Supporting Local Governments • Nonprofits • Community-Based Organizations • Academic Institutions
Local governments, nonprofits, and other community-based organizations have the power to make progress on wicked problems and better meet the needs of their communities and customers. However, this requires thinking and working in new and innovative ways. Data Spark Consulting helps changemakers take messy problems and find smart solutions, powered by data, guided by people, and grounded in what works.
Founded on principles of collaboration, curiosity, and practical innovation, Data Spark brings over a decade of experience working alongside governments and community organizations. Data Spark can help you see beyond the status quo, tap into your organization's unique strengths, and create solutions that are both data-smart and people-centered.
Ready to spark meaningful change together?
Data Spark Consulting doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you're tackling a complex, system-wide challenge or seeking support on a specific program or process, Data Spark tailors its approach to meet our organization's unique needs. Working with Data Spark means working in true partnership with a focus on consensus building and collaboration, and a commitment to practical, real-world solutions. Data Spark helps mission-driven organizations make meaningful progress, whether that means rethinking strategies, designing new initiatives, using data more effectively, or navigating change. No matter the scale, Data Spark supports clients in moving from challenge to clarity, and from insight to action.
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Lena Geraghty is the founder of Data Spark Consulting, where she partners with local governments and nonprofits large and small to move from complex challenges to practical, people-centered solutions. Since 2010, she has worked with more than 60 mission-driven organizations to strengthen operations, plan for the future, and better connect with the communities they serve.
Lena brings deep experience in innovation, performance, and strategy, having served as Director of Sustainability and Innovation at the National League of Cities, the first Director of Innovation and Performance Management for the City of Portland, Maine, and a senior advisor for the What Works Cities initiative at Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Masters of Public Administration from UNC Chapel Hill and a Bachlers of Arts from McGill University.
"Be proud of incremental change. When people think about innovation, a lot of times it means disrupting your current practices. But it also can mean taking a small step toward your desired result because that’s all that’s feasible right now. We should be celebrating both types of change."
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"The metaverse is definitely the new buzzword in a long list of emerging technology buzzwords, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile for city leaders to get familiar and comfortable about what it could mean for their communities."
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“Local leaders are in the driver’s seat for testing innovation and solutions. They have the convening power. They can bring the private sector together with community-based organizations to make sure cities continue to be places where people want to be.”
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"While cyberattacks are increasing across the board, local governments are particularly at risk because of their role as stewards of public data and infrastructure."
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