Meet Emily, Founding Consultant
Emily Plagman-Frank, Founder of Lindenstar Consulting, LLC, is your go-to team player for when you need to get things done. She is a seasoned project manager and analyst with nearly two decades of experience in leading significant project transformations, strategic planning, and organizational change in both public and non-profit sectors. Known for innovative approach and problem-solving skills, she has successfully managed projects valued between $250,000 and $25 million, consistently delivering measurable results. Emily is also attuned to the needs of mission-driven organizations and the critical issues impacting their long sustainability and growth.
My Story
Emily's first job as a detassler in the cornfields of Northwest Iowa instilled in her the values of a strong work ethic, commitment, and problem-solving skills. Even though the work was unpleasant and physically demanded, she learned the importance of dedication, industriousness and integrity no matter the task, carrying these principles into every role she has held since. Emily is ready to bring this same commitment to your organization.
Most recently, as the Strategic Evaluation & Research Officer at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from 2021-2025, she collaborated closely with the policymakers, library sector, researchers and evaluators, using data insights to develop long-term planning strategies, improve grantmaking programs, promote equal access to information, and research opportunities to promote early childhood literacy. She managed several multi-year research initiatives, addressing pressing issues in the library and museum sectors. Her expertise in overseeing large-scale projects, paired with her emotional intelligence, allowed her to effectively engage with executive leadership and stakeholders, translating data insights into meaningful policy enhancements.
Before her role at IMLS, Emily excelled as a project manager in research and data analysis positions at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Public Library Association (PLA). At AAP, she oversaw the evaluation of the COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Training Center, developing frameworks for improvement and creating advanced data visualization tools. At PLA, she led a $3 million national initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, enhancing evaluation practices in public libraries and assessing library needs during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier in her career Emily served as a Senior Planner at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning where she spearheaded major energy efficiency projects. Her career spans public policy development, special initiative and project planning, and program design and implementation. Emily holds a Master's Degree in International Public Affairs with a specialization in Energy Analysis and Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Politics with a focus on Economics from Marquette University. She is a certified Federal Contracts and Grants Officer Representative and an engaging public speaker, known for her ability to get tough work done while steadfastly maintaining a sense of levity and empathy.
Residing in Chicago with her family, Emily enjoys Master Gardener classes, home renovations, diving into a good book in her spare time.
Client Reviews
Thank you for the kind words and positive feedback.
Teri DeVoe, Associate Deputy Director at the Institute of Museum and Library Services
“Emily and I worked together for several years at IMLS and I'm excited she started her own venture. She is a hard worker who is not only reliable but enthusiastic. Her project management skills are second to none, and were utilized not only for evaluation work, but to bring thought leaders together on multiple occasions. She is like a Swiss Army knife embodied, able to jump in and do just about anything on any kind of a project. And she does it all efficiently and capably and with good humor. I cannot recommend her enough.”
