Meet Dustin Ward
Helping organizations move from complexity to clarity
From Municipal Leadership to Organizational Consulting
After years of consulting with municipalities, nonprofits, and community organizations across Maine—plus serving as an elected Select Board Member and running for State Senate—I know what it's like when complexity overwhelms capacity.
That's why I founded It Is Time: to help organizations cut through the chaos and move forward with confidence.
Whether you need grant funding, operational improvements, or facilitation for difficult decisions, I bring practical solutions grounded in real experience—not just theory.
My Story
I was born in Melbourne, Florida, and adopted at two months old by a family in Presque Isle, Maine. Growing up in Maine shaped my understanding of community, resilience, and what it means to bridge differences.
After graduating from Presque Isle High School, I pursued a B.S. in Political Science at the University of Southern Maine, initially planning to become a lawyer. My time in college deepened my interest in law, politics, and ethnic and racial studies.
But my path shifted. I felt called to ministry and earned a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2019. I returned to Maine hoping to serve as a pastor, but the racial reckoning of 2020 changed everything.
I founded It Is Time as a platform for racial equity and reconciliation work. Over time, this work has evolved. I realized that organizations were facing challenges that went beyond racial conversations; they needed help with grant writing, operational effectiveness, strategic planning, and facilitation for complex decisions.
Today, It Is Time focuses on helping any many organization, whether municipalities, nonprofits, or businesses, navigate complexity and find clarity.
Experience & Credentials
Education
- Master of Divinity, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2019)
- B.S. Political Science, Minor in Economics, University of Southern Maine
Government & Political Leadership
- Select Board Member, Town of New Gloucester (2021-2024)
- First Person of Color elected to New Gloucester Select Board
- Maine State Senate Candidate, District 20 (2024)
Consulting & Facilitation
- Founder, It Is Time, LLC
- Led equity initiatives for local government
- Facilitated policy development with municipalities and libraries
- Guided organizations through complex change and cultural transformation
Community Leadership
- Chair, Seniors Plus
- Former President, Atlantic Black Box Board
- Honorary Member, Mindbridge
My Approach
Organizations don't need more complexity, they need someone who can cut through it.
Whether it's securing grant funding, facilitating difficult decisions, or reorganizing operations, my approach is straightforward: understand the challenge, clarify the path forward, and deliver practical solutions that work in the real world.
I've sat in the seat of an elected official, navigating competing priorities with limited resources. I've facilitated conversations where the stakes were high and the path forward wasn't clear. I've helped organizations untangle problems that felt impossible.
Beyond Work
I'm based in Maine, with my wife of 15 years and our two sons. When I'm not working with clients, you'll find me on a golf course somewhere in New England. I also run Tee Time, a golf business where my passion for the game of golf connects with building community.
Maine is home, and I'm committed to helping organizations across New England thrive.
Let's Work Together
If you're facing complexity and need clarity, let's talk about how I can help.
Get In Touch
