Richard C. Harwood

As the president and founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, Rich’s transformational work has spread to thousands of communities nationally and worldwide – from small towns to large cities. Over the past 30 years, Rich has developed proven practices and methodologies that propel change in communities and organizations. A visionary with the ability to help people identify obstacles and tap their aspirations, Rich has inspired hundreds of audiences as he shares his philosophy of what it takes to be relevant and connected in today's world. His ability to provide hope and inspiration is why he is routinely asked to take his work directly to communities. Communities such as Newtown, Connecticut, where he was asked to help guide the community as they decided the fate of Sandy Hook Elementary, where 26 children and adults were killed in December 2012. A prolific author, Rich’s books and guides include The Work of Hope: How Individuals and Organizations Can Authentically Do Good; Hope Unraveled; Make Hope Real; and Why We’re Here: The Powerful Impact of Public Broadcasters When They Turn Outward. He has also written numerous studies and articles that chronicle the most vital issues of our time, and has appeared on national media including MSNBC, NPR, CNN's Inside Politics, the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, the Jim Bohannon Show, Special Report with Brit Hume, and C-SPAN.