Experienced team builder and development director combining nearly two decades of academic and commercial knowledge to define and achieve positive stakeholder outcomes. Compassionate and development-focused leadership and high expectations for self/others provide the foundation for consistent success in roles with compounding responsibility. Creative thinking and pragmatic execution lead to process improvements and new revenue opportunities as well as high workforce engagement and retention. Attention to detail, an ability to conceptualize and initiate standardized procedures, and a comfort level across all business domains round out a highly effective and respected leader who is ready for the next rewarding challenge. Growth mindset extends beyond work, as an outdoor enthusiast, musician, volunteer, educator, public speaker, apiarist, parent, and pet lover who’s learning Spanish.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Cornell University, Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, Ithaca, NY 2016 - Present
Associate Director
• Cross-collaborate with the Research Division, colleges, OSP, DFA, the central university, and the Roper Board of Directors
• Extensive contract review and negotiation, and business development experience
• Manage all business affairs (grants, finance/budget, non-profit, human resources, strategic planning, external partnerships)
• Direct experience with pre- and post-award processes and grant administration policies, procedures, and regulations
• Orchestrated change management in the wake of relocation to Cornell (facilities, technologies, personnel, processes)
• Leverage a stakeholder management approach to inform and advise the revolving executive director and the external Board
• Build capacity by developing a team of 16-20 (administration, marketing/membership, software/IT, information science)
• Ex officio member of the Executive Board of Directors
Ithaca College, Roy H. Park School of Communication, Ithaca, NY 2015-2017, 2024-Present
Adjunct Faculty (Advertising and Writing for Public Relations)
Howell, Liberatore & Associates, Elmira, NY 2012 - 2015
Director of Business Development & Client Services
• Recognized opportunity, cultivated new public and private partnership revenue streams, deployed new technologies
• Advised the president on staffing, strategic spending, financial processes, and business administration decisions
• Directed design, IT, account executive, and finance teams as a project manager of deadlines and requirements
• Retained clients by developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns that enhance and grow their businesses
• Advised on client strategic planning, product development, market analysis, research and reporting
International Speedway Corporation, Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, NY 2004 - 2012
Senior Director of Marketing & Fan Experience
• Modeled exceptional organization in a complex industry to direct reports in marketing/communication & admissions teams
• Managed multimillion-dollar budgets; brainstormed new revenue opportunities and operating efficiencies
• Participated in capital budget planning processes under a major grandstand seating infrastructure expansion project
• Directed multiple creative, traditional, and digital media agencies to implement multiple annual marketing campaigns
• Synchronized marketing strategies with corporate headquarters and external stakeholders (NASCAR, media, sponsors)
• Cultivated corporate, higher education, government, and business partnerships
• Collaborated with external partners, facilities, law enforcement, and local government to establish Phish music festivals
• Gained extensive contract review and negotiation experience
EDUCATION
Cornell University – MBA, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, Ithaca, NY 2024
Saint Joseph's University – MS in Experimental Design, Philadelphia, PA
LEADERSHIP
• Executive Harold D. Craft Leadership Program graduate
• Cornell University Administrative Management Institute graduate
• ADEPT Professional Leadership Development graduate
• Disney Institute graduate
• National Camping School, Boy Scouts of America graduate
VOUNTEER
Board of Director Appointments
• Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, Ex Officio (current)
• Five Rivers Council, Vice President of Marketing and Communications (2012-2020)
• Interim Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (2020-2022)
• Vice President Fund Development (2022 - 2024)
• Musicians for World Harmony, Secretary (current)
• Corning Area Chamber of Commerce (2013-2015)
ACTIVITIES
• Central NY Business Journal 40 Under Forty
• Healthways - Blue Zones Project conference guest speaker
• Tanglewood Nature Center guest speaker
• TEDx Chemung River presenter (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Epcls1JILg)
• Eagle Scout, outdoor enthusiast, apiarist, artist, and musician
• Cultivated corporate, higher education, government, and business partnerships
• Collaborated with external partners, facilities, law enforcement, and local government to establish Phish music festivals
• Gained extensive contract review and negotiation experience