Eric Svaren
Principal, Groupsmith, Inc.
A master facilitator, Eric also designs and facilitates retreats and off-sites, conflict resolution, teambuilding, regulation negotiation, and labor contract bargaining.
In addition to his consulting and facilitation work, Eric teaches mid-career professionals for the Cascade Center for Public Service and the Executive Masters of Public Affairs program both at the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington. He has developed unique workshops on Leading without Authority and Dangerous Decisions (how to involve people in decision making).
Clients include Johnson & Johnson, Harborview Medical Center, the state of Washington, University of Washington, Washington State University, Sound Transit, the Port of Seattle, Safeco, Unitus, Eddie Bauer, and the cities of Seattle, Redmond and Bellevue—as well as dozens of other companies, and non-profit and government agencies. He has also presented at dozens of conferences, such as the National Labor Management Conference, the Housing Washington conference, and the Public Sector Performance Conference.
Before launching Groupsmith in 2000, Svaren managed a joint labor-management program for the City of Seattle designed to increase employee participation in the improvement of service delivery. He also worked as a public policy analyst for Seattle city councilmember Tom Weeks and city departments, and as a human services planner for a regional nonprofit. He earned his Master's Degree in organizational sociology and social psychology from the University of Washington.
Eric serves as board member, instructor, and chair of year one curriculum for Leadership Eastside. He provides pro bono services to non-profit organizations, and has served as board member and officer for several non-profit organizations.
Eric lives with his wife, Alice Shobe, and their sons, Carl and Beck.
Click here for Eric's resume [ 
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