The Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Relational Coordination Collaborative

Our Team

Jody Hoffer Gittell

Faculty Director

Jody Hoffer Gittell is a Professor of Management at Brandeis University's Heller School, Faculty Director of the Relational Coordination Collaborative, and CEO and Co-Founder of Relational Coordination Analytics.  Gittell developed Relational Coordination Theory, proposing that highly interdependent work is most effectively coordinated through networks of shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect, supported by frequent, timely, accurate, problem-solving communication. The Relational Model of Change shows how structural, relational and work process interventions can strengthen those networks. Gittell has published dozens of scientific articles and multiple books including The Southwest Airlines Way; High Performance Healthcare; Sociology of Organizations; Transforming Relationships for High Performance; and Relational Analytics: Guidelines for Analysis and Action.  Dr. Gittell currently serves on the Executive Council of the Seacoast NAACP, on the board of trustees for Greater Seacoast Community Health, on the executive board of the Organization Development and Change Division of the Academy of Management, and on the Brandeis University Faculty Senate. She received her PhD from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

603-498-1305

Tanya Allain

Program Director

Tanya Allain, MBA, is Program Director for the Relational Coordination Collaborative at Brandeis University's Heller School. She is a results-focused marketing professional and writer with a thorough understanding of content marketing, customer engagement, social media and community building strategies. She has experience solving meaningful problems with innovative solutions in multiple industries and has successfully collaborated with a range of stakeholders to grow participation in events, programs and services. Most recently, she was Director of Communications and Marketing at the Institute for Excellence in Health and Social Systems (IEHSS), in the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. She has an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Bentley University.

Elinam Ladzekpo

Operations and Membership Director

Elinam Ladzekpo is a current Social Impact MBA and Sustainable International Development master's student, combining a passion for business with a commitment to sustainable global development. With a background in conflict resolution, strategic planning, and extensive experience in research and project management, Elinam brings a unique skill set to drive positive change. From mediating conflicts as a Vice President of an HOA to leading qualitative processes as an Associate Consultant, Elinam has honed expertise in program coordination and data analysis. Committed to fostering equity, Elinam has actively contributed to organizational surveys and advocated for inclusive language. With a solid foundation in organizational and supervisory skills, Elinam is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the realms of social impact and sustainable development.

Akanksha Majumdar

Communications Director