Principals
In 1989, Nancy Ackermann Cole returned to graduate school and shortly thereafter started Synapse Consulting. Her goal - to provide organizations with top-rate organization development consulting services. Nancy believes that managers and leaders throughout an organization can successfully participate in major change initiatives, and, thrive in our changing work environments. She develops customized processes for her customers' need for positive, results-oriented change. When she isn’t working with change in organizations, she is working with change in her home and garden in her beloved mountains. Husband Don, the children and their families, Arden dog and Dilhara cat occupy the remainder of her time.
Areas of Expertise: Leading organizations through change: strategic planning, guiding mergers; team building; training in and management of conflict; executive coaching; and, customer service.
Education: M. S. in Organization Development; The American University and NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, Washington, D. C. B.S. in English, University of Louisville.
Debbie’s fascination with organizations and how they change began over 20 years ago in Houston as the oil bust of the early ‘80’s simultaneously threatened the survival of many businesses and created opportunities for many more. Since that time, she has successfully guided organizations through major transitions as a manager, chief executive officer and, since 1997, as a consultant. In addition to focusing on her clients, Debbie is also fascinated by her teenage son and daughter, and loves nothing more than watching them playing sports or enjoying their friends.
Areas of Expertise: Strategic planning, financial analysis and business plan development, association management, business start up, leadership development.
Education: University of Houston (B.S. in Accounting, 1982); Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (MPA – Public Administration, 1994); NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science (Human Interaction, Strategic Planning, Organizational Diagnosis.)
Suzanne Puryear has over 30 years of experience in program development, service delivery and system redesign. She has worked on state and local levels, and in the public and private sectors. She has led a large urban public agency through major public policy reforms and served as an administrator for a private provider agency, developing customized services for states and municipalities. Suzanne’s strategic thinking, facilitation skills and commitment to team building have guided organizations in effecting system change to produce results that are measurable and sustainable. Suzanne is an advocate for children and families, serving as a board member of St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children and as a supporter of Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads. Suzanne approaches work and life with energy, enthusiasm and curiosity. When she is not working with her clients, she can usually be found outside - running, horseback riding or golfing – or, planning her next travel adventure.
Areas of Expertise:
Leadership and service delivery in the human services arena, including
child welfare, mental health and juvenile justice. Strategic planning;
large and small group facilitation; community needs assessment; business
process analysis; system redesign; program development, implementation
and evaluation; outcome measurement.
Education:
Master of Public Administration
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
