I serve on the board of the Neighborhood STAR Program, which reviews applications and awards loans and grants for capital improvement projects in Saint Paul Neighborhoods.

*Researched policy issues and coordinated bill drafting with advocates and stakeholders. Guided and tracked several hundred key policy initiatives through the legislative process.*Served as Senate liaison to Governor’s office and all executive agencies.*Hired, trained, and managed staff and interns during the legislative session.*Crafted media advisories and press releases; distributed to print, radio, and TV outlets. Created talking points, speeches, and policy briefs for Assistant… Show more *Researched policy issues and coordinated bill drafting with advocates and stakeholders. Guided and tracked several hundred key policy initiatives through the legislative process.*Served as Senate liaison to Governor’s office and all executive agencies.*Hired, trained, and managed staff and interns during the legislative session.*Crafted media advisories and press releases; distributed to print, radio, and TV outlets. Created talking points, speeches, and policy briefs for Assistant Majority Leader, who served as Senate majority caucus spokesperson from 2007-2009.*Coordinated news and editorial interviews with statewide media outlets.*Wrote and edited e-newsletter sent to over 1,000 constituents. Managed constituent services including problem solving and correspondence for a three county, greater Minnesota Senate district.*Demonstrated leadership through development of best practices and training of new employees.*Managed complex schedule for Assistant Majority Leader.*Attended legislative and district meetings as a surrogate for senator. Show less

*Developed and implemented organizational strategy as member of Senior Management Team.*Initiated and maintained a marketing strategy for the Council, developing relations with TV, radio, and print media while increasing Council exposure across the state. *Grew staff from two to five full-time employees and seven volunteer interns.*Hired, trained, managed, and evaluated a department of five full-time employees.*Responsible for overall creative direction, planning and… Show more *Developed and implemented organizational strategy as member of Senior Management Team.*Initiated and maintained a marketing strategy for the Council, developing relations with TV, radio, and print media while increasing Council exposure across the state. *Grew staff from two to five full-time employees and seven volunteer interns.*Hired, trained, managed, and evaluated a department of five full-time employees.*Responsible for overall creative direction, planning and implementing department goals, quality assurance, and directing over 250 unique program itineraries on a short turn-around basis.*Maintained organizational relationships with over 2,000 professional resources from business, government, politics, media, education, and arts constituencies.*Managed a department budget of $234,000 and government grants of $135,000.*Wrote and received grants from NGOs and federal government.*Diversified funding sources by 33% and grew new business contacts by 25%.*Demonstrated national leadership through development of best practices through staff exchanges and as a speaker at four national conferences. *Oversaw department coordination of professional exchanges for over 1,000 visiting professionals annually.*Led state advocacy campaign to U.S. Congress, securing $8 million increase in FY06 IVP funding. Show less