Hello GovLoop members! I want to inform you I have taken a position with the Collins Center for Public Policy as director of online strategies. I’m also soliciting feedback here on a policy project utilizing the Web for education and public outreach.
Known as a “’Think Tank’ with muddy boots,” the Collins Center’s mission is to find smart solutions to important policy issues facing the people of Florida and the nation. We are independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit and passionately committed to lasting results. (The organization’s namesake comes from Florida’s 33rd governor, LeRoy Collins.)
As director of online strategies, I’m responsible for supporting the organization and staff utilize emerging technologies to enhance conventional collaboration processes that sustain the internal work teams and external outreach/engagement among partners and the public.
Offshore oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico is a huge issue here. The state Senate charged the Century Commission (a public-private group we staff), to study the pros and cons. We just issued a report on our findings and created a presence for it on our Web site. The report took a Q & A approach to address 30 topics among four broad categories. In each topic, we pose a question then provide an answer of our findings. At the end of each Q&A we solicit comments from the public. We also provide a “contact” form for general comments.
I welcome your ideas and feedback to improve this process. Based on Collins’ reputation for impartiality and non-partisanship, we are finding more opportunities to facilitate these open discussions. Other controversial policy issues that will follow this transparent path include criminal justice reform, home mortgage foreclosure, Lake Okeechobee/Everglades restoration, and ARRA/Stimulus spending in the state.
I look forward to staying actively engaged with GovLoop and its members. I’ve updated my profile with new contact information. Thank you for indulging me. I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers to everyone, Dan
Congratulations on your new position! I hope you find it fulfilling.
Congratulations on the new job! The Collins Center just acquired a tremendous asset. 🙂
Nena and Andy – Thank you for your kind remarks. Much appreciated. And Andy, taking time from that beautiful, new baby boy to write…get some rest this weekend!