Today we're excited to present a show with two guests we've had previously, Robert Shea of Grant Thornton and John Porter of ACT for Alexandria. When they joined us before, we learned of their collaborative relationship so we're pleased to bring them together to pick their brains and talk about their experience and ideas for engaging their community. While they are based in Alexandria, VA, these concepts can be used anywhere. Robert Shea explains the crucial role of being a good corporate citizen in recruiting and retaining talented employees and says it is now an "essential" part of the recruitment process. Having a relationshilp with an organization like ACT for Alexandria allows the company to contribute financially while offering their staff a way to give back to their community with their time, energy, skills, and enthusiasm. John retired from the Alexandria City Public Schools in 2009 after a distinguished career with the Alexandria City Public Schools, which was highlighted by his twenty-two year tenure as principal of T. C. Williams High School of Remember the Titans movie fame. After retirement, John continued his work in Alexandria and is presently serving as president and CEO of ACT for Alexandria, Alexandria’s community foundation. ACT’s mission is to increase the level and effectiveness of giving and engagement in Alexandria. Robert Shea is a principal and a member of our Global Public Sector practice. He is on the organizational improvement team and has conducted performance management engagements with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts. He was most recently at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget as associate director for administration and government performance. Before joining OMB, Shea served as counsel to the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. Grant Thornton works with a broad range of publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations. Core industries served include consumer and industrial products, financial services, not-for-profit, private equity, and technology. Grant Thornton focuses on serving dynamic organizations that pursue growth holistically — whether through revenue improvement, leadership, mission fulfillment, or innovation.