Community, Nature, Health.

Lead Programs Specialist

Responsible for developing policy to incorporate childhood lead poisoning prevention strategies into rental housing code enforcement. This work included inspiring the support and trust of diverse publics with conflicting interests, including elected officials. Strong research, analysis, and communication skills were leveraged to work in an environment with strong emotions.

While working to develop policy and support leadership, skills were also used to conduct deep program evaluation, lead quality improvement initiatives and grant writing, and to initiate the development of long-needed adult education and engagement strategies focused on enlisting proactive behavior from rental property owners.

December 2021 to Present

Founding Executive Director

Established new 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Fourteen years of organizational management, development, and continuous improvement for a small non-profit that required the executive director to lead in all facets of operations:

• Operational management

• Fiscal management

• Human resources

• Fund development

• Communications and public relations

• Evaluation and planning

• Non-profit administration

Developed and operated successful programming to protect children from environmental harm. Integrated board strategic planning and staff operational planning.

Raised revenue to meet and grow budget ($825,000 FY 20-21), including creating and growing the organization’s donor base and initiating innovative funding strategies including earned income and social impact investing.

Leveraged the organization’s local results to influence state and federal policies and practices. Served as an advisor to various local, state, and federal task forces and commissions. Maintained exceptionally strong public relations for the organization as a leader locally, across the state, and nationally.

August 2006 to October 2020

Get the Lead Out! Project Coordinator

Provided staff leadership for interdisciplinary collaborative working to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in Kent County, Michigan.

Successfully worked with dozens of partner organizations to implement a shared vision. Results oriented strategic planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

Facilitated grant writing, resulting in more than $10 million in new money for local initiatives.

Leadership for statewide and local campaigns to get legislation passed and increased budget allocations.

Secured regular media exposure.

Conducted training programs for health and human service professionals.

Lead poisoning rates in Kent County decreased more than 60% during this time period and lead hazards were repaired in more than 400 homes where young children were at risk.

October 2001 to June 2006

Special Projects Development 

Designed and assisted with the launch of two successful new programs—foreclosure prevention and household lead hazard control. Responsible for securing funding for the first three years of operations. Temporary position.

November 2000 to September 2001

Executive Director

Facilitated volunteer organizational leadership. Implemented annual planning. Managed professional staff (5), AmeriCorps workers (5) and interns. Grew annual budget and managed finances. Cultivated new donors. Stabilized faltering membership by increasing member confidence. 

November 1994 - March 2000

Community Organizer 

Solved community issues through research, education, building consensus, planning, and organizing residents for action. Achieved results through impacting public policy, direct action, and program development. 

November 1988 to November 1994