In 2016, Jodi and colleagues launched the Future Services Institute, an applied research and training  focused on bringing Human Services into the 21st Century.  She also is the founder and Academic Director of the Hubert Project, a global community focused on improving professional education and effectiveness through development and sharing of multimedia learning materials, such as e-cases, e-studies, and video briefs.     
Originally from Menomonie, Wisconsin, Sandfort lives with
her husband, Steve Marchese, and two sons (age 17 and 14) in 
St. Paul, Minnesota, where she likes to cross-country ski, do pilates, and garden.

---

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITIES THAT WORK WITH JODI INCLUDE:

~ Learners Committed to Public Affairs

While people are the most important resource in the public and nonprofit organizations, often these agencies have limited time and  financial resources to invest in building their leadership and capacity. Jodi addresses these challenges in two ways. First, she designs and runs executive development training programs and retreats through her affiliation with the Humphrey School's Public & Nonprofit Leadership Center. The flagship program is the Master's in Public Affairs which integrates leadership development with essential policy analytical skills. In late 2017, she will be launching a new graduate Certificate in Human Services Leadership.

~ Nonprofit & philanthropic Leaders

Civil society is a unique aspect of democracy in the United States. While nonprofit organizations provide places for citizens to engage, they also are involved in public service provision. While private philanthropy provides valuable investment in innovative programs, it also plays an essential role in public systems change. This can sometimes create confusion in the field, when nonprofits or foundations are developing their strategy. Jodi's writing and talks help people to understand both the current situation and the potential. She helps nonprofit leaders see the bigger picture that is often obscured in day-to-day operations, and provides philanthropic leaders with an understanding of the structures of public policy and systems that inevitably shape their work.  For more information, consult her paper on Strategic philanthropy.

~ Policy Makers & Program Evaluators

Policy makers and program administrators turn to applied research and program evaluation to help them make decisions about strategy and investment. While evidence-informed practice is desirable, Jodi stresses that rarely is it sufficient. Rigorous analysis must be combined with relevant engagement of program managers, staff, and participants if the ideas are to lead to improvements.  Effective implementation must become a core focus for program evaluators and policy makers if we are to make progress on the daunting collective challenges we face in the public arena. For more about this approach, see the work of the Future Service Institute.