Strengths

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I believe in leading by example and appreciating the unique contributions of everyone involved - staff, volunteers, community partners, and donors. Being open to new ideas, acknowledging the contributions of others,  and sharing clear strategic goals and expectations are important when staffing is limited and budgets are lean.

As an executive leader, I increased board participation by 65%  and member engagement by 30% in 6 months and worked with over 4,000 volunteers annually.  I managed staff as small as 5 full-time to twenty full-time and seasonal paid employees.  I have developed innovative long term partnerships within local communities such as museums and local businesses, state universities and colleges, family foundations, government agencies, and corporations as varied as energy providers and defense contractors.   

During my tenure at FIRST Chesapeake,  I erased a $500,000 deficit in less than 12 months,  and as Executive Director/President, documented a surplus every year. I have also simultaneously managed 2 boards (20 members each), 26 volunteer committees, and a community of 1,200 paid members.  Click on the image(s) to view specific examples.

Transparency is a building block of any successful nonprofit.  It is much easier to be open and honest than it is to regain trust.  A strong communication plan not only keeps your stakeholders informed, it also helps strengthen your community. 

Ways I have worked to keep stakeholders informed include producing FIRST Chesapeake's first annual report in 16 years and undertaking a weeks-long Town Hall tour to communities in Virginia, DC, and Maryland to reassure constituents and hear their thoughts.  I have organized regularly scheduled community updates via email, social media, virtually and in-person,  and have always made it a point to be available to receive feedback from staff, board, donors, and members.  

Because Communication and Fundraising go hand-in-hand, I have also made it a priority to share both challenges and victories with funders in a timely manner, and always represent the organization in the most positive and transparent light. Click on the image(s) to view specific examples.

As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), I have extensive experience fundraising and marketing for nonprofits. Whether it is a capital campaign, corporate sponsorship,  or individual benefactor, it is important to engage  and inspire donors in a meaningful way. This photo appeared on the front of The Woman's Club of Richmond gala flyer. It definitely spoke to our demographic!

As Executive Director of The Woman's Club and the Bolling Haxall House Foundation, gala revenue increased by 20% and scholarship fund donations grew by 200%. I also worked with the board to secure funding for a historic structure report, which lay the foundation for a multimillion dollar capital campaign, and wrote the proposal which resulted in additional funding for Monday speaker programs beginning in FY24. 

In my first year as Development Director at FIRST Chesapeake,  I increased corporate funding by 65% . By the time I became Executive Director/President, I was responsible for raising approximately $1M in grants and sponsorships annually.  Click on the image(s) to view other examples.

Programs are the backbone nonprofits. No matter the size, duration, or audience, a well thought out strategy, established goals, and an adherence to mission are all necessary for a successful program.  

I have worked closely with boards and membership to develop programming that appeals to a larger demographic to build program impact and organizational sustainability. During my tenure,  The Woman's Club saw on-site participation in member programs increase by 20%. I also piloted revenue generating off-site and afterwork programs that  quickly filled and generated waiting lists.

At the direction of the FIRST Chesapeake Board, I secured funding for free optional diversity and inclusion training for the entire FIRST Chesapeake Community two years prior to the BLM movement,. I also grew alumni recognition and engagement, introduced  weekly after school instruction and a developed a biannual robotics' scrimmage for  approximately 100 Richmond City middle school students (above). Working with corporate and education-based partners, I developed an online program to keep scores of high school students in Richmond and DC public schools learning and engaged during the pandemic lockdown,  and secured corporate and government funding to  staff and grow programs in Southwest Virginia . Click on the image(s) to view specific examples.