Our People
Executive Leadership
Cassandra Dahnke
Co-Founder/President
As nationally recognized civility experts, Cassandra and Tomas have been featured in national media coverage including PBS, CSPAN, National Public Radio, and Roll Call. Their book, Reclaiming Civility in the Public Square, calls attention to the value of civil discourse, serves as a blueprint for action, and provides examples, in plain, straightforward language, of living, thriving civil discourse in American politics today.
Tomas Spath
Co-founder
As nationally recognized civility experts, Tomas and Cassandra have been featured in national media coverage including PBS, CSPAN, National Public Radio, and Roll Call. Their book, Reclaiming Civility in the Public Square, calls attention to the value of civil discourse, serves as a blueprint for action, and provides examples, in plain, straightforward language, of living, thriving civil discourse in American politics today.
Carolyn Zasada
Executive Director
Carolyn Zasada is a combat-decorated Marine Corps veteran and an experienced trainer in civility, leadership, and dialogue. She has developed and delivered programs that equip individuals and organizations to foster respect, collaboration, and constructive problem-solving across differences.
Carolyn’s passion for building civil communities is evident in her work as a twice-elected Alderman in DeKalb, IL, where she has helped bridge divides and strengthen civic trust. She also serves on the Illinois Lt. Governor’s Military and Economic Development Commission, where she contributes her expertise in policy, community building, and civil discourse.
Carolyn holds a B.S. in Economics from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University. Earlier in her career, she founded and led a nonprofit that provided essential resources to children in need, reflecting her long-standing commitment to service and equity.
In her free time, Carolyn enjoys family sporting events and hiking. She values bringing people of disparate viewpoints together and continues to champion civility as a cornerstone of healthy, thriving communities.
Talysa McCall
Director of Communications
Talysa (Lysa) McCall is a Marketing and Communications professional with more than 15 years of experience leading outreach, engagement, and storytelling efforts across nonprofit, corporate, and community-focused organizations. Her career has been defined by a passion for building meaningful relationships with community members, partners, and stakeholders, and by her commitment to creating spaces that champion inclusion, equity, and authentic connection.
A proud Louisiana native, Lysa earned her MBA in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University, equipping her with both the strategic mindset and creative vision to translate big ideas into impactful campaigns. She has successfully led initiatives that amplify diverse voices, cultivate civic engagement, and bring people together around shared goals.
Outside of her professional role, Lysa is a proud and loving mom to two boys who keep her schedule full of school activities, sports practices, and family adventures.
At her core, Lysa is a connector, a storyteller, and a builder of bridges—both in her professional work and in her everyday life.
Our People
Board of Directors
John Alford
Political Science Professor, Rice University
John is a political science professor at Rice University with a research focus on U.S. elections and the biology of political behavior, including neuroscience and genetics. His work in this area has been funded by the National Science Foundation and featured in national media coverage including the New York Times, Forbes, CSPAN’s Washington Journal, and the cover of New Scientist magazine. He is the author of numerous articles on political behavior, and a co-author of a recent book Predisposed: Liberals, Conservatives, and the Biology of Political Differences.
Mary Josie Blanchard
Deputy Director, Environmental Protection & Compliance, U.S. Department of the Interior
Mary Josie is a Senior Government Executive whose long career has dealt with environmental restoration and mined land reclamation both in the State of Texas and the Federal government. She received degrees from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and The University of Texas in Austin, TX. Mary Josie is a Trustee of the Cheetah Conservation Fund and served on several other boards including Stephens College Board of Trustees and Executive Women in Government.
Randy Dietel
President, National Pipe & Piling, Inc.
Randy has been owner and CEO of Nunez Construction Co., Inc, a 4th generation family business, since 1982. He is also owner and CEO of Piling, Inc., founded in 1971. Randy has served on many boards and commissions, including a two year term as a city commissioner of Texas City, Texas. He earned a degree in music and has also served in the U.S. Army National Guard. Randy has been married to Peggy for 51 years and they have two children.
Sandra Kelley
Educator, AVID Teacher
Sandra Kelley brings more than 30 years of experience as an educator, leader, and student advocate, with a career rooted in relationship-building, closing opportunity gaps, and preparing students for college, careers, and engaged citizenship. She currently serves as an educator, AVID Site Coordinator, and Academic UIL Coordinator.
As a member of the Board, Sandra will serve as Curriculum Consultant for Training and Development.
Sandra has been married to her college-sweetheart, Buddy, for 34 years. Together they have 4 adult children. They love traveling, eating at the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants they find, and spending time with their grandkids. Sandra is creative; she enjoys crocheting, quilting, and sewing.