As a veteran economic development and public affairs professional, I have successfully worked in federal and state government; nonprofit health care and research; and a university setting. I have guided applicants to millions of dollars in federal grant funding. I have also partnered successfully with many influencer groups, public officials and the media to achieve specific policy, communications and outreach goals.My skill set includes program management, grant administration, public affairs, marketing, strategic communications, writing and content creation, cause marketing, volunteer management, government affairs, and economic and community development.One highlight of my professional career happened at the PKD Foundation, a health care nonprofit that supports research to cure a life-threatening genetic kidney disease. I positioned the organization as a lead sponsor of federal legislation to prohibit insurers and employers from discriminating against individuals based on their genetic makeup and health history. This bill was signed into law in 2008. The grassroots advocacy program I developed was instrumental in highlighting PKD patient stories to Members of Congress and the media.More recently, I helped guide one of the 21 national finalists for the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Build Back Better competition. The South Kansas coalition achieved a $52 million award to strengthen the region's aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.Outside of work, I am avid long-distance runner who has completed 21 marathons (as of 2024) in 17 states with a PR of 3:52 and 33 half marathons with a PR of 1:34.