Lead Project Manager
Ann Verhey-Henke is Lead Project Manager at the Fastest Path to Zero Initiative. In this role, she leverages co-design techniques to ensure community voices are centered in our conversations related to the nuclear fuel cycle, with a special emphasis on spent nuclear fuel.
Ann is a seasoned expert in design and facilitation, with over 25 years of experience working across multiple sectors. Known for her ability to translate dense academic research into actionable strategies, Ann has a unique talent for creating collaborative environments where diverse, multi-stakeholder groups can come together to achieve high-impact goals.
Throughout her career, she has initiated and led numerous programs that cultivate innovation and collaboration, including the founding of flagship initiatives like Innovation in Action and the Summer Studio at the University of Michigan, where interdisciplinary teams tackle cutting-edge challenges. Ann’s journey has seen her co-create collaborative platforms such as Grant Sprints at Michigan Public Health, an innovative approach to grant writing and idea execution, and Design Jams, which engage students across multiple disciplines with community stakeholders on pressing societal issues.
Ann strives to keep hold of the bigger picture and weave together various perspectives into a cohesive whole, fostering an environment of cooperation and mutual understanding. She is curious by nature and is continuously learning and seeking fresh, informed insights to bring to the table. Ann’s dedication to building spaces where people feel acknowledged and empowered underscores her commitment to creating meaningful societal impact through creativity, cooperation and collaboration.