“Dan and Anna are changemakers. They not only do the work- the heavy lifting behind the scenes – but they take the time to think through what systemic and lasting change looks like. They help build and create more sustainable and just systems. They speak and act with intention. They look across research, writings, and articles to discern lessons from history and practice. Then they take all that knowledge and work in tandem with others, genuinely lifting up voices and lived experiences from perspectives and viewpoints that are often silenced. They admit when they don’t know something, and they honestly and vulnerably seek answers. I cannot think of better partners for any journey through change.”

— Annie Miller Ph.D., Associate Dean; School of Public Affairs; Consultant, Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking

“With extensive experience working in the child welfare field and with other community-based programs, Dan is exceptional at operationalizing the implementation of new practices in a purposeful and collaborative way that creates buy-in with staff, colleagues, and community partners. He is thoughtful, inclusive, and solution-focused in his decision-making and understands the importance of data to drive continuous improvement. These are just some of the reasons Dan is such a well-respected leader in his community. I have always found him to be open-minded, innovative, and focused on effecting larger systems and policy change through the inclusion of individuals with lived experience and community stakeholder input. He works with integrity and consistently strives to improve his own leadership approach and ability to be a catalyst for change.”

— Tina Willauer MPA, Purveyor of Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams (START), Director of National START Training and Technical Assistance

“The Dan and Anna Pizzo team are truly for the people and they are willing to partner with organizations to help them better do the work! When Operation Gateway was simply “an idea,” Dan provided consulting for me, teaching me best practices for the community based peer support model. He provided me wisdom, pertaining to building bridges to the municipality. I am so grateful that he taught me to set realistic expectations for partnerships or I would have lost my mind trying to make “the system” make changes at my pace. I am so glad that he recommended saving my energy for the people so that “the system” wouldn’t burn me out. And here we are, still standing, still doing the work for the returning citizens.”  

— Philip Cooper CHW, NCPSS- Executive Director of Operation Gateway, INspire Coordinator at Land of Sky Regional Council, Practitioner in Resident for Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University

“When our community embarked on the journey of running a winter shelter for unhoused neighbors, we were all in from day one. Thankfully, we had the Dan and Anna Pizzo team alongside us to help us navigate the ship as we were learning to sail. The regular reflective process created accountability for our leadership as well as our desire for horizontal, team decision-making. Without their wisdom and willingness to ask us hard questions, we would not have sustained this endeavor. And we learned even more about how to build community around healthy relationships instead of hiding behind rules. Boundaries within good relationships helped sustain a new model of ministry and service for our neighborhood.”

— Rev. Nancy Dixon & Rev. Dustin Mailman, West Asheville Trinity United Methodist Church

“If we (Un-housed Resident Council) had not met Dan, and had the opportunity to share our stories, we would not have had the reach that we had this year. With his leadership and experience, he knew how to listen, and let us lead. We were able to share our experience with hundreds of people in our community including some of the most powerful decision-makers and leaders. Dan and Anna really know how to listen and help give a platform that equalizes the playing field. They gave us a voice to make a difference”

— Eric Hall, Un-housed Resident Council & “Homeless: A Human Story” Co-Producer