Willard joined The Connective in January 2023 as an intern, bringing with him a rich background in urban management and policy research. His work focuses on analyzing local government policies and smart city projects, alongside developing a comprehensive database for these initiatives.

Willard has previously worked for Maricopa County, the State of Arizona, the ASU Center for Urban Innovation and the City of Willmar, Minnesota. A current Master of Public Administration candidate at Arizona State University, Willard is a Marvin Andrews Fellow in Urban Management and serves as Vice President of the ASU ICMA Student Chapter. He holds a B.S. in Public Administration from Winona State University in Minnesota.

His academic and professional journey showcases a commitment to enhancing urban living and governance through innovative and data-driven approaches.