T E C H N O L O G Y   A D V I S O R Y   S E R V I C E S
Client: Pierce County Human Services

Denise Rothleutner,  Manager of Developmental Disabilities for Pierce County Human Services, is an exceptional visionary when it comes to  improving access to jobs and support for people with disabilities and  their families. She's responsible for the service system that provides essential support to thousands of individuals through a large network of  businesses around Tacoma and the rest of Pierce County.

Denise also knows when to ask for help. Recently, she contacted Relevant Strategies to provide technology advising for a major software acquisition project. Denise needed guidance traversing the maze of options, the arcane language, the incomprehensible decisions, and the risks inherent in completing a sizeable IT project.

“I've been saving money for over ten years for this IT project. I've  got one shot—just one chance to make this work, and I need someone on my  side helping me out,” commented Denise during an early encounter.     

Relevant Strategies provided a roadmap to Denise, outlining her best  options, the costs, and the benefits and risks of each option. We guided  the Executive Oversight Group and the Core Team through exercises  designed to increase their confidence and knowledge of the process. We  coached Denise and her team through developing a Project Charter, a  risk-lowering phased project plan, a high level requirements document, a  vendor identification and selection process, plus ongoing strategies for  success, such as meaningful user involvement from the outset of the project,  regular risk-reviews and periodic lessons-learned sessions.

“We would have never made it this  far without Porsche's help and guidance along every step of the way. I  have learned so much and feel so much better about the process than I  ever thought possible.  Her guidance has been a great investment in the  success of our project.”

B O A R D   A D V I S O R Y   S E R V I C E S
Client: Partnership 2020

Partnership 2020 was ready to strengthen their organization but had numerous challenges to overcome.  The association was unstructured and long-time members were growing weary of carrying out most of this group’s activities.  The Executive Committee of this statewide advocacy organization approached Relevant Strategies to facilitate their annual retreat, with the express purpose of developing a unified vision for the organization, speaking with one voice, and developing a culture of shared responsibility.

Relevant Strategies worked with the board and its membership to identify a comprehensive, prioritized legislative agenda.  Uncovering deeper issues, we led the group in an exploration of the causes and effects produced by the lack of cohesiveness and commitment.  We facilitated an agreement towards a more effective and disciplined organization.

“Thank you so much for your incredible work, Porsche!  We could not have accomplished what we did without your organizational skills, tenacity, and support.”
Carrie Burnam, Partnership 2020 President

G R O U P   F A C I L I T A T I O N
Client: Washington Department of Social & Health Services, Aging and Disabilities Services Administration

Imagine gathering requirements and brokering agreements among powerful stakeholder groups who have historically been at odds. A statewide advocacy group for people with developmental disabilities, made up of  parents, legal representatives, state leaders, and self-advocates is responsible for providing critical input and advice to Washington’s Aging and Disabilities Services Administration as it developed an assessment tool to distribute supports to people with development disabilities and their families. The group came together with a difficult history and lack of trust. They needed to listen to each other, understand core needs, and collectively develop an assessment system that was fair, equitable, reliable and respectful.

Porsche Everson facilitated several all-day sessions, providing balanced support for all group members to contribute to a solution. In addition to the expected outcomes of an assessment tool supported by all members, the group discovered trust, balance, and a true working relationship with more openness than the competing stakeholders had experienced before.

“I’m thrilled with Porsche’s leadership in our group. I’ve never experienced this level of trust, openness and willingness to work together toward a common solution between our stakeholders.” –A parent participant.

P R O J E C T   M A N A G E M E N T
Client: Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program

One third of the sixth graders in Kentucky are addicted to tobacco, which tops the nation in this challenging statistic. Their parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, older siblings and neighbors use tobacco, grow tobacco, depend upon tobacco to make their living, and cherish the cultural traditions surrounding it. Unfortunately, they are also getting sick and dying. The state spends an enormous amount of money providing health care to people with tobacco-related diseases.

Irene Centers is working to change this picture. Her tireless efforts led her to adopt a technology solution that allows tobacco prevention specialists to effectively collaborate, sharing information about best practices and proven programs to improve cessation and prevention outcomes.

Porsche Everson provided the project management to guide the transfer solution adopted by Kentucky. She developed a project plan, helped identify the scope of customization necessary, and coordinated the acquisition, training and implementation of the system, on schedule and on budget.

“We really appreciated Porsche’s help in getting the system up and running. She was flexible, approachable, and very capable. She made the project seem so easy.” Irene Centers, Director, Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Program.