Having worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors, Linda has been an early advocate of partnerships to solve development issues. Known as a creative problem-solver, she uses those skills to facilitate discussions among potential partners to draw out their mutual interests to determine how best to work together. As a Senior Manager at Accenture Development Partnerships, she facilitated partnerships with Accenture’s corporate clients to work more effectively in developing countries and with their non-profit clients to develop strategies to engage the private sector.
In senior leadership roles with various international development organizations, Linda has designed and overseen numerous projects incorporating partnerships. She led a consulting team that supported USAID’s partnership office in Washington, DC in the areas of strategy, communications, corporate outreach, research, thought leadership, and partnership facilitation. In that position, she regularly developed and delivered training to USAID staff and their implementing organizations on identifying, pitching and managing USAID/private sector partnerships. Her team organized several multi-day trainings for USAID staff based overseas and in Washington DC, inviting a number of her private sector contacts to participate as speakers, discussion group participants, and role players
Linda specializes in economic development strategies for cities, regions, and organizations, increasing the competitiveness of industries and companies, attracting investment, and tapping new markets. Her current research is focused on developing case studies of successful partnerships, which have played key roles transforming post-industrial cities, as a source of knowledge and inspiration.