Experience

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  Ithaca Dwntwn Bus Imprv Dst In

  • Chief Executive Officer

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  Downtown Ithaca Alliance and Business Improvement District

  • Ithaca, NY

  • Chief Executive Officer

    • Jul 2023 - Present
    • Ithaca, NY

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  Self-employed

  • Baltimore, Maryland Area

  • Senior Consultant

    • Feb 2016 - Present
    • Baltimore, Maryland Area

    Provide critical analysis and key recommendations for business, non-profit, and government clients to align long-term planning, goal setting, and project management with leadership’s expectations and management styles. • Assess existing and proposed programs for efficiency and effectiveness; outline performance enhancement, business alliances, and funding sources. Provide coaching goal-setting and resource referrals for staff of all levels.• Crafted business development and marketing initiatives to increase revenue and social impact. • Key clients include National Park Service, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (Reimagine Middle Branch Plan), Maryland Philanthropy Network (21st Century Schools Initiative), Baltimore Curriculum Project, Clapp Communications, Warehaus, Banner Neighborhoods, Baltimore Tree Trust, Friends of Herring Run Park.

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  Midtown Community Benefits District

  • Baltimore, Maryland Area

  • President

    • Jun 2018 - Jan 2022
    • Baltimore, Maryland Area

    Lead organizational transformation and cultural change through intensive analysis of programs, staffing and funding models, service delivery, and community needs. Ensured fiscal stability and growth by enacting policies, updating City legislation, and ensuring all BID funding received. Established inaugural long-term reserve and expanded fee-for-service revenue. Preserved four neighborhoods’ distinct interests while providing exceptional daily cleaning, greening, and safety services, including continual service during a global pandemic.• Conducted comprehensive data analysis of District to align programs and outcomes.• Improved business model and performance by implementing new technologies across all programs.• Instituted standards of excellence for staff training, communication, accountability, customer service, recognition, and created a comprehensive annual performance evaluation. Managed 30 member staff. • Collaborated with government and non-profit partners to address major community issues by establishing a workforce development program, addressing homelessness, and identifying new capital projects in parks. • Developed and implemented long-term strategic plan for District that embraces the communities’ interests while balancing the expected outcomes with the limited tax revenue budget and identifying new funding. • Promoted the area as a district of four unique neighborhoods providing outstanding quality of life and growth opportunities for residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, cultural venues, and visitors.

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  Mahan Rykiel Associates Inc.

  • Baltimore, Maryland Area

  • Director of Strategic Development

    • 2015 - 2016
    • Baltimore, Maryland Area

    Analyzed existing corporate structure of a 45-person firm to maximize employee performance, ensure client satisfaction with high quality design and planning services, and identify future growth opportunities.

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  Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

  • United States
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • 1 - 100 Employee

  • Vice President, Economic Development and Planning

    • 2008 - 2015

    Developed strategies and programs to stimulate economic and business activity in downtown Baltimore. Led all aspects of implementation, including securing funding, fiscal management, and constituent involvement. Advanced the organizational mission through direct interaction with its governing boards, the Office of the Mayor, City Council, city commissions, private businesses, institutions, and non-profits.Plans & Reports - Downtown Strategic Plan, Pratt Street Redesign Plan, Downtown Open Space Plan, Downtown Retail Strategy, Downtown Development Report (annually) and State of Downtown Report (annually)Projects & Programs - Facade Improvement Program, Operation Storefront, TechConnect, Preston Gardens Redesign, City Capital Budget Requests, Community Development Block Grant, High Performance Market Rate Rental Housing Tax Credit

  • Director, Retail Development

    • 2004 - 2008

    Created and directed business and retail development campaign, implementing baseline analysis and comprehensive planning throughout downtown, including a multi-year collaborative strategy with city agencies to recruit and retain retailers. Managed open space initiatives and physical environment improvements, including the Pratt Street Redesign Plan.

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  Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks

  • Baltimore, Maryland Area

  • Director, Office of Partnerships

    • 2003 - 2004
    • Baltimore, Maryland Area

    Established and administered the office to formalize partnerships with private citizens, non-profits, and business group volunteers supporting and enhancing the city park system.

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  Baltimore City Mayor's Office

  • Baltimore, Maryland Area

  • Neighborhood Liaison

    • 2001 - 2003
    • Baltimore, Maryland Area

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  City of Kennesaw

  • Kennesaw, GA

  • Downtown Development Specialist

    • 1999 - 2001
    • Kennesaw, GA

    Managed aggressive economic development and historic preservation strategy.

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  Teach For America

  • Oakland, California

  • Teacher

    • 1997 - 1998
    • Oakland, California

    History, English, and art appreciation; led student group in leadership and fundraising.