Chapter News and Events

IAP2 Puget Sound: Working with community navigators to support equitable engagement

Community navigators and liaisons are increasingly recognized as powerful bridges between institutions and the communities they serve. But when are these models the right choice—and what does it truly take to make them successful?

Puget Sound Chapter

We’re here to provide resources for professionals who work in the field of public participation and those who are interested to learn more about it. Our chapter typically hosts quarterly events and a week-long IAP2 Foundations Training in Seattle. If you would like to receive notifications and updates on event opportunities and trainings, send us an email to join our chapter email list: iap2pugetsound@gmail.com  

Meet the Board

Brooke Brod, Board member 

Brooke works for the City of Bellevue's (Washington State) Planning Division where she creates opportunities for residents to have their voices heard on issues ranging from affordable housing to neighborhood planning to environmental stewardship. Prior to coming to the city, Brooke worked in the advocacy and political campaign arena. She worked on President Barack Obama's 2008 and 2012 campaigns helping to lead volunteer recruitment and voter outreach in Washington and Minnesota. Brooke also worked in the non-profit advocacy arena to help organize parents and community leaders to advocate around issues related to public education.

All told, Brooke has been responsible for recruiting hundreds of community leaders and thousands of volunteers to get involved in improving their communities. She uses that experience to help people see the importance of participating in small democracy, share their stories, and find common ground on key issues.

Brooke holds a bachelor's degree in fine art from New York University and a master's in fine art from the University of Texas at Austin. She uses her experience as a theater director to tell compelling stories and design interactive and inclusive community engagement processes. 

Andy Gregory, Board member 

Bio coming soon.

Dennis Sandstrom, Treasurer

Dennis Sandstrom is HDR's West Region Strategic Communications Manager, leading teams throughout the West that are engaging communities on important neighborhood and statewide improvement projects. Dennis has been working in the public participation field for over 15 years, implementing outreach and communications on projects of all scales. He has been an IAP2 Puget Sound Board Member for 13 years, serving various roles including treasurer and vice president. Outside of work, Dennis spends his time helping coach his twin boys in baseball and soccer, and making (some) progress on home-improvement projects. 

Jenny Thacker, Secretary 

Bio coming soon.