Deputy Director

• Oct 2022 - Present

Director Of Operations

• Dec 2019 - Oct 2022

District Bridges’ vision is to thrive together in equitable, resilient, connected communities here in DC and beyond. As the first multi-Main Street organization in the country, District Bridges is able to more rapidly launch successful, impactful programs through a streamlined operational setup, increased staff capacity to serve local businesses, and a holistic approach to community development that works to address the critical needs of each community. We use our on the ground experience and knowledge to support other organizations, neighborhoods, and cities build their own capacity and small business support ecosystems.As Director of Operations, Ms. Odendahl oversees the organization’s programmatic growth and operational sustainability, increasing the effectiveness of the organization through systems implementation, development, personnel management, and program implementation. This includes the management of Access Point, an online education platform for DC small businesses, and District Bridges’ six designated Main Street programs - Chevy Chase, Cleveland Park, Columbia Heights | Mount Pleasant, Logan Circle, Lower Georgia Avenue, and U Street - serving over 1,000 businesses in ten neighborhoods across northwest DC. Show less

IDA Emerging Leaders Fellow - 2021 Cohort

• May 2021 - May 2022

Executive Director

• Dec 2017 - Dec 2019

As Executive Director, Ms. Odendahl was responsible for overseeing and implementing alladministrative and programmatic operations for the organization. Specific accomplishments include:• Increasing contributed revenue to the organization by over 500% in two years;• Engaging 46% of customer-facing businesses on the corridor in EMMS activities, more than double the national average for Main Street programs;• Establishing a volunteer base of over 50 for working committees and events;• Establishing EMMS’ social media platforms and growing the following by 97%;• Serving as a panelist at the first DC Retail Summit in May 2019, hosted by the DC Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; and• Leading EMMS when voted as the Best BID/Main Street by the Washington City Paper’s 2019 Reader Poll, winning over organizations with multi-million dollar budgets, numerous staff, and many years of service. Show less

Program Manager

• Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

Assistant Manager, Corporate and Foundation Relations

• Aug 2014 - Jan 2017

- Managed a portfolio of over 25 corporate, foundation, and government funders generating over $7.5M in contributed revenue annually. - Managed two assistants and led them in researching, identifying, and engaging new prospects; writing and editing grants and proposals; and stewarding donors from the $5K to $5M level in support of the Kennedy Center’s education programs, educational research and evaluation efforts, Comedy at the Kennedy Center season, and the artistic advisorship of Renee Fleming. - Collaborated with corporate partners to activate multi-layered sponsorships including large client events, employee engagement, mutually beneficial press opportunities, and diverse channels of brand visibility - Created and disseminated informational materials to engage stakeholders, including newsletters, one-pagers, and presentations - Worked with program teams and finance department to develop and monitor budgets - Managed the planning and implementation of both small and large donor events - Represented the Kennedy Center at funder meetings, events, site visits, and performances. Show less

Development Officer for Grants and Proposals

• Jul 2013 - Aug 2014

- Managed all prospect research, grant applications, sponsorship proposals, and institutional donor stewardship in support of museum activities - Created and edited letters, appeals, articles and other miscellaneous copy to support the activities of the department, specifically responsible for monitoring gift acknowledgement materials and the Museum's Annual Fund - Assisted with the management of Development events including Art on the Rocks, Museum Gala, and annual Donor dinners - Responsible for compiling and editing the Museum's Annual Report and preparing it for publication Show less

Museum Intern: Development - Art on the Rocks

• Jun 2013 - Jul 2013

•Worked with the Development Events Manager to prepare for each event by assisting with all logistics, including planning and implementation of the event•Managed volunteers for each Art on the Rocks event, including recruitment, check in, and all communications•Assisted in the management of the Art on the Rocks Facebook page •Worked within TicketBiscuit to both sell tickets and manage all Will Call•Assisted in the distribution of marketing materials •Assisted with development administrative duties, including working with the Museum’s development database, Raiser’s Edge; assisting with corporate relations for the event, and serving as a liaison for event performers Show less

Graduate Internship: Development and Special Events

• Mar 2013 - May 2013

- Researched and wrote grant applications for foundation and government organizations including but not limited to Fulton County Arts and Culture, Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, and South Arts - Created an extensive competitor and market analysis of BurnAway's programs and activities - Engaged in comprehensive prospect research which resulted in 10 new foundation prospects - Gained experience in volunteer management, event planning and implementation, corporate sponsorship, and email marketing Show less

Graduate Internship: Program Management and Marketing

• Sep 2012 - Nov 2012

- Researched and compiled a complete list of Southern Visions exhibits from 1995 to the present, creating inclusive binders for each exhibit as well as a master database - Expanded knowledge of email databases and marketing tools by drafting and designing ArtsReady campaign emails - Completed extensive market research for ArtsReady: identified marketing, social media, and renewal strategies from various vertical industries - Researched and compiled a complete list of Southern Visions exhibits from 1995 to the present, creating inclusive binders for each exhibit as well as a master database - Expanded knowledge of email databases and marketing tools by drafting and designing ArtsReady campaign emails - Completed extensive market research for ArtsReady: identified marketing, social media, and renewal strategies from various vertical industries

Intern

• Aug 2011 - May 2012

- Researched and wrote numerous foundation and government grant proposals, compiled comprehensive organization and program budgets - Created a membership and donor tracking program; maintained the Park’s membership records - Provided superior customer service to those visiting the Park, visitors range from low-income families to CEOs - Assisted with the Parks advertising and marketing programs - Researched and wrote numerous foundation and government grant proposals, compiled comprehensive organization and program budgets - Created a membership and donor tracking program; maintained the Park’s membership records - Provided superior customer service to those visiting the Park, visitors range from low-income families to CEOs - Assisted with the Parks advertising and marketing programs

Dance Department: Student Coordinator

• Sep 2008 - May 2012

- Served as Student Coordinator; dancer and choreographer; previously served as Assistant Student Coordinator and Costume Manager - Organized and facilitated annual public performances that featured more than 20 students and were attended by 200-300 guests; additionally served as Director for Fall 2011 performances, as Assistant House Manager for Fall 2008 and Fall 2009 performances, and House Manager for Fall 2010 performance - Managed all rehearsals and administrative tasks for the Department of Dance and fostered unified atmosphere and open communication between students, staff, and community - Maintained entire departments costume collection from 2008-2011, including the creation and implementation of a new organizational system Show less