Principles of Good Practice Webinar Series: Community-Driven Practice: Putting local people first in planning and making choices
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 — 11:00 am Central Time (US & Canada)
To register for this webinar click HERE.
This webinar explores the Community Development Society’s Principle of Community-Driven Practice, emphasizing the importance of putting local people first in planning, decision-making, and community change efforts. As part of the CDS Principles of Good Practice webinar series, participants will engage in a conversation about empowering residents to shape their communities through inclusive engagement, storytelling, and shared learning.
Featuring Brian Gauthier, Community Natural Resources and Economic Development Educator for the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and Dr. Wally Leipart, Superintendent of the School District of Gilman, this session highlights how community voice, local knowledge, and collaborative leadership can create meaningful and sustainable change. Drawing from their diverse experiences in tribal communities, education, strategic planning, and organizational development, the presenters will share practical insights and real-world examples of community-driven planning in action.
Presenters:
Brian Gauthier is Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and has served as the UW-Extension Community Natural Resources and Economic Development educator for the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians for over 30 years. His work is holistic and includes programming in community development, planning and organizational development programming in tribal communities. Brian has a Bachelor of Science in public administration and policy analysis/planning along with a Bachelor of Science in political science with an emphasis in human resources.
Dr. Wally Leipart is the Superintendent of School District of Gilman and is a transformational educational leader dedicated to developing the behaviors and mindsets that foster self-efficacy in individuals and bringing clarity and purpose to the work of schools. He has a proven track record of engaging diverse stakeholders to create positive, sustainable change within organizations, expanding access to learning, and enhancing the educational experience for all students.
Dr. Leipart’s leadership expertise extends beyond his district. He has presented at both state and national conferences on topics such as building empowered organizations, leading with clarity, and school- and community-based strategic planning. His work emphasizes the importance of aligning vision, strategy, and community voice to drive meaningful improvement in education.
Todd Johnson serves as the Land Use & Community Development Outreach Program Manager for the University of Wisconsin-Extension. Drawing on his background in architecture, urban design, planning, and theatre, he helps communities make informed decisions that protect and enhance quality of life through meaningful (and fun) public participation. Johnson leads the Design Wisconsin community design charrette program, where he has had the pleasure of collaborating with Brian Gauthier and Dr. Wally Leipart.
