Dayne Walling (Michigan 1995)

Dayne Walling has extensive experience in policy, management, planning, development and research. He is the owner and manager of 21Performance (www.21performance.com), a consulting company built on his professional experience as a public executive, social entrepreneur, and research fellow. He works with nonprofit, business, and government organizations to enhance long-term sustainability and achieve better outcomes through innovative policy, strategic planning, and development practices. His clients include the MSU Regional Economic Innovation center, Diplomat Pharmacy, and the national Center for Civic Participation/State Voices, as well as local Flint nonprofits and faith-based groups. Walling served two terms as the Mayor of the City of Flint and under his leadership the city adopted its first comprehensive master plan in more than 50 years and developed collaborative initiatives in public safety, infrastructure, education and volunteerism. Before serving in elected office, Walling worked in the nonprofit and public sectors in Washington, DC and Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. He is a prominent speaker and commentator on urban policy, community development and civic engagement. He previously served on the Executive Committee of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and on the Michigan Community Service Commission. He holds degrees in social relations, modern history, and urban affairs, has completed the preliminary exams for a doctorate in geography, and has served as an adjunct faculty at the University of Michigan-Flint and Kettering University. He was a Rhodes and Truman scholar, an Aspen Rodel fellow and an AmeriCorps alum.