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Meet Our Team

Groundswell is an organizational development consultancy that partners with mission-driven organizations to achieve efficiency, alignment, and sustainable growth. We serve as your strategic guide, empowering you to navigate challenges and unlock opportunities through people-centric processes and innovative solutions

Our Story:

Groundswell Change was founded on the idea that organizations thrive when they align their processes, people, and purpose. Our name reflects our belief in innovation from the ground up, inspired by the voices and perspectives of those driving the work, guided always by rigorous research and best practices. Whether you’re seeking refuge from indecision or charting a bold path forward, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Photo of Brian Cook smiling, wearing a grey suit and seated in a chair

Brian A. Cook
Co-Founder & Principal Consultant

Brian brings a deep commitment to strategic focus on organizational effectiveness. With an AB in English and Sociology from Georgetown University and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Brian brings both academic rigor and real-world expertise to his work.

Strategic Business Leadership: Brian's experience in the private sector, particularly in product innovation and market development, equips him with a keen understanding of aligning business strategies with market demands.

Operational Excellence: His roles in finance, operations, and recruitment strategy demonstrate his capability to optimize organizational processes and drive efficiency.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Brian's ability to synthesize consumer insights and manage cross-functional teams underscores his proficiency in leveraging data to inform strategic initiatives.

LinkedIn: Brian A. Cook


Photo of Theodosia Cook smiling, wearing a black dress seated in a wooden chair

Theodosia Cook
Co-Founder & Principal Consultant

Theodosia is a dynamic leader in organizational development and adult learning, with a BA in Political Science from Sewanee: The University of the South and an MA in Education Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her career reflects a deep passion for aligning strategy with people development to create sustainable change.

Expertise in Diversity and Inclusion: Theodosia's leadership roles, including serving as Chief Diversity Officer for the University of Colorado system, highlight her commitment to fostering inclusive organizational cultures.

Educational Leadership: Her background in education and professional development showcases her ability to design and implement learning initiatives that enhance organizational capacity.

Policy Development and Implementation: Theodosia's experience in developing system-wide policies demonstrates her skill in creating frameworks that support sustainable organizational growth.

LinkedIn: Theodosia S. Cook


Together, Brian and Theodosia, along with their team of contracted experts provide:

  • Comprehensive Organizational Development: They offer a holistic approach that integrates business strategy, employee engagement, and process improvement to create impactful, sustainable change.

  • Balanced Change Management: Combining analytical rigor with empathetic leadership, they design and implement changes that align with organizational goals and resonate with employees at all levels.

  • Integrated Strategic Planning: They deliver tailored plans that bridge strategic aspirations with actionable processes, ensuring leadership and teams are equipped to execute effectively.

  • Diverse Expertise Across Sectors: Their combined backgrounds in private sector innovation, higher education leadership, and diversity initiatives allow them to address challenges across industries with nuanced solutions.

  • Leadership and People Development: The team’s expertise in adult learning theory and leadership coordination ensures that people managers are equipped with tools to drive growth and improve employee experiences.

  • Data-Driven Solutions: Their shared focus on data architecture and utilization helps organizations make informed decisions about process optimization, resource allocation, and strategic growth.