Andre Harper Email & Phone Number

Syracuse, New York, United States

Leading the day-to-day operation of the Dunbar Center with specific focus on fundraising (i.e., grant writing and proposals), program development and operations, and administration (financial and personnel oversight)

Rochester, New York Metropolitan Area

Rochester, New York, United States

Action for a Better Community promotes and provides opportunities for low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient. Head Start creates opportunities for family growth through quality education, transportation, and support for families.I manage the Family Services, Enrollment, and Transportation departments that support Head Start programs serving 1,100+ children in Rochester and Monroe County. I supervise three supervisors who oversee 25 team members.I administer the $1.6M annual contract that ensures that ~300 students have reliable transportation to and from daily classes. This includes managing a partnership with a third-party transportation service.During the COVID-19 pandemic, I developed strategies that allowed our program to achieve and maintain full enrollment, while instituting training to orient staff to novel approaches and motivate them to meet program goals under the circumstances presented by the pandemic. By meeting program those goals, the agency retained $1M in funding that would otherwise have been at risk.I raised Head Start and ABC’s profile through a new slogan, “Grow with Head Start,” which appeared on billboards and in print media. We increased community awareness by throwing out the first pitch at a Rochester Red Wings baseball game and by promoting programs through electronic media campaigns.When COVID-19 led to shutdowns in March, 2020, I devised alternative uses for our transportation partner that allowed ABC to honor its contract with that firm. As a result, Head Start was positioned as a “priority client” when the demand for student transportation ramped up as shutdowns ended, thus ensuring that Head Start’s transportation needs could be met.I led a Community Advisory Board that developed a mission statement, refined program practices, and identified community resources that augmented Head Start programs. This led to ABC – Head Start in Rochester becoming a national model for delivering services.

Rochester, New York, United States

As Center Director, I managed a Head Start Center serving 340 children ages 3-4 years old, which included developing and managing a $1M annual operating budget and supervising 56 team members.A key component was managing Head Start’s collaboration with the Even Start Family Literacy Program through the Rochester City School District and the Tele-Health Program provided by UR Medicine.I prepared IEPs and IFSPs for children with learning challenges and their parents that created opportunities for their educational success.During my tenure in this role, we maintained full enrollment for four consecutive years through the design and implementation of creative recruitment strategies.

Rochester, New York, United States

I led a team of 10 case managers that delivered services to 340 children and their families. My responsibilities included managing student recruitment efforts; monitoring employee performance; providing mentoring to improve employee productivity; and implementing an improved record-keeping system.

Rochester, New York, United States

In my initial role with ABC’s Head Start program, I led workshops and supported classroom instruction for students with behavioral challenges. I was able to champion multiple initiatives that reduced absenteeism and coordinated transportation for students with disabilities.

Master Of Science In Strategic Leadership

Certificate In Non-Profit Management

Bachelor Of Science In Organizational Management