Experience

Town of Taos

• United States
• Government Administration
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Town Manager

  • Mar 2014 - Apr 2022

  Taos, New Mexico Hands-on management of a full service municipality of 190 employees with police, fire, public transit, parks and recreation, regional airport, sewer, water, library, E-911, recycling and landfill operations. Responsible for budgeting, union negotiations, affordable housing, special events, solar and energy initiatives, business and economic development. Simultaneously increased reserves 1/3, eliminated a $750,000 deficit, reduced operational expenses, increased police salaries 20%… Show more Hands-on management of a full service municipality of 190 employees with police, fire, public transit, parks and recreation, regional airport, sewer, water, library, E-911, recycling and landfill operations. Responsible for budgeting, union negotiations, affordable housing, special events, solar and energy initiatives, business and economic development. Simultaneously increased reserves 1/3, eliminated a $750,000 deficit, reduced operational expenses, increased police salaries 20%, management salaries 15% and employee wages for the first time in a decade. Increased GRT (7%) and Lodgers Tax revenues (20%). Developed or secured multiple annual events and venues for the Town, including Taos Farmers Market on the Plaza, the Michael Hearne Big Barn Dance ($2.6 million in annual economic impact), Meow Wolf Vortex (3 day music and interactive art festival), an 8,000 person outdoor venue for such acts as Sting, Alabama Shakes (8,000 people, $1.6 million in economic impact), Dwight Yocum (6,000 people), Michael Franti (5,000 people) and such community events as the 4th of July Downtown Concert and Fireworks (7,000 people), a weekly "Music and Movies on the Green"​ series, "Downtown Halloween" (5,000 people annually), "Rocking New Years Eve Fireworks and Balloon Launch" (3,000 people annually), and a free "Concerts on the Plaza"​ series, including "the Kongo's". Concurrently filled roles as the Airport Manager, the Town's first Marketing and Tourism Director, and the Director of Planning, Community and Economic Development. Created the Enchanted Circle Council of Governments. Facilitated the development of Taos Air. Restructured the Police, Fire, IT and Planning Departments. Oversaw a $24,000,000 airport expansion and $120,000,000 in new capital through the creation of the Office of Grants and Revenue Enhancement. Developed a multi-million dollar solar generation project, resulting in reduced energy bills and a $2,000,000 positive cash flow for the Town. Show less



Taos County

• United States
• Government Administration

• Deputy County Manager

  • May 2010 - Mar 2014

  Taos County Served as Department Manager for the Planning, Building, Community Development and Housing Departments of the County as well as other departments and programs as needed. Oversaw the Office of Emergency Management and County Fire Chief, as well as the design and development of a 1.4 million dollar regional E-911/Combined Dispatch and Emergency Management Command Center for county, municipal and federal emergency services, including BLM and the USFS. Coordinated the re-opening and restoration of… Show more Served as Department Manager for the Planning, Building, Community Development and Housing Departments of the County as well as other departments and programs as needed. Oversaw the Office of Emergency Management and County Fire Chief, as well as the design and development of a 1.4 million dollar regional E-911/Combined Dispatch and Emergency Management Command Center for county, municipal and federal emergency services, including BLM and the USFS. Coordinated the re-opening and restoration of the historic Old County Courthouse, a national landmark, on the historic Taos Plaza as a business incubator, tourism and economic development center. Charged with assisting the transition of all departments to the $56,000,0000 new county judicial complex, detention center and administrative complex. Responsible for delivery of a new set of County Land Use Regulations and community developed neighborhood plans for 9 unique areas of Taos County. Generated monthly economic projections and served as liaison to the Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations. Coordinated the development of the County's 2011 and 2012 budgets. Was responsible for constituent inquiries and complaints for the County and the County Commissioners. Participated on various task-forces and work groups with department heads and community-wide committees, including the proposed development of a regional recycling center and coordinating the closure of 3 prior landfillsites. Constructed an agreement for the County to assume Building Department, GIS and addressing responsibilities for the Town of Taos and eventually the Village of Questa. Show less

• Director of Planning, Community and Economic Development

  • May 2010 - Mar 2014

  105 Albright St, Taos NM While serving as Deputy County Manager with Taos County, NM, I also simultaneously served as Director of Planning and Building, and later as Director of the combined departments of Planning, Building, Housing, and Community Development. As such, in addition to my duties in the overall administration of the County, I additionally oversaw all functions of county planning, as well as planning and building for the municipality of Questa. Directed all county economic development programs, including… Show more While serving as Deputy County Manager with Taos County, NM, I also simultaneously served as Director of Planning and Building, and later as Director of the combined departments of Planning, Building, Housing, and Community Development. As such, in addition to my duties in the overall administration of the County, I additionally oversaw all functions of county planning, as well as planning and building for the municipality of Questa. Directed all county economic development programs, including the Main Street District and Arts and Cultural District for the municipality of Taos. Administered and restructured the county Community Development and Housing departments. Rebuilt the County Building Department and provided Building Dept. services for the Town of Taos, as required. Was responsible for the development and implementation of a new set of county land use regulations and the development and approval of neighborhood zoning overlays for 11 diverse communities. Reinstated a County Board of Adjustment and Construction Board of Appeals, improved and consolidated the county code enforcement program with the building code enforcement program and restructured the FEMA Floodplain Management, county wildfire management, GIS, E-911 and Rural Addressing programs.

• Director, County Office of Emergency Management

  • Oct 2012 - Dec 2012

  Taos, NM While Deputy County Manager, simultaneously served on the ICS/NIMS incident response team/command structure as Incident Commander for the County Emergency Operations occurrences for 2012. Served as OEM Public Information Officer (PIO) for 2011 and 2012, and as Operations Section Chief and PIO for a 2011 week-long weather-related energy outage that left 32,000 people without natural gas and intermittent power outages through New Mexico's longest and coldest period of sub-freezing weather in… Show more While Deputy County Manager, simultaneously served on the ICS/NIMS incident response team/command structure as Incident Commander for the County Emergency Operations occurrences for 2012. Served as OEM Public Information Officer (PIO) for 2011 and 2012, and as Operations Section Chief and PIO for a 2011 week-long weather-related energy outage that left 32,000 people without natural gas and intermittent power outages through New Mexico's longest and coldest period of sub-freezing weather in recorded history. Temperatures reached nighttime lows in the minus 30's with daytime single digit temperatures, leaving thousands of households without heat, water, cooking sources, etc. and nearly all businesses and government agencies closed. The incident involved the coordination of staff, equipment and resources from the NM Dept of Homeland Security, National Guard, FEMA, utilities, State Police, Sheriff's Office, EMS, public housing, County Public Works, volunteer fire departments and numerous municipalities. Also served as relief Incident Commander during this federally declared national emergency and as a member of the after-incident report team. Coordinated the subsequent County application for FEMA financial recovery assistance sufficient to cover all county losses/expenses. Established emergency sheltering for domestic animals and coordinated and publicized federal and state recovery assistance programs with FEMA and the Town of Taos for businesses and homeowners. Served as relief Director for the County Emergency Management Office for 2011 and 2012 and as full-time Director for the 4th quarter of 2012, including chairing federal (BLM, USFS), state and local inter-jurisdictional planning and prevention activities for wildland-urban interface wildfire activity during a period of prolonged drought and coordinated county response and recovery activities for several wildfire and flooding incidents.

• Executive Director, Taos County Housing Authority

  • Dec 2011 - Dec 2012

  Taos, NM Performed an internal investigation of policies and procedures and established reforms includng a tenant grievance and appeal procedure, donations tracking policies, criminal background checks, financial checks and balances and instituted improved bidding procedures in compliance with state, county and federal requirements. Served as hearing officer and adviser to the Board and senior management. Assumed full control as Executive Director of the 198 public housing units and 440 Section 8… Show more Performed an internal investigation of policies and procedures and established reforms includng a tenant grievance and appeal procedure, donations tracking policies, criminal background checks, financial checks and balances and instituted improved bidding procedures in compliance with state, county and federal requirements. Served as hearing officer and adviser to the Board and senior management. Assumed full control as Executive Director of the 198 public housing units and 440 Section 8 Vouchers after HUD identified fraud by the prior Director. Investigated and sought the resignation of several staff and purged all landlord and tenant lists of individuals with political conflicts or committing fraud, resulting in an additional 70 families being assisted. Developed a 5 and 30 year capital improvements and modernization plan for aging units. Recruited an interim consulting firm to retrain staff and manage the day-to-day affairs during the restructuring. Developed, lobbied obtained HUD, NMFA and County approval for and executed an exit strategy to dissolve the faltering housing authority and reinvent it as the Office of Housing Services within a newly proposed County Planning and Community Development Department; resulting in streamlined operational expenses and broader types of housing development and housing services to the community. Subsequently oversaw the transition of the housing program, staff and assets to a state endorsed regional housing agency and secured the designation of Taos as the hub for the new entity serving the northern 1/3 of New Mexico.

• Public Information Officer

  • Jan 2011 - Dec 2012

  105 Albright St., Taos, NM While serving as Deputy County Manager for Taos County, simultaneously served as County Public Information Officer. Responsible for preparing and issuing press releases and serving as media contact, appearing on local news and community events shows and performing interviews with print media, preparing briefings and scheduling interviews for elected officials, conducting public outreach and information campaigns, preparing PSA's in conjunction with media, coordinating public information… Show more While serving as Deputy County Manager for Taos County, simultaneously served as County Public Information Officer. Responsible for preparing and issuing press releases and serving as media contact, appearing on local news and community events shows and performing interviews with print media, preparing briefings and scheduling interviews for elected officials, conducting public outreach and information campaigns, preparing PSA's in conjunction with media, coordinating public information requests including mugshots and arrest reports for inmates of the county detention facility. Prepared print media advertising and public awareness campaigns. Planned, coordinated and executed special events to promote county programs and facilities.

• Human Resources Director

  • Feb 2011 - Nov 2011

  105 Albright St. Taos, NM While serving as Deputy County Manager for Taos County, I also served as Director of the HR Department for most of 2011. As such, I was responsible for all human resource functions for over 260 county employees. I conducted disciplinary hearings and served as liaison to the union in various personnel matters. Participated in union grievance and contract negotiations. Participated in employee recruitment and selection. Developed an interdepartmental county-wide re-organization plan to retain all… Show more While serving as Deputy County Manager for Taos County, I also served as Director of the HR Department for most of 2011. As such, I was responsible for all human resource functions for over 260 county employees. I conducted disciplinary hearings and served as liaison to the union in various personnel matters. Participated in union grievance and contract negotiations. Participated in employee recruitment and selection. Developed an interdepartmental county-wide re-organization plan to retain all employees, increase efficiency and services and reduce costs in the face of declining revenues. Successfully defended the County against unemployment, disability, Workman's Compensation and EEOC claims. Negotiated a successful multi-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the AFSCME that extracted key concessions in leave policies and other uncapped costs in exchange for increased efficiencies that translated into a 2% across the board increase for employees and management.



Archuleta County, CO

• United States
• Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Development Services

  • Jun 2008 - May 2010

  Pagosa Springs, CO Served as Director of the Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Economic Development and the County Housing Authority. Also served as liaison to the real estate, building and development communities as well as large-scale private investors for soliciting and guiding investment, project development, developer agreements and legacy projects. Oversaw regulation and approval of oil, gas and mineral development. Developed development, building, property maintenance and resource extraction… Show more Served as Director of the Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Economic Development and the County Housing Authority. Also served as liaison to the real estate, building and development communities as well as large-scale private investors for soliciting and guiding investment, project development, developer agreements and legacy projects. Oversaw regulation and approval of oil, gas and mineral development. Developed development, building, property maintenance and resource extraction regulations. Participated on the project team for public-private partnerships such as a solar and geothermal greenhouse project and spearheaded the restructuring of the County Housing Authority and Economic Development Authority. Show less



Rural Development Corporation

• United States

• President/CEO/CFO

  • Dec 1985 - Jun 2008

  Served as founder, CEO, CFO, President, Planning Director, grant writer, contract manager and construction manager, Developed all programs, policies and procedures, trained staff and conducted staff and program evaluations. Served as Personnel Officer and conducted enployee disciplinary actions. Obtained all licenses, permits and approvals for zoning, land use, construction, occupancy and operations. Negotiated all contracts for services, vendor agreements and consulting agreements with the… Show more Served as founder, CEO, CFO, President, Planning Director, grant writer, contract manager and construction manager, Developed all programs, policies and procedures, trained staff and conducted staff and program evaluations. Served as Personnel Officer and conducted enployee disciplinary actions. Obtained all licenses, permits and approvals for zoning, land use, construction, occupancy and operations. Negotiated all contracts for services, vendor agreements and consulting agreements with the corporation's government and private clients, as well as with those subcontractors to the corporation. Managed a 120 acre self sufficient residential campus, providing day care, job training, service supportive transportation, housing counselling, case management, emergency and transitional housing and supportive maintenance, administrative and food services. Under agreement with FmHA, VA and HUD obtained foreclosed distressed single-family homes, conducted rehabilition , housing counselling and converted homeless families into homeowners. Served as a consultant in community redevelopment projects in several counties. Developed a statewide system of warehousing and distribution for NJDA and USDA and directly operated several related commercial warehouses and trucking contracts for the distribution of food to food panties, soup kitchens, shelters and needy feeding programs. Developed a Certified Housing Development Organization (CHoDO) in conjunction with HUD and NJ Dept of Community Affairs. Provided contracted services to government agencies throughout 5 counties, such as hotlines, service directories, newsletters, transportation, program development and land use and human services planning, as well as services to non-profits and rural agencies, such as organizational and Board development, computer services and custom software design, staff training, facilities design and management, grant writing, lobbying, needs assessments, program evaluation, community organizing/outreach. Show less



Middlesex County Economic Opportunities Corporation

• Consultant

  • 1998 - 2006

  New Brunswick, Perth Amboy and Woodbridge, NJ Grant writing, construction management, community and economic development, organizational and board development, property acquisition and management, prepared and represented planning and zoning applications for urban properties, food bank and food cooperatives, development of community-based dental, counselling and health care clinics as well as Head Start and East Coast Migrant Head Start facilities, state agency and legislative lobbying.



Plumsted Township Redevelopment Authority

• Administrator

  • Jan 2005 - Jul 2005

  Served simultaneously as the CEO, CFO, Secretary of the Redevelopment Authority, where I recruited the Commissioners and development team, handled all land use issues, site identification and acquisition issues, solicited vendors and developed bidding processes and specifications for large scale mixed use development, reviewed, analyzed and recommeded on awards, conducted negotiations with respondents and developed redevelopment contracts and developer agreements, represented the Authority… Show more Served simultaneously as the CEO, CFO, Secretary of the Redevelopment Authority, where I recruited the Commissioners and development team, handled all land use issues, site identification and acquisition issues, solicited vendors and developed bidding processes and specifications for large scale mixed use development, reviewed, analyzed and recommeded on awards, conducted negotiations with respondents and developed redevelopment contracts and developer agreements, represented the Authority before various municipal and state regulatory bodies and served as CEO of a high level operations and development team comprised of municpal and redevelopment lawyers, tax lawyers, bond counsel, auitors, accountants, engineers, planners, public and private utilities and multiple large commercial partners and developers, including both general and limited partners. Designed and brokered a deal for the general partner (Centex Homes) to buy out and absorb the limited partners in a financial restructuring of the project. Faciltated the transition from a local Economic Development Authority to a state approved regional Redevelopment Authority, including the development of special taxing, public services and self-governing districts (Special Improvement District, Business Improvement District, Neighborhood Preservation District). Negotiated full ownership and governance form the Redevelopment Authority to the host municipality, which is required by state law upon the completion of the duties assigned to the Redevelopment Authority in the ordinance creating it. Show less



Progenitor Consulting

• United States
• Biotechnology Research
• 1 - 100 Employee

• President/CEO/CFO

  • Sep 1994 - Jul 2005

  Toms River and Vineland, NJ Founded and operated a consulting company specializing in organziational management and planning. Provided consulting services and representation at negotations or public hearings on matters such as land use, zoning, facilities design, construction management, licensing, contract and program development, internal investigations, union and labor negotiation, accounting and financial management. Developed and recommeded on specialized software, computer, inventory management, personnel and social… Show more Founded and operated a consulting company specializing in organziational management and planning. Provided consulting services and representation at negotations or public hearings on matters such as land use, zoning, facilities design, construction management, licensing, contract and program development, internal investigations, union and labor negotiation, accounting and financial management. Developed and recommeded on specialized software, computer, inventory management, personnel and social services tracking systems. Developed public information and public relations campaigns across multiple media platforms. Served as a political consultant, economic analyst and policy advisor to local, county, legislative candidates and congressional candidates, to both political parties and to numerous community groups. Researched and prepared grant and foundation applications for municpal governments, county governments, housing authorities, community and economic development organizations, and non-profits. Show less



Plumsted Township, NJ

• Director of Community Development/Deputy Township Administrator

  • Apr 1994 - Jul 2005

  New Egypt, NJ Served in numerous capacities with the Township and Economic Development Authority, many simultaneously, including Director of Community Development, Main Street Executive Director, Code Enforcement Officer, Asst. Zoning Officer, Municipal Alliance Coordinator, Neighborhood Preservation Program, national and state Main Street Program designation, grant writer, served as Township staff for the municipal Planning Commission, etc. Responsible for all business and economic development, coordination… Show more Served in numerous capacities with the Township and Economic Development Authority, many simultaneously, including Director of Community Development, Main Street Executive Director, Code Enforcement Officer, Asst. Zoning Officer, Municipal Alliance Coordinator, Neighborhood Preservation Program, national and state Main Street Program designation, grant writer, served as Township staff for the municipal Planning Commission, etc. Responsible for all business and economic development, coordination of special events, liaison to Business and Merchants Association, Arts Council, Historic Society, etc. Responsible for agri- and eco-and historic tourism development, redevelopment of downtown park and lake system, formation of historic district, business promotion, press releases, special events and special projects for the Mayor and Council. Show less



Carteret Citizens United Redevelopment Organization

• Consultant

  • 2004 - 2005

  Carteret, NJ Planning, legal and economic analysis of a proposed large scale municipal redevelopment plan, development and presentation of alternate plans, public education, media relations, conduct negotiations with consultants, state agencies, municipal staff, Mayor, Planning Dept., citizens groups, business associations, property owners and the Redevelopment Authority. Identify public and private financing options.



Plumsted Township Economic Development Authority

• Administrator

  • Apr 2001 - Dec 2004

  New Egypt, NJ Served as Main Street Coordinator. Obtained state and federal designation as a Main Street Community and designation for the Neighborhood Preservation Program. Obtained all state and local approvals for the Plumsted redevelopment District and Redevelopment Authority. Served as CFO, Personnel Officer, Secretary, contract manager and grants manager for the EDA. Served as Business Ombudsman for the municipality, directing businesses and potenail businesses through approval and relocation… Show more Served as Main Street Coordinator. Obtained state and federal designation as a Main Street Community and designation for the Neighborhood Preservation Program. Obtained all state and local approvals for the Plumsted redevelopment District and Redevelopment Authority. Served as CFO, Personnel Officer, Secretary, contract manager and grants manager for the EDA. Served as Business Ombudsman for the municipality, directing businesses and potenail businesses through approval and relocation procesess, Identified, counseled and developed 30 new locally owned and operated Main Street businesses in 18 months, achieving 100% occupancy within the target area within 24 months. Coordinated the clean up, condemantion or sale of over a dozen substandard key properties. Secured funding, state and federal technical assitance for key economic development projects, including the redesign and redevelopment of dilapidated water front parks in the downtown area. Show less



COTA (MIgrant Farmworkers Rights Union)

• Consultant

  • 1985 - 1987

  Vineland, NJ Inter-governmental and legislative relations, community and public relations, housing development, grant development, organizational development, public zoning and land use applications and presentation. Representation to the US and NJ Department of Labor.



Cumberland County Women's Abuse Center (Domestic Violence Shelter and Counselling Center)

• Consultant

  • 1986 - 1986

  Vineland, NJ Grant and program development, board development, licensing, and facility identification, acquisition and capital financing.



Casa PRAC (Puerto Rican Action Committee)

• Consultant

  • 1985 - 1986

  Vineland, NJ Inter-governmental relations, community relations, housing development, grant development, organizational development, zoning and land use applications and representation.



Nanticoke Lenni Lennapi Indian Nation

• Consultant

  • 1985 - 1986

  Bridgeton, NJ Negotiated federal and state tribal designation, land conservation, DoE weatherization contracts, housing, and property acquisition for a permanent tribal reservation.



Glassboro Housing Authority

• United States
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant

  • 1985 - 1985

  Glassboro, NJ Program development, capital funding, grant writing, housing, policy and procedure development, financial software, lobbying.



Together, Inc. (National runaway youth hotline and shelter)

• Consultant

  • 1984 - 1985

  Glassboro, NJ Grant, program and organizational development, legislative lobbying, facility identification, capital planning and licensing.