Our Team
Stephanie Devitt, M.P.P.
Founder + Principal Consultant
Stephanie Devitt is a skilled veteran of public affairs strategy, working in both political appointee and consulting roles. Since 2012, she has led SDK Communications + Consulting, providing strategic counsel and directing projects of consequence for state and local government agencies, nonprofits, foundations, healthcare providers and public health agencies.
Stephanie began her career leading regional community relations for U.S. Senator Tom Daschle, a role that provided a first-hand look at how government programs of all types impact people’s lives on a daily basis. She spent 8 years consulting with regional and national public affairs and public engagement firms before founding SDK.
Stephanie holds a Master of Public Policy in Nonprofit Management, Communications and Engagement and a B.S. in Sociology with a focus on social research methods, both from the University of Minnesota. Stephanie’s research on the role of communications and advocacy networks in nations’ adoption of climate change policy was at the forefront of network mapping and science communications analysis. She is a frequent speaker on stakeholder engagement, communications and community engagement for complex policy, and the changing media environment’s impact on public trust.
In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with family, gardening, and plotting travel and home remodel adventures.
Paul Shanafelt
Senior Consultant
Paul Shanafelt brings over 15 years of experience driving policy, community engagement, and complex initiatives. With a strong background spanning nonprofit leadership, local government, and strategic coalition-building, Paul excels at developing relationships and creating actionable, people-centered solutions that strengthen programs and serve communities.
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Most recently, Paul served as the Senior Policy Aide to Minneapolis City Council Vice President Aisha Chughtai. Paul shaped legislative and budget strategies on critical issues such as affordable housing and climate equity. In this role, Paul represented the Councilwoman in community meetings and to city departments on a variety of topics including public safety, transportation, housing and land use, and climate change adaptation. Paul also led the office’s work on the Clean Energy Partnership, a joint city/utility board that collaborates to help Minneapolis achieve its clean energy goals. He also oversaw the office’s role in New Nicollet, a 10-acre redevelopment project at the location of the former Kmart on Lake Street.
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As Executive Director of the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) in Minneapolis, Paul led transformative efforts to expand civic participation, revitalize commercial corridors and public spaces, and advance sustainability initiatives. He was responsible for developing the organization’s strategic plan, spearheading a major residential and commercial development project, managing communications, and supporting small businesses and residents through the challenges of the pandemic and civil unrest. Paul also managed public meetings and collaborated closely with an active board of directors and is respected among peers for his authentic and calming engagement style. Under his leadership, the organization achieved record-high levels of volunteer engagement, funding, and programmatic impact.
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Paul’s diverse background includes experience in teaching, technology, music, and managing a teen center in the East Metro. He holds a B.S. from the University of Minnesota. Outside of work, Paul enjoys playing a variety of sports, creating music, and coaching his daughters’ activities. An Iowa native, Paul now resides in Saint Paul with his partner Sara, daughters Mae and Ada, and their dog Wednesday.
Pratibha Chauhan
Consultant
Pratibha Chauhan is a mission-driven consultant specializing in human-centered design, with 5+ years of experience using design thinking and data-driven insights to tackle complex challenges across industries.
Her work with civic clients at leading design and architecture firms inspired her pivot to public sector consulting. As a Planning and Strategy Consultant at Perkins and Will, she translated user data into actionable insights through stakeholder interviews, focus groups, surveys, visioning workshops, journey mapping, and persona development. Additionally, her skillset includes change management to help organizations navigate uncertainties and ensure successful adoption of new initiatives.
Her experience as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota's College of Design, teaching graduate research methodologies and advising the graduate program, brings analytical rigor to her practice. She holds an M.S. in Applied Research Practices and Master of Architecture from the University of Minnesota, and a B.A. from Wellesley College.
Originally from India, Pratibha now resides with her partner and cat in Minneapolis. A trained yoga teacher, she is dedicated to wellness and integrating it into her daily routine. As a third culture kid and avid traveler, Pratibha brings unique intercultural competencies that allow her to meaningfully work with people of different backgrounds.
Lynn Zimmerman
Consultant
Lynn Zimmerman is a communications strategist who specializes in complex change projects, including providing added capacity to support AMCL’s Enterprise Asset Management system for the Met Council. Among her past projects, Lynn helped lead technology roll out of Papa John’s new delivery management system. This process connected with thousands of locations across the country to provide their pizza delivery drivers / deskless staff with mobile management system that allows customers to track when their pizza will be delivered. Prior to SDK and almost a decade of consulting projects, Lynn led internal communications for Marriot Hotels and other corporate roles.
Amy Bendtsen
Junior Associate
Amy Bendtsen is finishing up her Master's degree in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs along with a minor in Law and Certificate of Circularity. She has experience in lobbying, city, and county work on environmental issues and projects. Amy cares deeply about the environment and has worked on projects ranging from stream restoration to a cost/benefit analysis of building a recycling facility instead of a mine. Amy is working to expand her connections and understanding of the intricacies of environmental policy and is eager to contribute to the team.
In her free time, Amy likes to quilt, hang out with her dogs and foster animals, read, garden, and travel.
Matthew Rezac
Graphic Design / Art Direction
Matthew is an adjunct professor at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and a practicing graphic designer.  Select clients include Blu Dot, Chronicle Books, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minnesota Fringe Festival, Northern Lights, and Weisman Art Museum. Matthew was part of the team that created and led Northern Spark, as well. His work has received numerous honors and awards including both the AIGA 50 Books/50 Covers and AIGA 365 Awards and has been published in HOW, Idea, Print, and STEP magazines.
Mallory Jacquette
Executive Assistant
Mallory Jacquette joined SDK in 2021, and helps the team keep organized by managing schedules, data entry, and other support. Outside of work, she enjoys caring for her two young daughters.