Thomas Frank is the editor of a cultural-political criticism journal called The Baffler, and he is the author of three books: What’s the Matter With Kansas? (2004), One Market Under God (2000), and The Conquest of Cool (1997). He has also written a number of magazine and newspaper articles and is now at work on a new book about conservative governance, scheduled to be published in 2008. His keynote address, “The Washington Jitters,” will describe the ways in which conservatism has ruled in Washington for the last twenty-five years, and the consequences thereof.

More information on Mr. Frank is available on his web page and on following video clips.

Dr. Stuart Robertshaw, Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and an attorney, currently serves as the President and CEO of the National Association for the Humor Impaired. Dr. Robertshaw, a national speaker and humorist, is known throughout the nation as “Dr. Humor”®. Dr. Robertshaw has presented to over 700 business, government, healthcare, and education organizations in 37 states.

Dr. Robertshaw will deliver a keynote entitled, “The Healing Power of Humor,” which will take place at the conference banquet on Thursday, April 17. In this presentation, he will share with you what he has learned about the psychological and physiological benefits of humor and laughter as they relate to the workplace.

On Friday, April 18, “Dr. Humor”® will return with a follow-up session entitled, “Increasing the Joy, Laughter and Fun at Work: Developing a Plan of Action.” Participants will work in teams to generate a list of strategies and activities designed to increase the joy, laughter and fun at work.

Paul Mortimer, CFRE, Principal, has nearly 20 years of development experience in community development, youth and family services, conservation, health care, and arts and culture.  Mr. Mortimer has co-founded a professional theater company, worked with business and civic leaders to improve Oregon’s funding for culture, and been a frequent volunteer for the Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust.  He also has led planning that established priorities for Portland’s largest urban renewal district.  His work with The Collins Group includes capital campaigns, feasibility studies, and development planning for organizations throughout Oregon and Washington.  Mr. Mortimer’s clients and colleagues appreciate his curiosity, humor, and ability to identify the elements of a project that best motivate donors to give.  His expertise also includes organizational development, public sector partnerships, and micro-brew identification.  Mr. Mortimer holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and a Master of Fine Arts from Rutgers University in New Jersey.