- Leads all economic development activities of the Chamber, including the aggressive recruitment and development of knowledge-based and technology-related businesses- Establishes strong communication and actively engages with site selection firms, company executives, business owners, brokers and public officials to encourage companies to locate or expand in the community- Proactively engages with local and statewide economic development agencies, higher education institutions, local government and other entities to advance economic development projects and initiatives- Leads the retail recruitment efforts of the City of Tuscaloosa and the Chamber at International Council of Shopping Center events

Planned, coordinated, and directed economic development initiatives, programs, and activities within SMEGA’s footprint which included several communities in Southern Berrien County and all of Cass County, Michigan. These programs and initiatives were developed in conjunction with the SMEGA Full-Board and SMEGA Operations Board (Executive Committee). These efforts were primarily designed to retain, expand, and attract primary employers within Southern Berrien County and Cass County, Michigan.

 Responsible for the delivery of the city’s Economic Development programs including attraction, business retention, small business development, and brownfield redevelopment.  Worked closely with Local Economic Development Officials (LEDOs), Elected Officials, Community Leaders, and Business Leaders to attract businesses, retain businesses, and encourage job growth in the city. Managed Economic Development projects resulting in the commitment of over 2,300 new jobs and the capital investment of over $125 million. Coordinated the elimination of over 1.2 million square feet of unused and dilapidated industrial space that was a blighting influence on the community. Administered over $700,000 in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants for petroleum and hazardous materials contamination. Assisted small businesses and entrepreneurs by way of the city’s low-interest loan program. Serve on a numerous boards and committees related to economic development.

I served as an adjunct faculty member at Spring Arbor University at their Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan campuses. I taught classes in economics, finance, and leadership.

I served as an adjunct faculty member at Indiana University South Bend (IUSB). I taught classes in economics, human resources, and career readiness.

 Responsible for the delivery of Economic Development programs to companies and communities in a seven county region of North Central Indiana.  Work closely with Local Economic Development Officials (LEDOs), Elected Officials, Community Leaders, and Business Leaders to attract businesses, retain businesses and encourage job growth in the region. Programs include, but are not limited to, Tax Credit programs, Infrastructure Assistance, and Training Grants.  Serve on a numerous boards and committees related to economic development. Managed Economic Development projects resulting in the commitment of 6,000 new jobs, the retention of 18,000 positions and capital investment of over $1.2 billion.

 Responsible for coordination and implementation of comprehensive Economic Development programs, including recruitment of high quality businesses, and business retention and expansion to improve and diversify state’s economy.  Responsible for developing new strategies and initiatives to encourage retention and growth of existing Indiana employers. Coordinated activities for the Indiana Steel Advisory Commission and the Indiana Transportation Manufacturers Partnership. Worked closely with the Regional Offices to train regional staff about Economic Development programs. Served as a liaison to Trade Associations, State and Federal Government.

 Planned and implemented marketing efforts, conducted economic analyses, market feasibility studies, and related research. Coordinated recruiting activities with elected officials, LEDOs, and community leaders. Established and built relationships with senior-level company executives to encourage expansion in Indiana. Managed Economic Development projects resulting in 65 companies receiving incentives from the Dept. of Commerce in the form of training grants, tax credits, and infrastructure assistance. These incentives were given for job training, job creation, and business retention.

Branch Manager 6/00 – 3/01  Directed daily operations of a $10MM branch office specializing in contract, contract-to-hire and direct placement of technical personnel including engineers, designers and technicians in the automotive and manufacturing industries. Directly managed an internal staff of 12 and indirectly supervised a contract staff of 250 – 300. Responsible for P & L, budget, revenue, receivables, headcount and quality. Served in leadership roles within the RDS Corporate Recruiting organization to develop policy, procedures, training and methods to improve recruiting performance and metrics. Coordinated campus recruiting efforts including job fairs, on-campus interviews, and building long-term relationships with university officials. Served on committee to improve EZAccess by PERSONIC (recruiting software system). In-Client Services Manager (Lead Recruiter / Account Manager) 8/98 – 6/00 Developed, managed and directed the delivery of Technical Staffing Services to existing and new customers. Supervised, trained, developed, coordinated & directed the Recruiting Department personnel. Administered human resources policies, procedures and communication to the contract employees. Sales & Marketing Representative 9/97 – 8/98 Identified and developed new business opportunities for contract staffing and in-house design services. Developed strategies to communicate RDS’ abilities to meet customers’ needs and implemented strategies. Coordinated resources including Recruiting Department, In-House Design Department and others to respond to customers’ needs.