Social Services Senior Administrator at the DE Division of Child Support Services

• Jan 2017 - Present

Deputy Assistant to the Cabinet Secretary

• Jan 2009 - Present

Originally Director of Communications for Delaware Health and Social Services under the Governor Minner Administration. Under Governor Markell's administration, my primary work concerns returning ex-offenders to the community from jail or prison. Upon reentering society, former offenders are likely to struggle with substance abuse, lack of adequate education and job skills, limited housing options, and mental health issues and criminal justice debt.In this role: I Provide direct supervision to the Reentry Program, Maintain process for implementing ex-offender programs, including but not limited to, preparation of monthly reports, contribution to grant development, and other applicable systems to ensure goals, fidelity of model for programming, and program sustainability. Work in the community with other agencies, consumers, funders, etc. to insure a positive image of the program and participating agencies and to insure reentry programs are meeting the established needs. Monitor work activity on caseloads to ensure that cases are clearly and thoroughly documented. Review program procedures; assist in the development or revision of needed procedures. Maintains current knowledge of evidence based assessment tools and knowledge of the MIS computer systems. Serve as the primary liaison between the program and appointed Cabinet Secretaries. Conduct regular staff meetings, assess, and arrange for on-going training of staff. Represent the Delaware Dept. of Health and Social Services on criminal justice boards and committees. You get the drift.

Communications Director

• Mar 2005 - Jan 2009

Define strategy for and develop, execute, and manage comprehensive communications promotion plan encompassing integrated marketing initiatives designed to penetrate and grow targeted markets. Act as Department spokesman for print and on air appearances. Manage all media related activities. Communicate with customers, management, internal departments, and media representatives to coordinate overall communications effort in accordance with outlined goals. Plan and carry out research and analyses. Play integral role in communications product development activities. Lead and direct forward-thinking communications strategies. Write feature articles, short stories, biographies, essays, editorial pieces, press releases, research reports, and creative print/radio ad copy. Work with outreach to stakeholder and partner groups. Outreach activities include organizing special events, maintaining relationships via phone and e-mail outreach, fulfilling information requests, and logistical, administrative, and operational support for maintaining relationships with key communication stakeholders and partners.Selected Contributions: Developed and implemented system wide communications and branding strategy. Created promotions and public relations campaign resulting in 75% increase in positive print press coverage and an 80% increase in TV and Radio coverage and appearances. Established and sustained collaborative relationships with community representatives and print and broadcast media. Created powerful marketing messages. Cut Department communications expenditures by $200,000 through FY06 and FY 07. Developed Common Look and Feel re-design of the DHSS Website.

Department Chair - School of Business

• Jan 2001 - Aug 2004

Set goals with faculty members in the form of planned faculty portfolio. Conduct annual performance review of faculty and staff. Make merit recommendations to the dean. Evaluate faculty members for promotion/tenure and pre-tenure contract renewal decisions in accordance with university policy. Guide development of junior faculty in terms of promotion and tenure. Work with division members to prepare for, and respond to, their post-tenure reviews. Coordinate the completion of academic and governance tasks required of academic area members within the division. Represent the department to internal and external academic communities, alumni, business and industry, government, foundations, and the general community. Schedule classes, including developing a 4-year schedule, with the Dean of Academics. Recruit, train, and develop faculty, clinical and adjunct faculty, professional staff, and support staff to meet the needs of the department. Oversee administrative assistants and graduate assistants. Hire and manage adjuncts. Manage the department’s budget as determined by the dean. Interact with advisory board committees that are most closely aligned with the department's programs and courses or delegate that responsibility to an appropriate faculty member.Selected Contributions: Successfully maintained and increased client base by designing and implementing strategic student-retention projects. Planned and led execution of online advertising campaign that doubled student inquiries. Launched school radio station WCCR for live broadcast and 24/7 web streaming. Created student produced TV program Florida FX.

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR

• Aug 1996 - Jul 1999

Worked within a team environment to carry out a full range of communications functions, including writing press releases, taking photos, researching media opportunities, creating and placing advertising, planning and executing special events; handling details of a wide range of projects and activities related to the promotion of WXEL’s television, radio and community programs. Developed Web site promotions and web based marketing programs. Developed creative print and online marketing collateral. Provided direct support to Marketing Manager. Create all on-air promotion/production; copy-writing audio tags and VOCAS, assisting production of local promotional spots, organizing/digitizing on-air materials for on-air playback. On air talent.Selected Contribution: Increased overall ratings by 15% and children’s programming ratings by 20% over 3 years. Increased media free coverage. Contributed donor campaign theme idea that proved effective in delivering overall message.

Public Relations Officer

• Jun 1995 - Jul 1996

Oversee and coordinate full production of all on air children’s programming promotional spots; including concept design and implementation of age appropriate educational supplements; write, cast and direct all elements in field and studio; coordinate staff and technical crew for all shoots. Maintain communications channels with community, print and broadcast representatives. Publicize and promote performances and special events. Prepare and distribute press releases, annual reports. Act as on air talent. Freelance reporter for New Florida.Selected Contribution: Emmy Award recipient for Outstanding Children’s Education/entertainment interstitial segments. Increased viewership among 3 – 7 year old market base. Contributed campaign theme idea that proved effective in delivering overall message.