C. Andrew Northrop, M.A.
Andy holds a statewide appointment with Michigan State University Extension's Community, Food, and Environment Institute (CFEI), which focuses on developing strong sustainable community blueprints that strengthen relationships and social capital, foster innovative economic growth, and leverage and sustain our natural resources.
Originally a Michigander, Andy brings extensive international sustainable development experience to his role with Michigan State University Extension. His previous global experiences coupled with his current role support the community transformations necessary to attract and retain residents, visitors, investors, and resources. His programmatic area for MSU Extension helps communities uncover their economic, ecological, and social capital via capacity building and collaborative process. By engaging in this role, communities are able and willing to leverage their true potential to become places where people want to live, work, play, learn and return.
Program areas include:
- Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
- Leadership and Civic Engagement
- Facilitation Leadership
- Sustainability Leadership
- Community-driven Sustainable Tourism:
- First Impressions Tourism (FIT) Assessments
- Destination Life Cycle Planning
- Asset-based Economic / Tourism Development
- Small Town and Regional Tourism Development
- Placemaking
Degrees:
- MA, Sustainable Development - SIT Graduate Institute (2007)
- BS, Psychology - Michigan State University (2001)
Certifications:
- Sustainable Tourism – Global Sustainable Tourism Council (2018)
- Systems Training - National Charrette Institute, Michigan State University (2017)
- Sustainability Leadership – University of Oregon (2015)
- Fundamentals of Planning & Zoning - Michigan State University Extension (2015)
- Facilitation Leadership – Michigan State University Extension (2013)
Publications:
- Master Planning for Tourism in Michigan - Chapter 6 (2020)
- Foundations and Applications of Theory in the First Impressions Program (2018)
- First Impressions Tourism (FIT) Assessment - Community Reports (2017-Current)
Memberships: National Extension Tourism (Chair), Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals, and Community and Natural Resource Development Association
Connect with Andy via LinkedIn
First Impressions Tourism Summary Report - Village of Cassopolis, February 2022
Published on March 2, 2022
First Impressions Tourism Summary Report - City of Grayling, December 2021
Published on February 3, 2022
Sustainable Living and Leadership Series launched for fall 2021 by three leading universities
Published on September 13, 2021
Community-driven tourism program highlights suggestions to strengthen small town tourism economies
Published on September 1, 2021
Economic impacts of COVID-19 on travel and tourism, specifically in the Great Lakes States
Published on June 3, 2021
Community-driven tourism program provides benefits to rural city leaders
Published on March 18, 2021