Abby Garrison Email & Phone Number

Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

Leads the Community Investments team to drive transformational change by deploying resources towards data-driven efforts addressing the key drivers of economic, health, and educational inequality in our region. SPECIFICS:• LEADERSHIP: As part of the 4-person executive leadership team, helps guide org-wide strategy and day-to-day operations of 45+ person organization with multi-million-dollar budget, vast array of program offerings, events, and funding streams, all with the ultimate goal of increasing opportunity for our region's most vulnerable populations• PEOPLE LEADERSHIP: Built streamlined Community Investments division from existing functions of grantmaking, capacity building, innovation, data and learning lab, public policy and government relations, and community programs; developed strategy and vision; recruited new team members and helped existing team members adapt; implemented OKR infrastructure, team building and accountability programs; executive leader for organization's DEI initiatives • INVESTMENT FUNDS: Created and oversees placement of 3 philanthropic investment funds (Bridge, Impact, and Catalyst); with staff, donors and partners, developed investment criteria and ROI expectations and focus on advancing racial equity• PARTNERSHIP: Develops strategic partnerships focused on relationship building, trust based philanthropic principles, and leveraging a network of aligned organizations, individuals, and board members• GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: Represents the organization and network at the local, state and federal levels, securing funding and policy outcomes aligned with strategic goals• COMMUNICATIONS: Directs Community Investment marketing and communications, working with our internal team and consultants to maximize external visibility in the media• THOUGHT LEADER: Serves as community convener and thought leader among diverse stakeholders on topics of impact investing, nonprofit sector, social innovation, and people-centered design

Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

Joined the United Way executive leadership team as VP of Venture Forward, charged with growing membership (achieved 22% growth in first year) for social sector capacity building and innovation sub-entity called Venture ForwardSPECIFICS:• CRISIS RESPONSE: Facilitated cross-sector community-wide COVID response taskforce; led regional outreach effort for TN-CARES Act fund deployment; co-authored regional COVID Impact Report on the nonprofit sector• REVENUE: Grew revenue 22% by focusing on value proposition, better communications, and improved customer service• COMMUNICATIONS: Overhauled Venture Forward website, communications, and media presence• FUNDRAISING: Launched inaugural Celebrate awards event and fundraiser• COLLABORATION: Grew state-wide partnership with Tennessee Alliance partners, piloting cross-promotional class registration and joint advocacy • INNOVATION: Directed collaborative customer journey map project for deeper understanding of United Way personas and design journeys with key community partners• ADVOCACY: Developed first ever advocacy agenda for Venture Forward's representation of the regional nonprofit sector• TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Developed and provided training to nonprofit sector on topics of board governance, board recruitment, nonprofit startup, and recruited subject matter experts on range of other training topics as requested

Chattanooga, Tennessee Area

As a social innovation organization, Causeway used an entrepreneurial approach to inspire and equip Chattanoogans to develop smarter solutions to our city’s toughest challenges. SPECIFICS: • LEADERSHIP: As inaugural executive director, secured initial $2mil foundation investment; transitioned organization from volunteer-run to professionally staffed, developing internal controls and processes; developed culture of collaboration, action, creativity and openness; oversaw design of collaborative community workspace • PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Led Causeway’s incubator and accelerator, community investment and participatory grant making, community events, and fiscal sponsorship offerings• INNOVATION: Designed new programs focused on creativity, people-centered community problem solving, and impact entrepreneurship; developed regionally-replicated community event Gratefull and a portfolio of additional innovative collaborations• OPERATIONS: Managed day-to-day operations including budgeting, space, annual audit, staffing; developed, maintained, and supported a strong board of directors and committees• FUNDRAISING: Oversaw organization’s fundraising efforts including individual, corporate, and foundation support and fundraising events; founding organizer of Giving Tuesday community campaign CHAgives that has raised $100K, $250K, $500K, and $700K in each successive year• COMMUNICATIONS: Directed all aspects of communications with the goal of creating a stronger Causeway brand and broader community participation through effective media channels• COACHING: Provided consulting and coaching to causes from startup through growth phase

Chattanooga, Tennessee Area

Senior leader who oversaw operations of a real estate and community lending focused neighborhood revitalization organization. Areas of program responsibility included real estate development, property management, community lending, neighborhood outreach, and educational programs. Areas of operational responsibility included marketing, PR, organizational branding, communications, fundraising, and partnership building.SPECIFICS: • Led day-to-day operations of 20+ person community development organization with multi-million dollar budget, $25 million loan portfolio, diverse lines of business, public and private funders• Negotiated refinancing of multi-family housing portfolio with investors and philanthropic funders• Oversaw land acquisition efforts, managing complex politics, feasibility, and financing• Managed annual budgeting and underwriting process in highly politicized environment• Reviewed and researched public policy issues, leading lobbying efforts at state and national level• Served as Interim Chief Executive Officer from July-September 2013

Chattanooga, Tennessee Area

Focused on development and implementation of organizational strategic initiatives at a real estate and lending-focused community development financial institution. Areas of responsibility included new program development, sourcing of funding, foundation and investor relations, communications and reporting, partnership development, departmental budgeting, real estate development and sales--all with a focus on culture change and organizational renewal.SPECIFICS:• Developed and implemented strategic organizational objectives in collaboration with staff & board. Special projects included $1 mil re:NOVATE loan program and Pocket Park Initiative• Researched and developed foundation partnerships, preparing all grant applications and reports• Supervised organizational performance and impact reporting, including CDFI re-certification• Directed all branding, marketing, social media, public relations, and volunteer outreach efforts • Sourced and incubated partnership opportunities with mission-aligned organizations

Chattanooga, Tennessee Area

Conducted performance tracking and impact analysis. Authored annual report.

Conducted economic studies for local and state government focused on business attraction, retention, and entrepreneurship

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Managed social media-based membership campaign designed to increase participation of college demographic within the preservation movement, coordinating with nationwide partner organizations. Ran day-to-day logistics of “This Place Matters” photo contest, managing cross-functional relationships with Legal, Public Relations, Development and sponsors.

Conducted variety of special projects including work on downtown retail revitalization plans, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Sustainability Plan, and a white paper on the role of public fountains

Helped launch Williams-Sonoma Home concept, including catalog, stores, and website. Worked with multi-functional team consisting of Design, Inventory Planning, Finance, Marketing, Sourcing, Production, Packaging and Visual.SPECIFICS:• Product manager focused on developing business strategies and assortment plans to establish brand identity, drive sales, and provide superior customer experience• Led cross-functional team consisting of Product Design, Inventory, Sourcing, Production, Finance, Accounting, PR & Marketing; responsible for growth of customer base & bottom line profitability• Analyzed and reported on metrics such as product performance, pricing, & market trends• Negotiated with international vendors and agents regarding costing, production and quality

Case leader for $9 billion securities fraud case, involved in daily operations of high-profile litigation. Assisted in drafting briefs and discovery motions, press releases, Board presentations, and SEC filings.

A.B., Politics

Activities and Societies: Ivy Club, Women's Varsity Volleyball Team Captain and MVP, Dillon Basketball League Volunteer Coach, OWL.

Master Of Arts (M.A.), City/Urban, Community And Regional Planning

Master Of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Real Estate

Activities and Societies: • Dual Degree Program: MBA and Masters in City and Regional Planning, class of 2010 • VP of Training.

High School