Experience in competitive grants and federal subgrant programs administered through the SC Department of Education including Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds; Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act; American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act; Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult Education, Generational Literacy, and Integrated English Literacy/Civics Education; McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; 21st Century Community Learning Centers; Education, Economic Education Development Act; Arts Curricular Innovation; Farm to School; Summer Reading Camp Community Partnership; National School Lunch Equipment Assistance; and Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program.Effective collaborator with finance and program staff to prepare, submit, and manage grant funds. Selected Grant Awards:$9.6 million, US Department of Education, Magnet Schools Assistance Program (2023)$85,639, SC Workforce Development Board, Workforce Innovation Grant (2018)$106,899, South Carolina Community Block Grant for Education Pilot Program (2018)$13.7 million, US Department of Education, Magnet Schools Assistance Program (2017)$747,908, SC Department of Education, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant (2016)$99,861, US Department of Agriculture, Farm to School Grant (2015)

Freelance research and grant preparation for education and nonprofit organizations. Clients include: Elam Leadership Institute, New York, NY (2022)United Way of the Lowcountry, Beaufort, SC (2022)Georgetown County School District, Georgetown, SC (2021-2022)Spartanburg School District Five, Duncan, SC (2020)Oberg Research, Atlanta GA (2014-2015)SC State Museum Foundation, Columbia, SC (2014)

As the Director of Development, my focus was on developing the infrastructure to support a sustainable and donor-centered development program and diversify fundraising efforts to increase donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government grants, as well as through special events/projects.In addition to fundraising efforts, I spearheaded a re-envisioning of a comprehensive communications plan, branding and marketing efforts to promote Habitat’s mission.

During my tenure at EdVenture, I was responsible for leading my team to secure more than $1.5 million in annual revenues through major gifts, sponsorship, special events, membership, grants, and individual, corporate, and government funding, as well as management of a $6 million capital campaign for major museum projects and expansion.I served as the department lead for all government, corporate, and foundation grant requests and led government relations efforts to support operating and capital needs through local Hospitality Tax Revenues.Principal Achievements:Increased development revenues by 40% during my tenure.$500,000, Institute for Museum and Library Services, National Leadership Grants for Museums (2013)$150,000, Institute for Museum and Library Services, Museums for America (2013)Spearheaded “Yes, Every Child, Accessibility Plan” allowing for $1/person daily admission for anyone receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (2012)Launched SC Children’s Museum Early Learning Collaborative among all six children’s museums in the state to leverage political and social capital of children’s museums as leaders in early childhood development with a lead gift from The Boeing Company (2012)$733,400, FEMA, Fire Safety and Prevention (2012)National Medal for Museums, Institute of Museum and Library Services (2011)$750,000, Kresge Foundation, Arts Capitalization Program (2011)$250,000, Richland County, Special Hospitality Tax Request (2010)$150,000, Institute for Museum and Library Services, Museums for America (2010)

As an independent consultant, I provided comprehensive research and grant proposal services for nonprofit organizations including Madison Children’s Museum and We the People/Wisconsin.Major achievements for clients included:$250,000 National Endowment for the Humanities, Challenge Grant (2009)$250,000 Wisconsin State Budget Line Item (2009)

As Development Associate for Foundation and Government Relations, I was responsible for securing funding to support annual and capital needs for the museum’s $10 million expansion. My role involved prospect research, proposal development, and cultivation of elected officials at the local, state, and federal level. During my tenure I was responsible for increasing government funding by over 50% from prior years.

During my tenure at The Threshold Incorporated, I served as a Vocational Evaluator, Service Coordinator (Case Manager), and was later promoted to Vocational Services Manager where I led a department of 16 staff across five program areas to support employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Specific strengths included working with individuals with diagnoses on the Autism spectrum, developmental disabilities, and mental health challenges. During my leadership, I was able to raise the profile of our services with government funders, school districts, and prospective and current families.

While at the Waukesha Training (currently Easter Seals) I served as a Case Manager and later Vocational Evaluator, where I performed psychological and vocational assessments to determine appropriate employment goals for individuals with disabilities.