M. René Islas

Chief Of Staff at National Psoriasis Foundation
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
New Alexandria, Virginia, United States, US
Languages
  • Spanish -
Skills

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Charles "Kit" Ward

Rene is a wonderful co-worker who will always make time to support you in times of need and challenge your assumptions. Rene is very community oriented in both internal and external work. Rene builds community through strong processes and community centered design. Rene is truly a pleasure to work with.

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Credentials

  • Leadership and Management Certificate
    The Predictive Index
    May, 2023
    - Nov, 2024
  • Dante's Catholic Imagination
    Word On Fire Catholic Ministries
    Apr, 2022
    - Nov, 2024
  • John Henry Newman: The Greatest Catholic Theologian Since Aquinas
    Word On Fire Catholic Ministries
    Apr, 2022
    - Nov, 2024
  • Reading Scripture with the Early Church Fathers
    Word On Fire Catholic Ministries
    Apr, 2022
    - Nov, 2024
  • The Evangelical Spirituality of Thomas Merton
    Word On Fire Catholic Ministries
    Apr, 2022
    - Nov, 2024
  • Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar
    Word On Fire Catholic Ministries
    Apr, 2022
    - Nov, 2024
  • Inbound Marketing Certification
    HubSpot
    Jan, 2021
    - Nov, 2024
  • Catholic Philosophy and Thomistic Studies
    New Saint Thomas Institute
    Feb, 2015
    - Nov, 2024
  • Certificate in Catholic Theology
    New Saint Thomas Institute
    Feb, 2015
    - Nov, 2024
  • Evernote Business Certified Consultant (EBCC)
    Evernote
    Sep, 2014
    - Nov, 2024

Experience

  • National Psoriasis Foundation
    • United States
    • Wellness and Fitness Services
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Chief Of Staff
      • Mar 2022 - Present

      An experienced strategist, René spearheads the NPF’s strategic planning initiatives, among other projects requiring cross-team collaboration, by crafting data-driven plans and ensuring that the organization’s values, mission, and strategy are at the forefront of all decisions. In his first year, Islas saved the organization over $500,000 in operational costs. An experienced strategist, René spearheads the NPF’s strategic planning initiatives, among other projects requiring cross-team collaboration, by crafting data-driven plans and ensuring that the organization’s values, mission, and strategy are at the forefront of all decisions. In his first year, Islas saved the organization over $500,000 in operational costs.

  • Crescere Strategies LLC
    • United States
    • Business Consulting and Services
    • CEO
      • Mar 2020 - Present

      Islas founded Crescere Strategies, LLC in March 2019 to offer advisory services, strategy consulting, and support to social entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders. He is an expert in scaling businesses and improving operations, strategic business planning, communications, and forecasting for the social impact market. Islas works with start-ups, education institutions, and non-profit organizations and associations. He led a successful campaign that used student safety data to improve education policies and practices in Alexandria, Virginia.www.crescere-strat.com Show less

  • Commissioned by Christ
    • United States
    • Religious Institutions
    • Chairman Of The Board
      • Oct 2019 - Present

      The CBC Board of Directors elected Islas as its chair in 2019 to lead the growing non-profit organization's vision, governance, and oversight. He led the pivoting of CBC's program and business model in response to the global pandemic. The CBC Board of Directors elected Islas as its chair in 2019 to lead the growing non-profit organization's vision, governance, and oversight. He led the pivoting of CBC's program and business model in response to the global pandemic.

  • EdCuration
    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Chief Learning Officer
      • Aug 2021 - Mar 2022

      Islas developed and launched the Certified EdTrustee leadership development program for educators. The program offers micro-credentials, a live community of practice, leadership support, and product testing. Islas developed and launched the Certified EdTrustee leadership development program for educators. The program offers micro-credentials, a live community of practice, leadership support, and product testing.

  • Leading Educators
    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Chief External Relations Officer
      • Mar 2019 - Mar 2020

      Islas was a vital member of the Leadership Team that set and executed the organizational strategy. He led the business development, fundraising, communication, and advocacy functions for Leading Educators. Islas supervised four Managing Directors who oversaw partnerships, fundraising, thought leadership, and strategic communications. He was responsible for generating revenue to support a $13M+ annual operating budget. Islas was a vital member of the Leadership Team that set and executed the organizational strategy. He led the business development, fundraising, communication, and advocacy functions for Leading Educators. Islas supervised four Managing Directors who oversaw partnerships, fundraising, thought leadership, and strategic communications. He was responsible for generating revenue to support a $13M+ annual operating budget.

  • National Association For Gifted Children
    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Executive Director
      • May 2015 - Dec 2018

      Islas was the Executive Director and a member of the Board of Directors. He directed all association policies, strategic plans, and initiatives. Islas led a small team to create conferences and learning experiences for over 2,000 people per event. He redesigned the member experience, growing association membership to its high water mark of more than 4,000 persons. Islas led strategic partnerships with external organizations, including the Disney Corporation and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation. Islas was the Executive Director and a member of the Board of Directors. He directed all association policies, strategic plans, and initiatives. Islas led a small team to create conferences and learning experiences for over 2,000 people per event. He redesigned the member experience, growing association membership to its high water mark of more than 4,000 persons. Islas led strategic partnerships with external organizations, including the Disney Corporation and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation.

  • Learning Forward
    • United States
    • Education Administration Programs
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Senior Vice President
      • Apr 2011 - May 2015

      Islas was a member of the Executive Management Team, leading membership, financial, and outreach strategy. He created the Center for Results, the non-profit's consulting and technical assistance business. He attracted millions of dollars of investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve some of the largest school systems. Islas also led policy development and lobbying efforts. He managed three direct reports and a team of over 30 independent senior consultants across the US. Islas was responsible for generating a third of the organization's operating budget. Show less

  • B&D Consulting
    • United States
    • Public Policy Offices
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Senior Advisor
      • Jan 2010 - Sep 2011

      Consultant and advisor to B&D Consulting on the implementation of school improvement efforts in Indiana and Lee County, Arkansas.

    • Senior Vice President
      • Oct 2006 - Jan 2010

      Islas created a new K-12 education consulting practice within the lobbying division of the storied law firm. He was responsible for product design, business development, and client service. He led cross-functional teams to deliver strategic advice and policy campaigns for clients. The Firm recognized Islas with the Innovation in Client Services award for creating the school improvement service line for school districts. His practice generated over $1 million annually, serving non-profit and education-related clients. He secured a provisional patent for the Pathway for Success change leadership business process. Show less

  • U.S. Department of Education
    • United States
    • Government Administration
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Chief of Staff, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
      • 2005 - 2006

      Islas managed nearly $30 billion of federal K-12 education funding. He was the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Education in political, policy, and operational matters. He directly supervised a team of twelve political appointees, oversaw the work of all career staff in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and supported the Assistant Secretary of Education in leading the agency's Senior Executive Staff (SES). Islas managed negotiations with the Department of Defense over Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and led the nation's delegation to Mexico. Show less

    • Special Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Education
      • 2002 - May 2005

      Islas was part of a two-person advisory team that analyzed education and social trends and data to inform policymaking for U.S. Secretary Rod Paige. He created the Teacher2Teacher Partnership that toured the nation, supporting thousands of elementary and secondary educators to improve teaching practice.

  • Council for Basic Education
    • Director of Institutional Advancement
      • Jun 2000 - 2002

      Responsible for organization strategy, fund raising, and business development. Contributed to K-12 education policy studies. Served on client teams for reviewing state academic standards. Responsible for organization strategy, fund raising, and business development. Contributed to K-12 education policy studies. Served on client teams for reviewing state academic standards.

Education

  • Whittier College
    Bachelor of Arts - BA, Double Degrees in Political Science and Sociology
    1996 - 2000
  • Western Governors University
    Master of Business Administration (MBA), Management and Strategy
    2009 - 2012
  • Salpointe Catholic High School
    HS Diploma
    1992 - 1996
  • Villanova University
    Certificate of Achievement, Essentials of Project Management
    2007 - 2007

Community

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