27 years of dispute resolution experience...

Marvin Johnson

Marvin Johnson is a nationally recognized mediator, arbitrator, and trainer with more than 27 years of dispute resolution experience...

Kimberly Johnston

Kimberly has twenty years of Fortune 500 tax experience in the areas of tax reporting, audit negotiations, regulatory proceedings...

Kimberly Johnston

Kimberly has twenty years of Fortune 500 tax experience in the areas of tax reporting, audit negotiations, regulatory proceedings...

Alan Jones

Alan W. Jones was the Dean of the Episcopalian Grace Cathedral in San Francisco from 1985 until January, 2009...

Alan Jones

Alan W. Jones was the Dean of the Episcopalian Grace Cathedral in San Francisco from 1985 until January, 2009...

David Katz

David Katz leads Quid’s efforts with the government and political sector, working with a variety of entities...

David Katz

David Katz leads Quid’s efforts with the government and political sector, working with a variety of entities...

Steven M. Kayman

Steve Kayman is a commercial litigation lawyer based in New York City....

Steven M. Kayman

Steve Kayman is a commercial litigation lawyer based in New York City....

Maja Kristin

Maja Kristin’s lifework underscores a passion for bridging differences, engaging in creative problem solving, and inspiring philanthropy to...

Maja Kristin

Maja Kristin’s lifework underscores a passion for bridging differences, engaging in creative problem solving, and inspiring philanthropy to...

Dr. Richard Land

Dr. Richard Land is president of Southern Evangelical Seminary, a non-denominational seminary based in Charlotte, NC...

Dr. Richard Land

Dr. Richard Land is president of Southern Evangelical Seminary, a non-denominational seminary based in Charlotte, NC...

Carol Ann Langford

Carol has enjoyed a passion in the Organizational Development space for 18 years specializing in...

Carol Ann Langford

Carol has enjoyed a passion in the Organizational Development space for 18 years specializing in...

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) “Fig” Leaf

Dan “Fig” Leaf the President of Phase Minus 1, LLC and works an independent consultant on Indo-Asia Pacific security matters...

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) “Fig” Leaf

Dan “Fig” Leaf the President of Phase Minus 1, LLC and works an independent consultant on Indo-Asia Pacific security matters...

Gay Legg

Gay Legg is the Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning at Ashton Design...

Gay Legg

Gay Legg is the Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning at Ashton Design...

John Lindsay

John Lindsay is currently the Executive for Corporate Partnerships at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School...

John Lindsay

John Lindsay is currently the Executive for Corporate Partnerships at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School...

Susan Magee

For the past three decades, Susan Beilby Magee has practiced...

Susan Magee

For the past three decades, Susan Beilby Magee has practiced...

Bradley McMillan

Brad McMillan was named the inaugural executive director of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service...

Bradley McMillan

Brad McMillan was named the inaugural executive director of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service...

David Meadvin

David is the Managing Director at Laurel Strategies. He is a highly regarded...

David Meadvin

David is the Managing Director at Laurel Strategies. He is a highly regarded...

Adam Motenko, MBA

Adam is a consultant, coach, facilitator and trainer specializing in relationship management, negotiation, dialogue & effective communication and leadership development...

Adam Motenko, MBA

Adam is a consultant, coach, facilitator and trainer specializing in relationship management, negotiation, dialogue & effective communication and leadership development...

Craig Obey

Craig Obey is a senior executive with extensive experience in federal and state policymaking...

Craig Obey

Craig Obey is a senior executive with extensive experience in federal and state policymaking...

Matt Owens

Matt Owens is president of COGR – a membership organization...

Matt Owens

Matt Owens is president of COGR – a membership organization...

Dennis Passis

Dennis Passis is currently a mediator facilitating the resolution of commercial disputes and conflicts...

Dennis Passis

Dennis Passis is currently a mediator facilitating the resolution of commercial disputes and conflicts...

Perry Pockros

Perry J. Pockros is a Certified Professional FacilitatorTM and the founder and principal of Facilis LLC...

Perry Pockros

Perry J. Pockros is a Certified Professional FacilitatorTM and the founder and principal of Facilis LLC...

Ron Pollack

Ron Pollack served for 34 years as the Founding Executive Director (and is now Chair Emeritus) of Families USA...

Ron Pollack

Ron Pollack served for 34 years as the Founding Executive Director (and is now Chair Emeritus) of Families USA...

Oliver Quinn

Oliver Quinn, Esq. has advised leaders for more than 30 years...

Oliver Quinn

Oliver Quinn, Esq. has advised leaders for more than 30 years...

Faith Roessel

Faith Roessel is an attorney and member of the Navajo Tribe of Indians originally from...

Faith Roessel

Faith Roessel is an attorney and member of the Navajo Tribe of Indians originally from...

David Ross

David S. Ross, Esq. is a Senior Mediator with JAMS, the largest provider of...

David Ross

David S. Ross, Esq. is a Senior Mediator with JAMS, the largest provider of...

Tim Schantz

Tim Schantz is a senior executive with broad domestic and international experience...

Tim Schantz

Tim Schantz is a senior executive with broad domestic and international experience...

Louise Phipps Senft

Louise Phipps Senft is a lawyer and mediation expert who is best known for integrating relational approaches to conflict...

Louise Phipps Senft

Louise Phipps Senft is a lawyer and mediation expert who is best known for integrating relational approaches to conflict...

Qaisar Shareef

Qaisar Shareef concluded a 30-year career with Procter & Gamble in 2011...

Qaisar Shareef

Qaisar Shareef concluded a 30-year career with Procter & Gamble in 2011...

Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.

Dr. Daniel J. Siegel received his medical degree from Harvard University and completed his postgraduate education...

Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.

Dr. Daniel J. Siegel received his medical degree from Harvard University and completed his postgraduate education...

Kellie Castruita Specter

Kellie Specter is Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer for WNET, New York Public Media...

Kellie Castruita Specter

Kellie Specter is Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer for WNET, New York Public Media...

Sterling Speirn

For the last 35 years, Sterling Speirn has worked in corporate, community, private and family foundations, as a CEO and...

Sterling Speirn

For the last 35 years, Sterling Speirn has worked in corporate, community, private and family foundations, as a CEO and...

John Steiner

John Steiner is a networker, meshweaver, catalyst, tranpsartisan activist and creative consultant, often with his wife and partner, Margo King...

John Steiner

John Steiner is a networker, meshweaver, catalyst, tranpsartisan activist and creative consultant, often with his wife and partner, Margo King...

Duf Sundheim

Duf Sundheim is a Principal at GPS Mediation and has been active at the highest levels of...

Duf Sundheim

Duf Sundheim is a Principal at GPS Mediation and has been active at the highest levels of...

Nicholas O. Suplina

Nick brings 20 years of legal and policy experience in the public and private sectors...

Nicholas O. Suplina

Nick brings 20 years of legal and policy experience in the public and private sectors...

William Ury

William Ury is co-founder of the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, where he directs the Global Negotiation Project...

William Ury

William Ury is co-founder of the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, where he directs the Global Negotiation Project...

Rita Walters

Union Theological Seminary President Serene Jones announced the appointment of Rita L. Walters as Vice President of Development...

Rita Walters

Union Theological Seminary President Serene Jones announced the appointment of Rita L. Walters as Vice President of Development...

L. Simone Washington

L. Simone Washington serves as Director of Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) at BSR...

L. Simone Washington

L. Simone Washington serves as Director of Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) at BSR...

Allen Waxman

Allen Waxman serves as General Counsel of Roivant Sciences Inc, and innovative health care company...

Allen Waxman

Allen Waxman serves as General Counsel of Roivant Sciences Inc, and innovative health care company...

The Honorable Vin Weber

Vin is a Partner at Mercury in Washington, D.C. He provides strategic advice to institutions...

The Honorable Vin Weber

Vin is a Partner at Mercury in Washington, D.C. He provides strategic advice to institutions...

The Honorable Rebecca Westerfield

Rebecca is a former judge (Ky. Circuit Court 1987-1992) and founding member of JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services)...

The Honorable Rebecca Westerfield

Rebecca is a former judge (Ky. Circuit Court 1987-1992) and founding member of JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services)...

Edward Wexler-Beron

Edward currently resides in San Francisco, CA. He serves on the board of Minds Matter San Francisco...

Edward Wexler-Beron

Edward currently resides in San Francisco, CA. He serves on the board of Minds Matter San Francisco...

Kelly Young

Kelly Young is the President of Education Reimagined – a nonprofit aiming to...

Kelly Young

Kelly Young is the President of Education Reimagined – a nonprofit aiming to...

Mark Zitter

Mark Zitter is founder and chair of the Zetema Project, a diverse panel of national healthcare leaders...

Mark Zitter

Mark Zitter is founder and chair of the Zetema Project, a diverse panel of national healthcare leaders...

Founder’s Circle

The Founder’s Circle is an enduring testament to founder Rob Fersh’s pioneering leadership from the beginning. Through the counsel,
networks, and financial support of its members, the group provides a creative long-term vision for the organization.

Rich Alper
Neil Bradley
Michael Friedland
Tom Higbie
Steve Kayman
Rich Korn
Paulette Meyer
Howard Rossman
Riaz Siddiqi
Jeff Weissglass

Hal Belodoff
Rob Fersh (honorary)
David Friedman
John Jacob
Howard Konar
Jean Molino
Tim Schantz
Richard Slifka
Mark Zitter

If you are interested in learning more about the Founder’s Circle, please contact us here.

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