Program Leaders

Meet the visionaries who built The Clifton Foundation and continue to champion the global movement of strengths-based development.

Dr. Connie Rath

President

Connie Rath is president of The Clifton Foundation. She finds and encourages the project leaders who make it happen. Her earlier career included Gallup leadership in education and talent research and development.

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Dr. Mary Reckmeyer

Chair

Dr. Mary Reckmeyer chairs the Clifton Foundation. She is an author of parenting and children’s books and expert in early childhood. For the last 30 years, she has led the Donald O Clifton Child Development Center. Dr. Reckmeyer is a pioneer in individualized childcare in the workplace.

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Dr. Tim Hodges

Executive Director, CSI

Dr. Tim Hodges leads the largest Clifton Foundation project. He is the executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He sees and activates research, develops influential work and learning experiences, and invest his all into his students.

Emily Massel

Leader

Emily Massel is an OB (original Builder), who has carved her own path and created her own career from her student life forward. She is the connecting leader for hundreds of Builders and their mentors around the globe.

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Ethan Carlson

Assistant Director, Clifton Builders Program

Assistant Director, Clifton Builders Program, Clifton Strengths Institute

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Dylan Anderson

Program Coordinator

Program Coordinator, Clifton Strengths Institute

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Winnie Asamoah

Assistant Director of Research and Operations

Assistant Director of Research and Operations, Clifton Strengths Institute

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Ryan Meers

Assistant Director, Strengths Program

Assistant Director, Strengths Program, Clifton Strengths Institute

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Dr. Nance Lucas

Executive Director, GMU Center for the Advancement of Wellbeing, George Mason University

Vandana Allman

Senior Strengths Coach and Faculty, George Mason University

Jen Patel

Associate Director, George Mason University

Associate Director, Student Strengths Coaching, George Mason University

Kelly Stuck

Program Manager, George Mason University

Program Manager, Student Strengths Coaching, George Mason University

Lewis Forrest II

Strengths Coach Faculty, Asst. VP of University Life, George Mason University

Global Builder Network Executive Council

Brianna Ridenour

Executive Council

Brianna Ridenour is the Assistant Director of Adult Learner and Veteran Services at Colorado State University. She champions equity, inclusion, and strengths-based leadership, fostering impactful change through collaboration and positive psychology.

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Elaina Bailey

Executive Council

Elaina is a dedicated and enthusiastic attorney with a strong commitment to guiding her clients in their journey to elevate their startup ventures to new heights. She provides guidance on the intricate legal challenges startups face when developing a strong foundation for their business.

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Leo González

Executive Council

Leo González is the Founder & CEO of DaftonMedia and Trok. His journey began in entertainment, starring in Amarte así Frijolito at age 5, before transitioning into entrepreneurship. In 2016, he pitched to Gallup’s CEO, securing investment to launch DaftonMedia, a results-driven marketing agency.

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