BOLD + EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP
Dan is a communications strategist, crisis advisor, and facilitator who helps organizations navigate high-stakes challenges, protect reputations, and drive systemic change. Leveraging his experience as a litigator, Communications Director for the City of Detroit, federal lobbyist for the Detroit Regional Chamber, and founder, he brings a measured, strategic approach to complex and polarizing environments.
His work spans industries and sectors, from climate technology and sustainability to corporate crisis management and stakeholder alignment. He has helped companies announce groundbreaking investments, including:
a $100 million investment by Carlyle & Verizon Ventures in Fermata Energy, a vehicle-to-grid technology firm
a $50 million investment by Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund in LanzaJet, a sustainable aviation fuel company
a $30 million investment by ArcelorMittal in LanzaTech, a carbon capture and transformation pioneer
Dan has also led high-profile product and partnership announcements, including the world’s first laundry capsule made from industrial carbon emissions (Unilever & LanzaTech), tires made from recycled rubber (Bridgestone), and carbon-based fashion collaborations (On, Zara, and lululemon). His expertise extends to government partnerships, working with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy and the UK Department for Transport on sustainable aviation and energy solutions.
Crisis Management and Reputation Protection
Reputation is an asset that must be proactively managed—not just repaired in a crisis. Whether helping a CEO navigate an FDA hearing, protecting a university’s transplant program after a critical error, or managing sensitive workplace misconduct allegations, Dan provides high-level, discreet crisis counsel that enables executives to emerge stronger and more resilient.
His crisis experience includes:
litigation and regulatory communications to align public messaging with legal strategy
workforce crises, workplace misconduct, and executive reputation management
navigating NGO and activist campaigns that threaten corporate or organizational credibility
mitigating misinformation and political backlash in highly sensitive industries
Dan is known for his calm, strategic thinking in high-pressure environments and his ability to turn today’s threats into tomorrow’s opportunities.
Stakeholder Engagement and Systemic Change
Dan's work is characterized by bringing diverse voices together to create real change. He has built coalitions, facilitated high-stakes negotiations, and helped organizations find their seat at the table—or build a new one when necessary.
Some of his leadership in stakeholder engagement includes:
Forming and leading The Collective (formerly MI Behavioral Health & Wellness Collaborative), a coalition of 17 independent community mental health providers serving 80,000 people across Wayne County, Michigan. His advocacy has helped save community-based agencies thousands of dollars while increasing access for underserved populations.
Co-facilitating an urban transit strategy that united eight municipalities after a critical opt-out decision by Ann Arbor, affecting 372,000 residents in Washtenaw County
Helping nonprofit leaders and executives influence policy and fill service gaps by strategically positioning them in key conversations and decision-making spaces.
A Mindset of Strength, Strategy, and Resilience
Dan’s approach to leadership is shaped by his Midwestern roots, his commitment to direct, candid advice, and his ability to balance strategy with execution. As a trained mediator, he thrives in high-stakes environments that require de-escalation, clarity, and decisive action.
Beyond his professional work, Dan is deeply committed to his community. He serves as a trustee of Detroit’s Music Hall, a board member for a senior living organization and a family services nonprofit, and a past board member of the Small Business Association of Michigan.
Married for 25 years with three grown children, Dan finds balance through strength training, mountain biking, kayaking, grilling, and long road trips with his family. After running a marathon at 50, he has embraced a midlife mindset centered on strength, resilience, and longevity—both in business and life.