Denise Ward Email & Phone Number

Orlando, Florida, United States

Identify and nurture community partnerships. Create and implement annual development plan and strategy for fundraising. Conducts public relations activities including events, media relations, and the development of promotional materials. Develop and maintain grant management systems and related policies and procedures. Research grant prospects, writing and proposed development. Create and send out bi-monthly newsletter to highlight supporters, accomplishments and educate on the work of Friends of Children & Families. Plan and produce organization’s social media platforms; provide and update social content; support website maintenance.

Develop strategy, schedule, and coordinate monthly sessions for leadership development class and events after promotion from contract position. Manage current class participating in Leadership Seminole Program. Recruit and train 150+ volunteers annually; create agendas; identify event locations, and oversee logistics (including transportation, catering, and audio-visual technology use). Seek and secure new sponsorships/funding for programs and events. Drive 11 session and 2 event budgets. Champion organization’s social media platforms; provide and update social content; support website maintenance.▪ Established solid rapport and relationships with alumni and program stakeholders for sponsorship success and to cultivate community connections. Worked with organizations such as Wharton Smith, AdventHealth, Orlando Health South Seminole, EPIC Engineering, Seminole County Public School, and Seminole County Government. ▪ Selected to lead committees for event planning of Leadership Seminole After Hours, Bowling Green, and Community Leadership Celebration (which attracted 375 attendees). ▪ Collaborated with volunteer team to expand team support for Bowling Green event from 22 to 40 teams.

Oversaw media relations, PR, marketing, and staff members. Developed and distributed press releases and pitched stories to media. Promoted services and special events by creating and executing marketing strategies. Supervised, coordinated, and monitored two grant-funded programs. Identified and filled in service gaps, participating in various groups to support community.▪ Honored to join committee that was tasked with restructuring State’s PIO system by Department of Health.▪ Managed media coverage for 1st school closing in FL, 1st death, 1st delivery of vaccine, and 1st public vaccination clinic in Central FL due to H1N1.▪ Developed and introduced comprehensive and detailed media contact list; forged respectful and synergetic relationships with media representatives.▪ Contributed to rebranding project and website redevelopment, managing various outside vendors.▪ Published author/contributing writer on health issues for Orlando Medical News and Sanford Herald.

Managed program operations, large team, and recruited along with trained participants to ensure growth of Train to End Stroke fundraising event. Motivated and grew relationships with participants and volunteers. Marketed program to targeted audiences. Supervised and recruited for local Stroke Hero Program. Secured local sponsorships.▪ Promoted and revived market, expanding non-profit program from 65 to 187 participants in 1 year.▪ Exceeded fundraising goal (in 2003-2004) and earned incentive.▪ Increased response to direct mailer by analyzing mailer’s performance and making strategic edits.

Worked to increase fund-raising for stroke research and education. Maintained communication and educational community programs to reduce death and disability from stroke. Developed key relationships with voluntary and other agencies in the community. Researched community demographics and trends.

Master'S Sports Administration

Activities and Societies: Volunteered in the Sports Information Department

Sports Medicine & Health Appraisial & Enhancement, Youth And Deviance

Activities and Societies: ECAC - Enviromental, MUSM - Sports Medicine ClubMinor in Coaching Education