President & CEO

• Feb 2022 - Present

Executive Director

• Jan 2020 - Feb 2022

Founded in 1984, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a unique cooperative project of the City of Boca Raton, the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, Florida Atlantic University, and Friends of Gumbo Limbo. Last year, more than 200,000 visitors took a break from the city bustle to enjoy a walk on our boardwalk, count the thousands of tropical fish in our aquariums, relax in our butterfly garden, or check on the patients in our sea turtle rehabilitation facility. As a beacon for environmental education, research, and conservation, Gumbo Limbo’s 20 acres on the protected barrier island provide refuge to many varieties of plants and animals - some rare or endangered. It also represents a commitment to protect our natural resources by our staff, volunteers, and the organizations that comprise the Center. Show less

President and Chief Collaboration Officer

• May 2012 - Oct 2021

Growth Guiders facilitates authentic leadership and organizational development through innovative and transformational consultative approaches to active learning, asynchronous growth, aspirational inquiry, and assessment of outcomes and ROI. NOTABLE PROGRAMMING • Stakeholder Management Strategies to Overcome the Resistance to Change • Designing, Staffing and Empowering Leadership Dynamics for Successful Teams • Applying Behavior and Communication Styles For Interpersonal Success • Leadership Transition Retreats for Nonprofit Leadership Cohorts • Rites of Passage, Ceremonies, and Ritualism for Relationship-Based Organizations • Men’s Retreats for Washington State University, University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky • Rites of Passage / Designing Appropriate Ceremonies • Social Norming / Men Coming Of Age 2-Day Retreats for Men’s Organizations • Social Norming / Advanced Team Building for Experienced Professional • Effective Communications and Strategic Thinking for Boards of Directors • 3 Phase Workshop on Facilitation Skills Training for Engineers • Making Informed Decisions About Choosing The College Experience For You • Developing and Managing Volunteer Programs for Nonprofits • Presentation and Facilitation Training for Field Consultants • Applying Active Listening Skills to Interpersonal Dynamics • Designing With The End In Mind Workshop For Program Managers • 8-week New Member Orientation and Skills Development Program and Facilitator Training Program • Developing Personal Core Values and Applying Them to the Larger Organization • State Assoc. for Nonprofit Executives CEO/CAE Leadership Bootcamp • Volunteer Skills Training and Interpersonal Skills Development • Techniques for Creating and Using Case Studies to Educate Professional Teams • Applying Motivational Interviewing Techniques to Managing Teams Show less

Executive Director

• May 2017 - Jan 2020

The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute and the Learning Center at PARI is a public, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing hands-on educational and research opportunities for a broad cross-section of users in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. With 56 buildings and over $200 million in assets, the campus has a unique history of serving as a former NASA installation, current international dark sky location and world arc for astronomical plates. We have facilitated Duke University's Talent Identification Program for 18 consecutive years. The camps and field studies focus on: astrobiology and astrophysics; astrophotography; deep-space astronomy; radio astronomy; cryptography; computational thinking and computer science; and earth sciences. I have provided a coherent vision for collaborative field study and camp through effective strategic oversight and expansion of the institute's operations. Partnering with staff and the president to develop PARI's strategies and associated financial and operational plans, I have allocated resources through clear objectives, targets, and measurements related to a one of a kind facility and assets. I have been relied upon to assess leadership capability and business demand; support the design, development and implementation of programs; write policies and ideate strategies to meet business needs and enterprise talent development goals. With thoughtful stewardship, I am have been responsible for an annual operating budget of more than 1.8 million dollars annually. Utilizing a fluid approach to diplomacy within the organizational structure; I identified, promoted, and contributed resources to strengthen the institute and manage its portfolio; which included identifying and supporting opportunities for research within existing funding streams and, where possible, through multidisciplinary collaboration across sectors and beyond. Show less

Interim Executive Director

• Apr 2016 - Sep 2016

Led the organization through a time of transition and planning for growth. Responsible for creating systems and operational protocols for the fledgling nonprofit. Engaged in a thorough assessment of systems associated with programming curriculum, grant allocation & management, fund development and civic engagement with other nonprofits. Offered strategies to improve the quality of what was offered to the clients. Offered thorough and critical evaluation of dynamics between the board, staff and programming volunteers. Additionally, provided a comprehensive training program for volunteers that focused on behavior styles and interpersonal communication; this curriculum focused on the strengths of the individuals and the entirety of the group. Gained critical insight into to the dynamics of diversity, prejudice, biases and fears within the LGBTQ community and typically underserved and underrepresented populations. As a youth advocacy and leadership organization, they provide affirmation, information, support and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth of ages 14-23 in 18 counties in Western North Carolina. Based on 2010 U.S. Census figures, it is estimated that there could be more than 4,000 LGBTQ youth in the 18-county region. Show less

Chief Operating Officer / Director of Chapter Services

• Oct 2004 - May 2012

Leader and primary administrator of member and chapter services operations for a 501(c)(7) nonprofit. The Director of Chapter Services position provided a wide variety of professional support to the executive vice president and administrative staff. Assignments were developed with, received from, carried out for, and reported to the executive vice president, with supervisory oversight from the board of directors' committee on membership services. This position coordinated activities of the chapter services' managers, field staff and administrative assistants through thoughtful collaboration with other departments and college/university administrators. In addition, this role represented the organization in dynamic situations associated with change, growth and crisis response when required and appropriate. In my tenure I provided effective and loyal support for the executive vice president's leadership through offering extensive professional assistance, project management, and recommendations on an array of organizational issues. Additionally, this position required the execution of a high degree of responsibility in organizational management which covered a broad range of activities, including the supervision of professional and volunteer staff serving the organization. This was a professional position requiring extensive inter-sector and inter-agency experience in the areas of policy development, legislation, inter-sector relations and lobbying, with exceptional analytic and communication skills. Show less

Tactical Crisis Negotiator, Emergency Response Team

• Jun 2004 - Oct 2004

The Emergency Response Team (ERT) respond responded to tactical situations throughout Gaston County. The team also responds to request for assistance from other municipal departments within Gaston County. During 2003, all incidents requiring the use of the Emergency Response Team were resolved without injury to suspects or team members. The Emergency Response team assisted the Special Investigation Unit with covert surveillance and high-risk warrant services. Special focus was on intelligence gathering efforts, suspect profile and crisis communications.During 2003 the ERT team assisted the Federal Bureau Of Investigations, ClevelandCounty Sheriffs Office and the Catawba County Sheriffs office in the planning and executing tacticaloperations. Members of the Emergency Response Team were utilized to conduct preplanning andsecurity surveys for locations throughout Gaston County. Members of the Emergency ResponseTeam also served on numerous committees providing information and obtaining information related to Homeland Security issues. Focused on the organization of a state wide negotiation group. During 2003 new computer technology was put in to use to enhance the teams ability during tactical operations. The Incident Command Computer Program provides updated information on manpower and resource availability, operational timelines, and allows immediate access to tactical plans.Training continues to be the number one priority for each team member. During 2003 a total of 5,320 man hours were dedicated to team training. This training included refresher training and specialized for specific areas. A special effort was placed on operating in a Weapons Of Mass Destruction situation. This included the collaboration with the Bomb squad and the Gastonia City Fire HAZMAT Team. Designed, implemented and provided provided specialized tactical negotiations training for other departments. Show less

Training Officer, Employee Development Unit

• 2004 - Oct 2004

Worked alongside executive leadership to conduct the annual In-Service Training Academy that delivered the vast majority of the 9,242 hours of On-Job-Training for sworn personnel. Specialized training in the areas of Rapid Response to Active Shooters and Response to Nuclear Incidents was the focal point of the training provided. Other courses, such as Firearms, Use of Force, Juvenile Minority Sensitivity Training (Certified Primary Instructor, Blood-borne Pathogens and Hazardous Materials were delivered to satisfy state mandated requirements. All sworn personnel employed by the department attended the training. Developed and administered a Learning Management System (LMS), including maintenance and regular reporting. Updated curricula in the production and test LMS to include assisting with deployments for training products, as well as Essential Job Training (EJT). Tested functionality related to updates, deployments, and patches made to the LMS. Completed weekly and monthly reports pertaining to the LMS, including revisions, deployments, and project deliverables. Assisted with the development of training material for LMS administration and assisted with process improvements and system documentation of the LMS.Played an active role in the administration of the Department’s transition from the Smith & Wesson service weapon to the new Heckler & Koch USP 45. Selection of the weapon system was based on the past performance of the pistol which has been utilized by the Emergency Response Team since October, 1997. This transition provided a 33% increase in ammunition available to officers as well as an overall newer weapon system. Supported the dynamic HR process of hiring eleven employees during 2003. Two of those hired were Basic Law Enforcement Training certified. Worked with Training Units at Gaston College, Western Piedmont Community College, and Central Piedmont Community College. Also supervised the department’s Field Training Program. Show less

Police Officer (ESP)

• Oct 1998 - Oct 2004

Police officers work in close collaboration with the communities they serve to maintain law and order, protect members of the public and their property, prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime and improve the quality of life for all citizens.Promoted to the specialist role of Detective and achieved a position on the emergency response team (ERT) as a crisis negotiator. Responsibilities included: working in partnership with diverse communities and individuals; providing a visible presence to deter crime and reassure the community; conducting patrol duties on foot, by car; developing community knowledge to identify individuals and locations at risk of being involved in crime; responding to calls and requests from the public to assist at incidents;diffusing potentially volatile situations with due regard to the safety of all involved; acting with sensitivity when dealing with dramatic crisis; conducting initial investigations, gathering evidence, taking statements; interviewing suspects, victims and witnesses; conducting arrests with due regard for the human rights, security and health and safety of detained individuals, members of the public, colleagues and self; preparing crime reports and presenting case files to senior officers and the District and Federal criminal courts; attending and giving evidence in court and at other hearings; completing administrative procedures; submitting internal crime reports and criminal intelligence reports; investigating and taking action on criminal information received from members of the public; gathering, recording and analysing intelligence to achieve community safety and crime reduction objectives and providing crime prevention advice; taking direction on specific duties from senior colleagues;attending road-related incidents including collision scenes, vehicle check points and traffic offenses; enforcing traffic laws and issuing fixed penalties for relevant offenses; dealing with lost or found property. Show less

Investigator, Special Investigations Unit

• Mar 2000 - Jun 2004

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigated complaints pertaining to gambling, alcohol,prostitution and primarily illegal drugs. In 2002 the Special Investigations Unit received 172complaints, compared to 136 received in 2001. This increase was been a particularly toughchallenge for the unit as two investigator positions were unfilled. The unit developed partnerships with the FBI, DEA, ATF and U.S. Customs. Other partners often include other state agencies and numerous other local police departments. The Unit worked to increase the cooperative efforts of narcotic investigations here in Gaston County. This effort has had great success in 2002. Unit statistics showed an increase in the number of charges made ( up 48%). Narcotic and cash seizures were are also above previous years levels. There was significant focus on cocaine, marijuana and pill form narcotics (xanax, hydrocodone and vicoden) while others are illegally manufactured and sold narcotic pills such as ecstasy.The rapid growth of methamphetamine and methamphetamine clandestine laboratories were particularly alarming to investigate. Methamphetamine is made with readily available materials in a process that utilizes and produces volatile and toxic chemicals. These chemicals pose an additional danger to investigators. The drug is particularly addictive and the clean up of these labs exposed the detectives to great danger. In 2002 there were three (3) separate clandestine meth labs investigated and eradicated in Gaston County. Show less

Police Officer / Patrol Division Interpreter (ESP)

• Mar 1996 - Oct 1998

Served the patrol division as a Spanish-speaking officer with an emphasis on making community members active participants in the process of problem solving. Helped community members mobilize support and resources to solve problems and enhance their quality of life. Engaged community members, to understand and contextualize their concerns, contribute advice, and take action to address these concerns. Created a constructive partnership that required energy, creativity, understanding, and patience. Reinvigorated communities that were challenged by multinational differences to collaborate, and deconstruct barriers of apathy and mistrust so that meaningful partnerships could be forged. Promoted trust as a fundamental foundation of the community partnership and problem solving. Show less

Pre-Trial Translation and Investigation Officer (ESP)

• Dec 1993 - Mar 1996

Conducted thorough and dynamic investigations of Spanish speaking persons held on misdemeanor or felony offenses. Performed criminal record checks and obtains and verifies information concerning employment, residency, and other ties to the community. Conducted over six hundred and fifty interviews either immediately before or after the advisement hearing (in general district court), or arraignment (in circuit court), where attorney representation is determined. Utilized complex matrices to gauge defendants' risk of flight and potential dangerousness to the community. Reported findings to district and circuit court judges and to counsel for the defendants (whether court-appointed or retained). Show less

Afterschool Site Director

• Aug 1992 - Apr 1993

Under the direction and guidance of the Youth Development Director & District Site Director and consistent with the mission of the YMCA and the policies and guidelines of the YMCA, the Afterschool Site Director will oversee the operation of one school-based afterschool program. The Site Director will supervise a group of children and consistent with the YMCA Mission, works with and care for children in a reassuring and comforting manner, always representing the Y’s Four Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty. While with children, the Site Director is responsible for leading activities, snack preparation and site cleanup, homework assistance, and communicating any behavioral difficulties to parents. Site Directors are responsible for all administrative functions of the afterschool / camp site. They will work closely with the District Site Director and Youth Development Director to ensure all YMCA, School, and Licensing regulations are fulfilled. Show less

Head Counselor, Program Coordinator

• Jun 1987 - Jul 1987

The Prince George's County Police Department's Youth and Family Services Division runs the Summer Safety Patrol Camp Program. The camp has been held for the past 57 years at the William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center in Brandywine. The week-long camp trains children between the ages of 9 and 12 in the proper way to become patrol officers. Children spent the week in the classroom and participated in such activities as bus evacuations. For fun, the campers went swimming, roller skating and bowling. The camp concluded with a family fun night. Show less

Camp Counselor

• 1983 - 1986

The Prince George's County Police Department's Youth and Family Services Division runs the Summer Safety Patrol Camp Program. The camp has been held for the past 57 years at the William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center in Brandywine. The week-long camp trains children between the ages of 9 and 12 in the proper way to become patrol officers. Children spent the week in the classroom and participated in such activities as bus evacuations. For fun, the campers went swimming, roller skating and bowling. The camp concluded with a family fun night. Show less