What does it take to make strong decisions when the stakes are high and the information is incomplete? On this episode of the Igniting Impact Podcast, Stacey talks with Kassie and Melissa from Public Knowledge® (PK) about decision-making in today’s volatile environment. The conversation explores the shift from instinct-driven choices to evidence-based approaches using data, market research, and analysis of alternatives. Kassie and Melissa share insights on embedding resilience across organizations. This helps them adapt to shifting federal and state funding and respond to evolving community needs and new policy directives.
A Clear Path Forward
PK’s Rapid Readiness Assessment helps agencies make informed decisions. As policies, priorities, and community needs change, agencies must adapt. This assessment evaluates where your organization stands today and provides a clear path forward. It combines data and insight to uncover opportunities. Collaboration then helps remove silos and build lasting impact.
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Stories that Drive Change
The Igniting Impact Podcast brings you real stories from leaders tackling complex challenges in health and human services. Each episode highlights practical strategies, lessons learned, and insights that help agencies make better decisions and deliver stronger results for the people they serve.
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In Conversation With
Kassie Gram, Senior Vice President of Business Development
With more than 20 years of experience, Kassie has built expertise in leadership, training, and strategic project management. She is a certified Project Management Professional and Prosci® Organizational Change Management Practitioner. Her specialties include procurement, contract management, and healthcare consulting, with a focus on Medicaid and IT solutions for government agencies. Over two dozen projects in organizational transformation, strategic planning, and team facilitation have been led under her guidance. Kassie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Colorado Boulder and also trained in Technology of Participation facilitation methods through the Institute of Cultural Affairs.
Melissa Murphy, Management Consultant
Bringing over 15 years of experience, Melissa combines her background as a social worker and public health professional. She holds dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health, integrating individual and population-based approaches to strengthen community well-being. Her work spans nonprofit, government, and healthcare settings, where she has led projects in program evaluation, needs assessment, and strategic planning. Areas of expertise include qualitative data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and designing programs that address social determinants of health. Melissa has advanced initiatives supporting children’s mental health, chronic disease management, and organizational capacity building. Certified in Human Subjects Research and Qualitative Data Analysis through the CITI Program, she also guides organizations in Theory of Change and logic model development. Melissa earned her Master of Social Work from Temple University, Master of Public Health from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Rosemont College.
Stacey Moss, President and CEO
For over 25 years, Stacey has contributed to government, education, and nonprofit organizations through leadership, program development, and training. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Child Welfare Law Specialist (CWLS). Recognized as an expert in training design, leadership coaching, and organizational change management, Stacey has delivered more than 200 training sessions on child welfare, procurement, and leadership. She has also managed more than 50 projects and portfolios throughout her career. Stacey earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Wyoming and is widely known for her expertise in child welfare law, program management, and community engagement.
About the Podcast
Launched in 2023, the Igniting Impact Podcast highlights our client’s and partner’s important work. We hope that this podcast drives impactful conversations that foster connections and progress in the field. One of our core values at Public Knowledge® is Impact. We created this podcast around this fundamental principle because it is essential to our work. Impact to us means, “We approach every engagement with our energy focused on identifying the right goals, outcomes, and strategies. And we each have a personal responsibility to make a positive impact on our projects and our world.”