Stephen J. Hershey Kroes
Fair Oaks, California | 916.633.4835 | steve@2redwoods.com
My passion is to do meaningful, high-quality work with organizations pursuing a public purpose. My strengths lie in public policy analysis, strategic planning, economic analysis, fundraising processes, communications, board development, finance, and community relations. I am committed to open collaboration, thorough communication, critical thinking, and creativity in solving organizational and societal problems.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Two Redwoods Consulting, Fair Oaks, California | 2017-Present | www.2redwoodsconsulting.com
Principal. This is my own consulting practice, employing my 29 years of professional experience for the benefit of clients in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors across the western states.
Specializing in:
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The Highlands Consulting Group, Sacramento, California | 2017-Present | www.highlandsconsulting.com
Consultant. I am affiliated with Highlands part-time, providing expertise on California state government projects, especially those with public policy implications. The firm provides management consulting services to both public sector and private sector clients, offering subject matter expertise in a variety of areas, such as health care, social services, environment, and transportation.
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento, California | 2019-Present | www.mcgeorge.edu
Adjunct Professor. I teach the capstone course for Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy students with a focus on strategic planning, thinking, and management.
Utah Foundation, Salt Lake City, Utah | 2001-2017 | www.utahfoundation.org
President. Utah Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research group, with a reputation for insightful, objective research on the most crucial issues facing Utah. It is known and respected by leaders across the political spectrum in business, government, the news media, academia and the nonprofit sector.
I transformed what had been a somewhat sleepy organization into a powerhouse on public policy issues. I was responsible for research oversight, public affairs, communications, government and community relations, donor relations and fundraising, human resources and financial management.
- Honored with the organization’s Insight Award for distinguished leadership and public service in 2017.
- Tripled the budget over time, adding research and communications staff, expanding research output and quadrupling media attention to 200 articles per year.
- Successfully led the large Board of Trustees through organizational review, change of mission, and development of new operating principles to make the Foundation more active and effective on public policy issues.
- Performed organization-initiated public policy research as well as policy consulting for clients, supervising teams of analysts, and engaging in hands-on writing, editing, and analysis.
- Conducted public, press, and governmental relations activities, representing the Foundation before state and local governments, on official commissions and task forces, and with business and community groups.
- Made the Foundation more visible and relevant with lawmakers in public policy discussions.
- Created major election-year public service program (the Utah Priorities Project) for each gubernatorial election year since 2004, providing information on the top issues facing Utah, with participation from major gubernatorial candidates, news media, academia, and the business community.
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah | 2009-2017 | mpp.utah.edu
Adjunct Professor. I taught the capstone course for Master of Public Policy students, focusing on an applied policy project utilizing policy analysis skills learned in the program. I also taught a policy analysis course to MPP and MPA students.
Synergy Consulting, Inc., Sacramento, California | 2000-2001
Manager. I conducted business process reviews, evaluated technology, and performed other analyses for state government agencies seeking to update and improve organization processes to better serve taxpayers, clients, and other stakeholders.
California Taxpayers’ Association, Sacramento, California | 1990-2000
Vice President, Director of Research, Senior Research Analyst, and Research Analyst. I managed highly skilled professional and clerical staff and contractors, developed advocacy strategies, advocated for the business community’s interests with the Legislature, Governor’s office, and state and local agencies. I frequently communicated with the press and the public, conducted public policy research, managed and implemented information technology improvements for the association, and assisted in financial management and general leadership of association.
EDUCATION
Master of Public Administration, with emphasis in public policy
University of Southern California, 1990
Bachelor of Science, Economics
Brigham Young University, 1989
COMMUNITY SERVICE
- Policy Committee, Community Alliance with Family Farmers – a northern California nonprofit whose mission is building sustainable food and farming systems through policy advocacy and on-the-ground programs that create more resilient family farms, communities and ecosystems.
- Governmental Research Association – a national network of public policy researchers, president in 2005-2006 and again in 2008-2010. Honored with the Gruenberg Award in 2017 for lifetime achievement in public policy research.
- Utah Governor’s Education Excellence Commission, also serving on its executive committee. This commission was personally attended by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
- Boards of Governors for Salt Lake Chamber and Utah Valley Chamber.
- Board of Directors, Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service at Weber State University.
- Utah Economic Council, member of a group of economists who also serve as the board of the Economic Club of Utah.
- Trained Master Gardener through the Utah State University Extension. I share my love of gardening through my blog at valleygardens.com
- Cedar Hills Planning Commission, member from April 2003 to 2008 (Chairman from 2006 to 2008).