Program Manager
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Creator, writer, speaker and strategist for Selling To The Commonwealth, an educational program designed to teach businesses how to sell goods and services to state government. Created Supplier-Buyer Exchange, an online newsletter that educated readers about the emergence of web-based procurement. Generated a positive image regarding e-commerce. Collaborated with state agencies, local governments, community colleges and economic developers to deliver training to business owners throughout Virginia. Reached distant audiences via web conferencing. Self-taught the complex rules of government procurement and historic legal issues surrounding state, local and federal purchasing practices.Managed Virginia Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification program, an initiative to identify majority woman-owned businesses and promote their inclusion in public sector contracting. Established, wrote and edited online WBE newsletter and outreach materials. Speaker and panelist at numerous local, state and federal business opportunity conferences. Collaborated with multiple community organizations to raise awareness of benefits of WBE certification. Promoted positive economic impact of including small, women and minority-owned firms in public sector contracting. Assisted business owners with technology learning curve, including navigation of several new web-based business opportunity portals.Managed Virginia Small Business Development Center (VSBDC) program, a statewide entrepreneurship training initiative comprised of 29 locations around Virginia. Chief writer, editor and production manager for VSBDC Annual Report, other marketing materials, and website copy. Raised awareness among key stakeholders about the program’s positive impact on Virginia’s economy. Leveraged web and online tools to increase program reach and improve efficiency. Assisted staff with technology and internet learning curve.
