Executive Director

• Mar 2022 - Present

Liaison-Education & Community Outreach

• Aug 2016 - Mar 2022

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) is one of 14 NOAA nationally designated sanctuaries and the only freshwater sanctuary in the country. The Friends of TBNMS and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation are 501(c)3 nonprofits dedicated to raising awareness and support for protecting our ocean and Great Lakes and their rich maritime history. To learn more, visit thunderbayfriends.org. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) is one of 14 NOAA nationally designated sanctuaries and the only freshwater sanctuary in the country. The Friends of TBNMS and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation are 501(c)3 nonprofits dedicated to raising awareness and support for protecting our ocean and Great Lakes and their rich maritime history. To learn more, visit thunderbayfriends.org.

Director of Marketing Communications

• Dec 2014 - Aug 2016

Promote community-based philanthropy for a nine-county area that includes four community foundations: Northeast Michigan (Presque Isle, Montmorency, Alpena and Alcona), Iosco County, North Central (Crawford, Oscoda and Ogemaw) and Straits Area (Cheboygan County and Mackinaw City). Promote community-based philanthropy for a nine-county area that includes four community foundations: Northeast Michigan (Presque Isle, Montmorency, Alpena and Alcona), Iosco County, North Central (Crawford, Oscoda and Ogemaw) and Straits Area (Cheboygan County and Mackinaw City).

Senior Communications Director, College of Communication Arts & Sciences

• Aug 2012 - Mar 2016

Oversee strategic communications for college on Big 10 campus that includes five departments plus public radio and TV stations. College includes internationally recognized health and risk communication emphasis in public education campaigns, game design, social media, advertising + public relations, journalism, and speech and hearing research. Recent accomplishments include building a full-service communications office, developing a new website that received the 2014 Silver Excellence and Distinction Award for Education Website from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, earning a 2014 Gold ADDY for the college interactive holiday greeting, and preparing the entry application that merited the best state public television station recognition for three straight years.

Executive Director

• Feb 2011 - Aug 2012

Directed a multi-million granting organization that required extensive budgeting, public outreach and supervisory skills. Michigan Humanities Council mission is "to connect people and communities by fostering and creating quality cultural and literacy programs." Significantly expanded the reach of the Council's programs throughout the state in the number of counties, communities and diverse populations served. Increased funding for the organization at both the federal and state levels, as well as through private foundation and individual donations.The humanities are ways of thinking about what is human – our diverse histories, values, ideas, words, and dreams. Humanities play a vital role in shaping our communities by helping us understand the histories that connect us and the issues that divide us.

President and CEO

• Sep 1998 - Jan 2011

Built award-winning marketing communications firm with national clientele. Key services include strategic planning for non-profit sustainability, program development, grant writing, social marketing, legislative analyses, government relations for state/federal policy, issue analyses and recommendations for national and regional task forces. Primarily served clients with interests in community development, education, health, science and technology.Key accomplishments include:Developing and implementing a state and federal funding strategy to build a Michigan university-based multi-million dollar fuel cell research center and business incubator in a designated Renaissance Zone. Secured additional state and federal economic development funds to build a second facility two years after the first building opened.Creating a communications, advocacy and funding strategy for national task force on technology and disabilities. The two-year effort culminated in publishing a national report in which many of the recommendations were incorporated into public policy and are in practice today through collaboration with federal agencies, Congress, corporations and advocacy groups.Developing a communication strategy that resulted in the passage of a $52 million bond proposal (at the time one the largest, successful bond proposals in Michigan’s history), to update school district’s buildings and facilities.Recognition through numerous state and national awards for creativity and effective implementation of successful social marketing campaigns for education, healthcare and leadership (see listing).

Executive Director

• Jul 2007 - Mar 2010

Oversaw all aspects of state community and adult education association including professional training and certification programs, state and federal legislative affairs, grassroots advocacy, outreach and membership services, funding and finances, board/staff development and partnerships. Leveraged strong grassroots network to develop bi-partisan understanding and support for continued state funding of adult education programs amidst major education budget cuts. Oversaw all aspects of state community and adult education association including professional training and certification programs, state and federal legislative affairs, grassroots advocacy, outreach and membership services, funding and finances, board/staff development and partnerships. Leveraged strong grassroots network to develop bi-partisan understanding and support for continued state funding of adult education programs amidst major education budget cuts.

Director

• Jan 1994 - Jan 1998

Directed the National Medal of Technology program, the nation’s highest public honor for technological innovation. Expanded the program to include “Information Technology” as a key category, established a national, interactive permanent exhibit to honor medalists at the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, leveraged several million dollars worth of advertising to promote the presidential medal in SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN and DISCOVER magazines, and developed a special segment of the PBS Explorations series in which Alan Alda interviewed several medal laureates and explored their innovations. Worked closely with the White House, the National Science Foundation, Cabinet Secretaries and Congress to coordinate the selection process and the White House awards ceremony.

Director of External Relations

• Jan 1991 - Jan 1994

Developed local, state and national outreach and education programs for start-up, $32-million (annual budget), federally appropriated data research center that focused on the human dimensions of global change. Worked with Congressional offices during the appropriations process and prepared briefings and testimony for legislative oversight hearings. Responsible for overseeing communications of a rapid-growth organization that included several university-based nodes and a Washington, DC office. Provided executive-level support to board comprised of university IT executives from across the country. Managed communications and publishing staff and budget.

Communications Director

• Jan 1987 - Jan 1990

Promoted Governor's human investment priorities including early care and education, K-12 schools, postsecondary education, workforce development and telecommunications. The Cabinet Council functioned as a think-tank for innovative public policy which required working closely with state legislators, the Michigan Congressional Delegation, the National Governor's Association, leading education reform thinkers, as well as university teacher education programs and state departments. Many of the resulting public policy initiatives such as early care and education, school report cards, schools of choice, and career preparation and training in collaboration with community colleges are still in place today.

Director

• Jan 1985 - Jan 1987

Served as spokesperson and chief promoter of the youth awards, publicized application period and award recipients, coordinated selection process, awards ceremony and all associated events including a large exhibition of award winners and educational programs from throughout the state. Served as spokesperson and chief promoter of the youth awards, publicized application period and award recipients, coordinated selection process, awards ceremony and all associated events including a large exhibition of award winners and educational programs from throughout the state.

Public Information and Education Outreach Coordinator

• Jan 1982 - Jan 1985

Directed environmental educational programs, produced publications, fulfilled federal grant requirements for agency public participation and information, and developed a program, "Water Watch" which was recognized as the outstanding environmental program of the year at the International Environmental Education Association annual meeting in Banff, Canada. Directed environmental educational programs, produced publications, fulfilled federal grant requirements for agency public participation and information, and developed a program, "Water Watch" which was recognized as the outstanding environmental program of the year at the International Environmental Education Association annual meeting in Banff, Canada.