Thelenwood Consulting LLC
Thelenwood Consulting
Advancing Public & Private Partnerships
About Us
Welcome to Thelenwood Consulting—your trusted partner at the nexus of business and government, dedicated to driving your success.
With over a decade of leadership in municipal government, airport management, and sustainability initiatives, we excel in building impactful public-private partnerships that align strategic priorities with tangible results. Our proven expertise in fostering cross-sector collaboration and optimizing organizational structures ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that drive your mission forward.
In addition to driving significant investment in Michigan’s Advanced Mobility and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) sector, we have extensive experience leading community-wide sustainability initiatives and advancing resiliency-focused policies.
With our combined strengths in government relations, competitive grant management, policy development, and operational efficiency, we are uniquely positioned to help your organization unlock transformative opportunities and achieve lasting impact.
Partner with us to unlock new opportunities and achieve your most ambitious goals.
Meet the Founder
Aaron Thelenwood, MPA
Aaron Thelenwood brings over a decade of leadership in public administration, aviation innovation, and strategic planning. As the founder of Thelenwood Consulting, LLC, he specializes in developing transformative solutions that bridge sectors, empower organizations and communities, and drive sustainable growth.
Expertise
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Public-Private Partnerships: Proven ability to unite government, industry, and nonprofit stakeholders to deliver impactful, collaborative outcomes.
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Project Management: Managed multi-million-dollar capital improvement budgets, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with stakeholder needs.
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Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Successfully attracted investors and companies nationwide to Michigan, fostering partnerships and driving innovation in emerging aviation technologies.
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Airport Administration: Skilled in operational oversight and regulatory compliance, enhancing airport efficiency and effectiveness.
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Grant Administration: Secured and managed competitive, multi-million-dollar grants with a focus on compliance and results-driven execution.
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Policy Development: Designed innovative policies to meet organizational goals while aligning with strategic and community needs.
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Municipal Program Leadership: Directed essential municipal programs, including solid waste, recycling, and community-wide sustainability initiatives, to improve public services and environmental outcomes.
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Sustainability Initiatives: Led community-wide sustainability programs, including launching curbside recycling programs, conducting comprehensive waste audits, and securing grant funding for environmental resiliency efforts.
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STEM Education Initiatives: Supported STEM learning through work-based programs designed to engage students in real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math.
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Workforce Readiness Programs: Led workforce readiness initiatives for middle and high school students, preparing them with the skills and resources needed to succeed in future careers.
Education & Certifications
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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Executive Education in Sustainability Leadership
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Grand Valley State University: Master of Public Administration; Nonprofit Board Certification
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Specialized Training: Transformational Leadership & Racial Equity (USDN)
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Certifications: Certified Michigan Airport Manager (MDOT Aeronautics Division); pursuing Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
Aaron’s extensive training, strategic vision, and commitment to equity-centered practices make him a trusted leader in navigating complex challenges and delivering innovative, sustainable outcomes.
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Values
At Thelenwood Consulting LLC, we believe all people deserve respect and safety.
We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are the cornerstones of innovation and progress and are not optional. We are committed to creating a welcoming and affirming environment for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, or background. Our work and values are rooted in the principles of equity and the belief that every voice deserves to be heard and respected.
We are proud allies of the LGBTQIA+ community and advocates for racial equity, recognizing the historical and systemic barriers that have marginalized communities of color. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive space where authenticity is celebrated, and individuals feel empowered to be their true selves. Through intentional collaboration, ongoing education, and proactive engagement, we strive to challenge inequities, dismantle systemic barriers, and contribute to a more just and equitable society.
At Thelenwood Consulting, we approach each project and partnership with cultural humility, recognizing and integrating the unique experiences and perspectives of those we serve. We collaborate with partners to integrate equity-based strategies into their organizational practices, driving meaningful change and sustainable growth. By addressing disparities and promoting social and racial equity, we help organizations create environments where all employees, clients, and stakeholders thrive.
We are committed to continuous growth, ensuring that our practices not only reflect but actively advance equity and inclusion in every facet of our work. Together, we can build stronger communities and create lasting, positive change by embracing the richness of our differences and working towards shared goals with compassion, understanding, and mutual respect.