David Yeaworth
David is president and founder of Catalyst Strategies. He started the firm with a vision of having Catalyst be the spark that helps community and economic development organizations make a difference in the work they want to accomplish. David has more than 25 years of experience working for and with nonprofits and governmental entities. As executive director of Allied Arts of Seattle he led the Waterfront for All campaign to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a great place for people. As a senior advisor to three Seattle City Councilmembers his portfolio included: economic development, land use, transportation, housing, the arts and neighborhoods. And as a senior project manager for Pyramid Communications, David helped sustainability and environmental organizations with strategic planning and message development.
Veronica Guenther
Veronica currently works to create more vibrant and livable neighborhoods as an independent community and economic development consultant. She is providing program management support to Catalyst Strategies’ South Park Community and Lid I-5 projects. Before working at the city-scale, she ran a campus sustainability program for a year and a half within the University of Washington’s Planning and Management Department. Learn more via her online portfolio.
Tye Ferrell
Tye is a Principal at Resilience Collaborative NW (RCNW), a consulting firm that works with communities and organizations to strengthen their ability to meet the challenges of a changing world. RCNW provides executive coaching, strategy development, and performance measurement support to Catalyst. Tye has worked internationally and locally to create a more sustainable, resilient, and just future. As a senior advisor with the U.S. Agency for International Development, he designed and implemented large-scale international development projects in Africa and Asia to improve governance and democracy; build peace; and increase prosperity. As a Seattle City Council Aide, he led creation of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment. Learn more via RCNW's website and connect via his Linkedin.
Joanna Grist
Joanna Grist is an experienced state lobbyist with a record of passing major policy bills and securing large appropriations. She is a seasoned communications strategist and skilled at framing complex policy issues and articulating persuasive messages to local, state and federal policymakers. As a longtime non-profit leader Joanna was celebrated for building powerful bipartisan coalitions with business leaders and elected officials.
Joanna provides individually tailored counsel to a broad mix of clients. Her policy experience includes affordable housing, economic development, transportation, healthcare, human services, land use, natural resources, the environment, and public finance.
