Michael Emmart

Michael’s passion is working with others to create positive change within human services organizations.  He works to integrate a strengths-based approach to his research, training, teaching, coaching, and consulting efforts – believing that it is the best way to bring about increased engagement, productivity, and performance. 

Michael is the Executive Director of the Institute for Just Outcomes through Conversation at Case Western Reserve University’s Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit.  He is also Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Cortland, where he teaches coursework on research methods and emerging theories of Positive Sociology.  Previously, Michael served as a subject matter expert in program improvement and strategic planning for child welfare on loan from the University of Albany to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.  He is an oft sought out thought leader and change catalyst who is energized by working in partnership with those serving children and families.  He began working in child welfare in 1997 and has served in a variety of roles including direct care staff member, case manager, and agency administrator.

Michael earned a Doctor of Education, a Master of Science in Positive Youth Development, a certificate in Trauma Informed Care and Counseling, and holds certifications as a Change Management Professional and Reinvention Practitioner. He has published extensively, including co-authoring the recently released Conversations Worth Having for Clinicians, Caseworkers, and Coaches: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Foster Wellbeing.

Michael is a tireless advocate for nonviolence and understanding the impact of positive nonviolence on child development. He resides in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of Central New York, where he and his bride have raised six amazing children.