Meet SSW Consulting

Our Team

Sara Singer Wilson

PRINCIPAL STRATEGIST + OWNER

Sara is a seasoned community builder with 25 years of experience working with local governments across Oregon, California, Kansas, and Missouri. Since 2015, she has served as a consultant for both large and small communities, guiding them through visioning and strategic planning processes.

A skilled leader and graphic facilitator, Sara is known for guiding groups through important conversations and using engaging visuals to bring meetings and concepts to life. Her graphics and illustrations help her clients summarize plans, enhance their outreach efforts, and achieve their goals.

Sara's future-oriented, collaborative leadership style brings people together. She understands the importance of authentic engagement and building strong relationships between constituents and leadership. By combining these connections with strategic planning and visioning, she helps communities develop shared goals and create powerful change.

Sara is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the Oregon City/County Management Association (OCCMA), and other professional groups. She has served on various professional association committees and participated in conferences as a facilitator, planner, and speaker.

  • Ashley Sonoff

    FACILITATION + STRATEGY ASSOCIATE

    Ashley is a policy and program expert with 20+ years of experience across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. She enjoys using her skills in strategic planning, data analysis, and community engagement to create innovative solutions that enhance public programs and services. A skilled graphic facilitator, Ashley uses visualizations to focus discussions, synthesize ideas, and engage groups to foster collaborative team performance. With a heart for people and public service, she thrives on helping organizations build strong teams and support thriving communities, infusing fun along the way.

    Ashley earned her Master of Public Administration from the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington and worked for several local government organizations, including the City of Seattle, City of Gresham, Multnomah County, and City of Lake Oswego, before joining the SSW team. She is an active member of ICMA and OCCMA, serving on various committees to support local government leaders.

  • Sasha Konell

    COMMUNICATIONS + ENGAGEMENT ASSOCIATE

    Sasha is a skilled storyteller and relationship builder with more than six years of experience in local government communications. Her expertise in public relations, community engagement, and events, combined with her strong interpersonal skills, make her a valuable asset to any team. She is constantly learning about community culture, trust building, and effective communication practices to ensure equity and inclusion. Sasha’s ability to resolve conflict and foster collaboration is instrumental in driving positive outcomes for organizations and communities.

  • Kelsey O'Halloran

    COMMUNICATIONS + ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIST

    A skilled communicator with 10+ years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and content strategy, Kelsey crafts compelling stories that connect communities. Guided by data and community insights, she helps SSW and our clients create content that resonates and drives results. A lifelong Oregonian, Kelsey is passionate about her local community and serves on the board of the Tigard Downtown Alliance, helping to build a vibrant and thriving downtown for all.

  • Maleigha Martinez

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    As a psychology student at the University of Portland, Maleigha is passionate about understanding human behavior and promoting positive change. With a focus on cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, she applies her academic knowledge to research design, statistical analysis, and critical thinking. Born and raised in Portland, Maleigha is driven by a passion for understanding human behavior and assisting individual and community growth.

SSW Certifications + Affiliations

Business Certifications

Women Business Enterprise (WBE)

Emerging Small Business (ESB)

SSW Affiliations

Northwest Women in Leadership Academy

Oregon City/County Management Association

International City/County Management Association

Oregon Women Leading Government

Core Strengths

One of the secrets to quality engagement is getting to know your people. With that—get to know our SSW team through photos!

THIS IS US.