Governance & Organizational Design
We architect effective governance frameworks and organizational models that align with strategic objectives. Our work supports the launch of new institutions, reform of existing systems, and coordination across public, private, and civic sectors by crafting decision-making processes, operational systems, and institutional capabilities that enhance performance, foster innovation, and build resilience, enabling public agencies, nonprofits, and cross-sector collaboratives to adapt to changing environments while maintaining accountability and advancing their core purpose.
HR&A Advisors serves as the retained executive team for the Rowen Foundation, orchestrating the creation of a 2,000-acre innovation community in the Atlanta Metro Region that will connect research, education, and industry across agriculture, medicine, and environmental science. As the operational leadership for this transformative project, HR&A directs all aspects of development including real estate strategy, foundation operations, tenant attraction, board governance, and public-private partnerships spanning Georgia's higher education institutions and government entities.
HR&A guided the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in developing and implementing a comprehensive innovation district strategy that bridges research capabilities with industry collaboration. We delivered a strategic roadmap with clear governance structures, partnership frameworks, and phased real estate development priorities that position MUSC to accelerate healthcare innovation while generating significant economic impact for the Charleston region.
The Knight Foundation engaged HR&A to evaluate their philanthropic investments in downtown revitalization across nine U.S. cities. Through comprehensive data collection and analysis, HR&A assessed the effectiveness of the Foundation’s priority grants, investigated the sustainability of supported organizations, and identified critical revitalization levers that could be applied to any city. This evaluation provided Knight Foundation with essential insights to guide future investment decisions and promote equitable economic development.
HR&A Advisors partnered with Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) to strengthen the economic security and long-term sustainability of New York’s creative workforce. Through policy analysis, strategic advising, and institutional design, HR&A helped CRNY shape a statewide advocacy agenda aimed at advancing equitable conditions for artists and cultural workers. The engagement culminated in the creation of a Policy Playbook and an Organizational Blueprint to guide long-term action and investment.
