National Issues Forums Institute Names Herman Lehman and Kenny Andejeski to Lead Southern Deliberative Democracy Network

​The National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) has selected Herman Lehman and Kenny Andejeski as co-facilitators of the Southern Deliberative Democracy Network (SDDN), a regional initiative connecting practitioners who advance deliberative democracy across the American South through place-based, community-centered civic work. Herman brings experience in trust-building and place-based leadership as a coach with Keys to the City and as a former municipal official, while Kenny founded why [here] matters, a narrative and engagement firm focused on civic health outcomes, describing SDDN as essential peer support for practitioners working in isolation amid polarized environments. SDDN reflects NIFI's commitment to supporting deliberative democracy through regional infrastructure that connects practitioners to tools, frameworks, shared learning, and pathways from dialogue to collective action, recognizing that civic challenges shaped by distinct regional histories require locally-led solutions supported by sustained community and resources. This network advances NCDD's mission by building the relational and civic infrastructure necessary for deliberative practice to endure, honoring context-specific expertise while preventing practitioner isolation through regional solidarity and collective capacity-building.

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The National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) has announced Herman Lehman and Kenny Andejeski as co-facilitators of the Southern Deliberative Democracy Network (SDDN), a growing regional initiative that connects practitioners advancing deliberative democracy across the American South. SDDN creates space for civic leaders to learn from one another, share strategies, and build collective capacity rooted in the distinct histories, cultures, and relationships that shape Southern communities. At a time when many civic challenges are deeply local and influenced by regional context, the network addresses the reality that practitioners working in polarized environments often face isolation and need peer support to sustain complex, relational work. The selection of Herman and Kenny reflects NIFI's commitment to supporting deliberative democracy through place-based leadership that honors lived expertise and helps communities move from dialogue to collective action.

Herman Lehman brings extensive experience as a coach with Keys to the City and a former municipal official, focusing on trust-building, place-based leadership, and helping communities navigate complex challenges across differences. Kenny Andejeski, founder of why [here] matters, a narrative and engagement strategy firm, works with philanthropic, nonprofit, and community organizations to tell stories and build community toward better civic health outcomes. Kenny has described SDDN as a space for practitioners to be "less alone" in the work, acknowledging the emotional and relational demands of facilitating deliberation in divided contexts. Together with Elle Quesenberry, who provides logistical support, the leadership team embodies SDDN's spirit of relational, reflective practice, deeply committed to strengthening civic life. Their complementary skills position the network to support practitioners facilitating conversations on complex, value-laden issues tied to Southern communities.
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NIFI's support for SDDN reflects a core conviction that deliberative democracy is strongest when led locally and supported through regional and national infrastructure. Regional networks prevent practitioners from working in isolation by connecting them to peers, shared learning, deliberative tools and frameworks, and pathways from dialogue to collective action.

For NIFI, investing in regional ecosystems means elevating local leadership, honoring context-specific expertise, and building the relationships and civic infrastructure communities need to navigate complexity and act for the public good. SDDN represents one important expression of this commitment, creating sustainable support structures for practitioners doing difficult work in environments where trust is fragile and polarization threatens constructive engagement. The network demonstrates how deliberative practice can endure and grow when practitioners have access to community, resources, and regional solidarity.
To connect with the Southern Deliberative Democracy Network or learn more about NIFI's support for regional deliberative efforts, visit https://nifi.org/nifi-announces-herman-lehman-and-kenny-andejeski-sddn/