Responsible for the development of Step Forward’s government and community relations activities and overseeing Community Services programs (i.e., Neighborhood Opportunity Centers,  Family Development, Home Energy Assistant Program [HEAP], Workforce Development;   Vocation, Education, and Training Program for Veterans [VETS]; Digital Connections, and  Tax Preparation).Responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of government and community relations and Community Services programs and services relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership. Serve as ambassador for the organization and build relationships ambassador for the organization and will need to effectively build and manage relationships at the local, state, and federal levels. The goal is to advance the organizations position with relevant constituents through effective relationship management. Develop and manage relationships at the grass roots level. and for ensuring the CEOGC's outreach services are of the highest quality and are delivered to clients effectively and efficiently.To ensure quality will be responsible for developing qualitative metrics, in addition to the quantitative methods already employed, in order to allow comparisons from year-to-year of program effectiveness.  In addition to managing government and community relations activities, oversee, direct,  and organize the work of the Community Services staff.  Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning  and a commitment to quality and integrity.   Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development.   Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities,   set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer  salary adjustments.

Top rated managed care organization that serves more than 400,000 members. Gateway currently operates in the states of Ohio Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Delaware. Develop and enhance branding and visibilty of the company in the marketplace. Establish relationships with the community’s local and federal governments, business, education, minority, disabled, consumer and other special interest groups. Represent organization on task forces, boards and councils that are focused on health related issues that can strengthen the company brand.Develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff members in the local, state, and federal levels as well as work on legislative initiatives.Leveraged linkages to complement corporate branding initiatives including building third party awareness and advocacy for public policy initiatives, resolving customer problems, emergency response, and strengthening economic vitality of the service area. Gather knowledge regarding public health isseus, trends and legislative issues that can impact members, providers, or competitive position.Assist in the development, implementation, and onoing review of the company Public Relations Plan.Grow new relationships in the marketplace that will allow the company to develop its brand in a the new martketWork with key management team and outside contacts to develop and deliver external communications in line with corporate policies and procedures.Collaborate with internal departments regarding promotions, member education and marketing goals to ensure consistent and effective outreach and communication.Coordinated grassroots advocacy for local and federal issues resulting in improved community support.

Work with companies and non-profits to enagage the community and public officials. Assist the organizations in developing plans to help make an impact on the community , work on legislative concerns, as well as build the client’s brand. Help companies establish partnerships and relationships with community partners to leverage resources to impact the community.Led development of strategic plan for branding of companies and organizationsHelped craft the public policy agenda and set meetings with key House and Senate members as well as local city council members.Directed and managed the development of literature, brochures, fllyers and direct mail materials to help secure more business and funding for the organizations.Secured meetings with key civic and business leaders for in depth discussions regarding best practices and funding resources, including grant funding that are mutually beneficial.

Lead the company outreach efforts through community relations activities and sponsorships. Directed the outreach activities throughout the company area of Ohio, Georgia, South Carolina, and Indiana. Directed the planning, development, and implementation of the company’s community relations and outreach plan.Worked with senior management team in strategic planning of activities and programs to enhance the company’s corporate image and garner positive community support.Established and maintained effective working relationships with key decision makers, elected officials and other key individuals and organizations to achieve key company initiatives through community outreach.Managed the expansion of the Breast Cancer Awareness improved marketing efforts, honorees, hosts and awareness with community organizations, increased attendance from 600 to 1200 attendees.Oversaw and coordinated the Senior Volunteer Awards to recognize outstanding seniors who made significant contributions to their non-profit organizations.Coordinated projects and special assignments with senior executives and other management personnel as directed to promote executive fundraising initiatives including American Heart Association and Make-A-Wish Foundation.Coordinated and prepared community report for the company which was distributed throughout the company territory to key stakeholders and customers to highlight achievement of company initiatives.Reviewed and approved contributions and sponsorships that were in alignment with the company goals. Staff was responsible for managing all benefits.Participated in community outreach activities including speaking engagements, and served as a company representative at meetings and events of civic, fraternal, and social organizations.Served as a community spokesman for Medical Mutual events and helped to garner greater media coverage via print, radio and television to improve exposure for signature events.

Established protocols, procedures, and partnerships necessary for Leadership 18 to achieve its transformation to an organization using its collective power of its members to advance and influence major human development issues.Lead the public policy agenda for Leadership 18 initiatives by working closely with members of Congress and the White House Administration.Helped craft the public policy agenda for the membership and set meetings with key House and Senate members.Created agendas and set speakers for the bi-annual meeting and Executive Committee meetings to help move the non-profit communities forward.Responsible for managing the daily work activities in close collaboration with the Chair, Vice Chair, and Executive Committee.Created relationship with White House and First Lady, along with Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff and Department of Defense for the military initiative to provide outreach services to returning military members including careers, job training, housing and education, along with spousal support during deployment.Developed internship program for participating members with universities around the country including Harvard, Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, and Barnard College.Helped to improve the overall efficiency of the business structure for the organization by streamlining operations, creating access to member organizations, and creating a portal to organizations information.

Leveraged linkages to complement corporate branding initiatives including building third party awareness and advocacy for public policy initiatives, resolving customer problems, emergency response, and strengthening economic vitality of the service area. Helped garner support for long distance entry in state and helped generate $6 million in revenue.Testified before City Councils and State Legislators on AT&T issues including Alternative Regulation, and advanced Telecommunication Services.Represented AT&T with Mayors office and City of Cleveland on specific issues and initiatives resulting in savings for the company of $1 million.Coordinated grassroots advocacy for local and federal issues resulting in improved community support.