“When failure is not an option, I call Agreement Dynamics. No question about it.”
-Phil Kushlan, Executive Director,
Capital City Development
Rhonda Hilyer founded Agreement Dynamics in 1990. At that time, it was a “one-woman shop” specializing in conflict resolution and negotiations consulting and training. Today, Agreement Dynamics is a diverse group of nationally-recognized professionals in virtually every area of individual and organization development. While this closely-knit team comes from varied backgrounds, all are focused on fulfilling Agreement Dynamics’ mission:
“To help individuals, groups and organizations forge successful relationships, agreements and results.”
• Rhonda Hilyer, President
• Nancy Ahern, Associate
• Larry Bauman
• Mary Kay Voss, Associate
• Kenneth Gentry, Associate
Organizations are experiencing continuous and rapid change with no end in sight. With change come many challenges and, often, uncertainty and fear. The symptoms are obvious: people are in conflict, customers are complaining, projects aren’t getting done on time, services are reduced, and grievances are on the rise. Figuring out both what is causing these symptoms and how to address them both now and into the future is Agreement Dynamics' forte.
We have many years of experience assessing organizational dynamics and recommending high-leverage interventions. Our consultants are experienced in working with all levels of an organization, from senior leadership to line employees. We utilize time-tested assessment tools and unique intervention strategies to prevent problems from escalating, improve performance, and get individuals and groups back on course. Our comprehensive action plans provide for both short- and long-term results.
Nancy Ahern honed her facilitation, coaching, and strategic planning skills over 25 years "in the hot seat" as a local government executive and leader. She has both expertise and practical experience in managing large complex work groups, strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder engagement, personnel management, and organizational change. Her collaborative approach helps individuals and teams find creative and satisfying solutions in support of organizational goals.
Nancy's career spans several decades in public utility and environmental management, including leadership roles in Seattle Public Utilities, the King County Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Bellevue. After obtaining a doctoral degree in natural resources management early in her career, her interest evolved into the nature of organizations and "people management." Her master's degree in organizational systems coupled with her science background brings a unique perspective to problem solving and strategy.
Larry Bauman is a public sector manager with more than 30 years of local, state and federal government experience. Prior to joining Agreement Dynamics, he served as City Manager in Snohomish and Shoreline, totaling more than 20 years. Educated in journalism and politics, Larry has also been a press secretary, communications director, public information officer and daily newspaper staff writer.
With his experience and communication background, Larry is a highly skilled facilitator and mediator who is dedicated to generating positive outcomes through listening, collaboration and consensus building. While in municipal government, Larry led numerous strategic planning efforts. As a city leader, he successfully coached or counseled numerous managers, directors, and staff in the workplace. He has worked effectively to find collaborative outcomes involving citizens, environmental advocates, local and state officials and many others.
At Agreement Dynamics Larry provides facilitation, mediation, strategic planning and executive coaching services to both public and private sector clients.
Mary Kay Voss is a results-oriented training and facilitation professional. Her diverse and successful background includes that of Mill Creek, WA City Council member, financial planner, trainer, and stockbroker. Mary Kay is an excellent meeting facilitator, bringing collaboration and extensive experience in group process to her work. Her workshops on communication and leadership are highly sought after and consistently rated as superior.
Kenneth Gentry is a 28-year police veteran and retired Precinct Commander with the Peoria Police Department. He spent 8 years as a military working dog handler, working two overseas tours in Korea and Germany. He holds a B.S. in Human Services and a Master's Degree in Christian Ministry. Mr. Gentry is an outstanding public speaker that has trained with Rhonda Hilyer in her Success Signals and RESOLVE methods.
Kenneth is held in high regard for his expertise in enhancing communication and positive conflict resolution. He has extensive real world experience in management resolution, contract negotiations, workplace communication and employee conflict. Mr. Gentry has negotiated contracts as both a union president and in executive positions.
Mr. Gentry also serves as a Police Facilities Consultant, providing experience and intelligible communication between the construction design teams and the needs/desires of the police department.
“Rhonda Hilyer and her team are uniquely talented individuals who have the ability to bring people together in a collaborative manner, even when they have very different interests. They encourage effective communication with one another and work from a basis of respect which makes all the difference in the world.”
- Suzanne Mason, Director of Human Resources, Napa County, CA
Agreement Dynamics, Inc.
PO Box 33640
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-795-8353
Email: HQ@agreementdynamics.com