Our Team

Brian Riggs

CEO, Lead Facilitator

Brian Riggs is a native of New Jersey where he currently resides with his wife and two daughters. He first joined the public sector in 1997, when he served as the research historian for the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. In 2007 he was hired by Association Headquarters, Inc., an association management company, where he began designing and executing organizational engagement, strategic planning, vision sessions and appreciative inquiry sessions for both the public and private sectors.

Today Brian is the CEO of the Dialogue Shop, a company that specializes in organizational engagement with a strong focus on leadership development, strategic planning and internal and external communications. More specifically, he and his team work closely with leadership teams and organizations on organizational effectiveness, change management and developing a purpose-driven mindset.

Some of his most recent work includes strategy development and support for the Federal Express (FedEx), The Flight Safety Foundation, the American Probation and Parole Association, The IJIS Institute, Tetrus of Princeton and the Department of Corrections, Wabash County Indiana.

The Dialogue Shop works with both nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies. In his role, Brian develops and supports key initiatives designed to inspire and elevate mid-management and emerging leaders within organizations. Riggs holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina, a master’s degree from Rutgers University, and is a graduate of Cornell University’s change leadership program.

Brian Summers

VP of Ops, Lead Facilitator.

Brian Summers is a seasoned organizational strategist and consultant who helps associations and mission-driven organizations build strong leaders, effective operations, and results-oriented strategies. With more than two decades of executive-level experience, Brian specializes in translating organizational vision into actionable plans that foster growth, alignment, and measurable impact.

Throughout his career, Brian has earned a reputation for combining strategic insight  with practical execution. He has guided organizations through change by focusing on  four interconnected areas: strategic planning, leadership development, learning development, and operational excellence and he has achieved those areas through
his experience, skillset, and effective facilitation.

As a Certified Association Executive (CAE), Brian brings a deep understanding of governance, volunteer leadership, and team dynamics.  He has led numerous strategic planning sessions, facilitated board and staff retreats, ran a local organization, and developed leadership programs that strengthen collaboration, trust, and accountability across teams.