The myriad experiences and clientele of the four
Conocer principals are what bring them to the
doorstep of this adventure. They strengthen
communities by listening to them. They shape
leaders with constructive straight-talk. And they
love what they do.
There are few quick fixes in this work. That’s why
Conocer’s collection of talent is crucial. It takes a
unique individual to speak loudly enough to lead,
yet gently enough to let every other voice be heard.
Conocer’s leadership is always working with some
who embrace change, and others who resist it.
We approach the process with stamina, and an unyielding adherence to our values.
As with the people Conocer serves, the firm itself is strengthened by its diversity. There is no
prototype resume here, just shared passion. Meet our team.
“At the root of public issues is understanding one another.
People are often in too much of a hurry to do that.
But if we slow down just a little, we are
going to end up somewhere better.’’
Conocer founder John Creighton has been preparing for this work all
his life. His professional journey includes more than 15 years conducting
research and focus groups for institutions including the Kettering
Foundation, the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the Pew Center for Civic Journalism. As director and vice president of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, John was retained by a wide range of federal agencies to Pulitzer prize-winning newspapers, as each sought to better articulate its values and scrutinize the way it was doing business. Whether the issue is health care, education, environmental management or community development, John’s gift is yielding clarity to those working through it. He sees Conocer’s mission as one of elevating public leadership. Bringing divergent groups together to grapple with issues. And helping people stay true to what they aspire to be. In founding Conocer, John has drawn upon his personal past and his hopes for society’s future. Growing up in a small town on the Great Plains instilled in him that community isn’t just a concept, but a rewarding way of life. Work on two gubernatorial campaigns impressed upon him that success isn’t merely winning, but the voices you value along the way. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas and earned a Master’s of Public Policy degree from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
“When we gently push clients, we can say we’ve been there.”
Gretchen Hammer has been with Conocer since the beginning. She has
played a valuable role in the development of the organization and is
deeply committed to the work of Conocer. Gretchen has always
believed in making a difference in the world. She is driven by the desire
to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to reach her or his
potential. She brings years of public health and community development
experience to her work. Gretchen’s expertise is helping groups unearth common values and find a way to act on them. She currently manages a project that facilitates a dialogue and builds leaderships capacities among leaders from across the country that are trying to increase access to primary health care services to uninsured and low-income communities. Gretchen also oversees Conocer’s public leadership initiatives, which include different community service activities and pro bono work with local non-profit organizations. She holds a degree from Colorado College, and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine.