Forward & Upward: Translating Global Policy into Local Action
At Forward & Upward, we specialize in designing and launching high-impact climate, environmental, and infrastructure initiatives. We transform ambitious goals, whether public policy or corporate commitment, into funded, functional, and resilient programs. Our foundation is built on deep, hands-on experience in the most complex, regulated environments, giving us an unmatched perspective on what it takes to write, implement, and successfully manage mission-critical initiatives on a global scale.
Our Approach: Implementable Innovation
Successful program implementation demands two things: innovative strategy and flawless execution. We bring both to the table.
Our founder, Rhiannon Kincaid, is a Professional Engineer and experienced leader who has successfully implemented major infrastructure programs. This included a groundbreaking initiative at the Federal Emergency Management Agency that required building all resources and guidance to implement a new hazard mitigation program.
She is supported by a team of professionals who have worked in similar high-stakes federal positions and know what it takes to develop and implement innovative ideas with unique parameters on tight schedules.
This experience means we don't just advise. We know how to coordinate with multiple levels of government and external stakeholders, develop defensible program guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and navigate the financial complexities of large public investment.
Expertise in Complex Public Investment
Forward and Upward is uniquely positioned to help clients who are launching new public infrastructure, climate, or resiliency programs. We apply our structured, proven methodology to new territories and legislative frameworks.
Our core competencies include:
Policy & Program Architecture: We create the foundational structure for new programs, from translating high-level national goals into concrete plans and drafting funding opportunity documentation, to developing national coordination strategies for consistent, successful implementation.
Climate & Environmental Resilience: Our technical background and direct experience in developing hazard mitigation programs, along with our work on initiatives promoting climate resiliency position us to create programs meet modern environmental standards and protect critical infrastructure.
Large-Scale Grant & Fund Administration: We provide strategic direction for major grants and funds, overseeing project closeout and adherence to strict financial and administrative regulations. Our experience includes supervising teams on disaster recovery and infrastructure projects totaling over $5 Billion in value.
Inter-Agency and Stakeholder Coordination: We excel at representing our clients in negotiations and working groups with national and sub-national government agencies, tribal partners, contractors, and professional groups. We ensure program goals are shared efficiently and through effective communication.
Partner With a Proven Leader
We understand the pressure of high-stakes, high-visibility climate investment. Our history of leadership, from leading new infrastructure funding programs to managing complex recovery operations across the United States, demonstrates our ability to mobilize quickly and achieve results under challenging circumstances.
Forward and Upward is ready to apply this experience to your needs, ensuring your environmental and infrastructure initiatives are not just strategically sound, but well-executed, financially defensible, and globally impactful.