Rural Support Partners, including Thomas and his entire team, have been such an asset to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky since our inception. Gifted facilitators are hard to find, especially in rural regions like ours. Thomas and his crew have provided hands on support, are always responsive and prompt, and understand the sometimes unique dynamics of rural places. Most importantly, we have found them to be intuitive and constructive without being intrusive or overbearing - a gift to organizations like ours working hard to bring people together to transform a region.

Thomas Watson and his team at Rural Support Partners have deep experience, knowledge, and relationships across Appalachia. They are innovative, informed, and social-minded as they work to advance the economic landscape of the region. RSP gets it. I couldnt recommend them any more highly!

Rural Support Partners facilitated an incredibly productive strategic planning process for a nonprofit organization on whose board I serve. Their professionalism and expertise were evident throughout the entire process. I was so impressed with RSP that Ive recommended them to other organizations.

In my position as Executive Director of Appalachian Sustainable Development, I have had the pleasure of working with Rural Support Partners since they were formed and have never been anything but 100% satisfied with their performance. If you are fortunate enough to work with this team, you/your organization will absolutely be the better for it.

I have worked closely with Thomas Watson of Rural Support Partners on and off in various ways for 25 years. He is one of the most creative, innovative thinkers and practitioners I have ever encountered. His breadth and depth of experience is stunning. His commitment to social justice is admirable. Finally, hes just a rock-solid person. I like him a lot, I respect him deeply, I trust him completely. The rest of the team at RSP is awesome too! Paul Castelloe, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director, Castelloe Family Foundation

Thomas Watson and team are innovators, change-makers, and advocates for rural solutions in economic development, creative placemaking, just transition, and more. Adept at facilitation, strategic planning, convenings, and incubation through an equity lens, I highly recommend this talented group.

RSP has been an amazing partner in helping us build a clear, unapologetically rural strategy for our organization. They facilitated our creation of a strong foundation that has allowed our work to thrive. Thank you RSP!

I have been a partner and supporter of Rural Support Partners for more than a decade. Thomas Watson, through his strong leadership, has invested in and grown a staff of highly capable, committed regional leaders who are supporting organizations across Appalachia in ways that advance the economic transition for the region. I have had the privilege of working with RSP on projects through the last decade and found their work to be creative, responsive and adaptable to their clients needs and of the highest integrity. Ive also had the chance to watch some of the current team grow from young, committed but inexperienced staff to skilled and capable professionals and leaders under Thomas mentorship, encouragement and empowerment. My work has benefited from every partnership Ive had with RSP and organizations across the region are stronger for their work. I am excited to continue that partnership now and in the future and highly recommend RSP whenever I can for organizations and networks seeking the organizational development guidance and backbone support that RSP so capably provides.