An artist by training (with post graduate work in man-environment relations and cognitive psychology), Fern Tiger’s early interest in the importance of integrating diverse disciplines in order to address contemporary issues, led to a career as a strategist – combining the innovative, perceptive, and holistic insights of an artist/designer with the practical and systemic tools of planners and researchers. Fern is president and creative director of the Oakland, CA-based Fern Tiger Associates, FTA,  and is a Professor at University of Washington Tacoma (Urban Studies Program).

She has worked on projects that have influenced the direction of scores of communities, organizations, and public agencies – helping each to be strategic and effective; to grow and mature, while thinking strategically about their future and the issues they should address to bring about long-term change. Fern has led FTA to become known for its multidisciplinary and innovative approach to projects and for its unique approach to building authentic community involvement in often-complex and controversial land use issues.

Early in her career, Fern was on the faculties of Penn State University and Washington University, St. Louis, where she taught interdisciplinary courses focused on the means by which art and media influence public opinion, civic engagement, and social consciousness. Both in her capacity as a professor and as the spearheading force of Fern Tiger Associates, Fern has been focused on five core areas of work, all of which she believes must be seamlessly integrated: community-based action research; strategic planning and communication; advocacy documentation; civic engagement; and public policy and evaluation.

While it may appear that Fern has moved far from her roots in the world of art, she sees her work as the logical extension of that training, which resulted in problem-solving skills, creative and holistic thinking, and innovative approaches to policy and civic engagement. She believes strongly that investigation, engagement, and participation are essential to address today’s ever more complex problems.