Developed an innovative program that provides free technical and managerial support to very low- and low-income Mobile Home Communities to complete water, wastewater, & stormwater projects. Projects are funded utilizing regional and federal funding sources including, but not limited to, USDA-Rural Development, HUD-Community Development Block Grant, and EPA-Clean Water/Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. Key duties: Relationship building, pipeline development, grant writing, grant management, construction project management, and identifying barriers to funding programs. USDA grant funded position.

Identified efficiencies in standard processes and participated in creative problem solving on major challenges. Lead efforts to identify and prioritize the needs of affiliate partners. Provided mentorship, coaching, and training to affiliate staff. Developed a Competency Framework that clearly articulates the necessary skills and traits of ROC USA Certified Technical Assistance Providers as a tool to provide a “common language” to facilitate dialogue around human resource capacity.

Provided coaching, guidance, and supervision to a team of four Cooperative Development Specialists. Developed and cultivated partnerships across sectors and interfaced with resident leaders, the local media, organizational decision-makers, and government officials. Created simplified systems to manage complex concepts to train staff and resident leaders utilizing the ROC USA model of cooperative resident ownership. Served on the Management Team.Acted as VT team point person for the NEROC program: provided feedback, held team members accountable to community compliance requirements, and aligned state initiatives with the NEROC and CDI strategic plan. Provided on-boarding and orientation to new hires and developed tools to streamline the process. Jumped into challenging community situations from severe collections issues to the implementation of a major infrastructure project funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

Supported pre- and post-acquisition manufactured-housing communities. Acted as lead on 5 acquisitions in VT ranging from 10 to 120 sites. Provided technical assistance to up to 8 post-acquisition communities at one time. Ensured all due diligence, financial, and legal compliance deadlines were met. Trained, coached, and advised boards of directors on organization development, operations, and best practices. Coordinated services with vendors: lenders, attorneys, engineers, public funders, etc. Fostered and maintained relationships with local, state, and federal lending institutions for acquisitions and utility upgrades to learn more about their programs and how they can support Resident Owned Communities. Provided project management through acquisitions and post-acquisition infrastructure upgrades. Coordinated funding applications for infrastructure and utility projects from sources including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) and other state and federal funding programs.

Provide direct services to residents of mobile home parks including identifying resources and solutions to improve and maintain housing conditions, individual advocacy, and technical support for communities forming resident-owned cooperatives. Maintain detailed and accurate records of activities for grant reporting.

Assessed clients’ needs and helped resolve crisis situations by coordinating community services, providing information, referrals and advocacy. Established and maintained positive and respectful relationships with clients, community resources and other agencies. Aided in the revitalization of a standardized documentation process. Recommended and developed systems and best practices to aid in data input/analysis for outreach workers and managers. Collaborated with agency directors and software programmers to design new database. Wrote procedure manual for new Outcome Tracker database program. Organized and facilitated trainings on data collection and client intake interviews.

Interviewed clients to determine eligibility for State and Federal fuel assistance programs. Insured compliance with State and Federal program requirements.

Promoted the Neighborhood Market, a low-income alternative model CSA. Conducted and analyzed data gathered from focus groups, surveys, and interviews to monitor and evaluate the program. As Assistant Manager of the Brattleboro Winter Farmers’ Market oversaw public relations, communicated with vendors and musicians, and assisted customers. Supported and promoted the Affordable and Accessible campaign increasing customers’ EBT dollars by 40%. Worked with diverse populations from all socio-economic backgrounds.

Coordinated event planning and advertising for 200+ events, including composing and distributing fliers, press releases, and web materials. Developed and executed fundraising strategies, prepared and administered grant submissions, and participated in organizational budget creation and monitoring. Organized and attended forums, meetings, and workshops to interact with the community to build and develop local relationships and partnerships.

Created a new position within the organization reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer. Acted as liaison between the Chief Financial Officer and the Student Financial Services Office. Disbursed and monitored a budget exceeding 30 million dollars, while operating in a surplus. Oversaw procurement, allocation, distribution control, cost compilation and cost analysis.

Administered and maintained compliance of Title IV funds, Direct Loans, Pell Grants, and Institutional Aid Budget. Ensured accuracy of Federal, State, and Institutional guidelines for student enrollment and financial aid eligibility and policies. Collaborated with the President and the Dean of Admissions in the strategic planning for the allocation of financial aid resources. Supervised daily operations of a student service-oriented staff of Financial Aid and Student Accounts representatives.

Taught techniques to help freshmen students acclimate to the emotional, social, and academic changes required for the transition from high school to college level learning.

Implemented an integrated, administrative information system, Colleague by Datatel. Authored a new procedure manual derived from analysis of existing processes and procedures. Maintained and streamlined records by establishing a utilitarian filing system.

Developed reports to track student accounts receivable data. Advised students about financing options for their education. Supervised a team of customer service representatives and provided support to management.