Founder of micro non-profit, community of practice and online platform, Live It Nation. I work in several developing nations serving communities around the Pacific, Africa, and the US, promoting synergies among diverse people through the mechanisms of media communication and marketing. I manage a team of volunteers that encourages innovative discussions around issues related to culture and customs, business, tourism, education, community development, the environment and climate change. Live It Nation works alongside its subsidiary forums to promote business and professional networks to a global audience. I worked with our country representatives/volunteers on climate change awareness campaigns and initiatives including the “No Plastic” ban of all single use plastics in Tonga, Vanuatu and The Solomon Islands.

Responsible for the establishment of new business and the retention/expansion of existing businesses to support underserved communities in the County of Salem, NJ. Developed and managed the annual budget and supervised department procurement, contracts and human resources; developed quarterly contract/grant reports for state and regional agencies serving minority populations. Managed and facilitated monthly meetings for the Salem County Economic Development Council/Board and collaborated with key players and partners in the region. Developed and planned county wide conferences to showcase new and emerging industries for residents, elected officials and other local/state partners. Attended meetings of local, state, federal, and other groups for the furtherance of efforts to attract businesses/new industries and presented at numerous organizations on county projects. Worked with new and established businesses to assist in locating possible funding sources including, but not limited to, state and federal grant monies. Marketed and promoted economic opportunities through traditional and multi-media methods. Developed PR’s and collaborated with media partners to raise awareness for new projects/programs. Supervised volunteers at county and municipal economic development events; arranged site and community visitation by business prospects, and local/state officials. Developed monthly and quarterly reports/E-Updates for dissemination to target audiences and stakeholders. Prepared clear, concise, accurate, and informative statistical reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Implemented financial, contractual, and administrative FAO regulations, policies and practices, and reporting systems to assist developing nations in the Pacific. Led the following processes/initiatives: created a database and analysis of the local Travel Allowances/Daily Subsistence Allowances (DSA) for Pacific Island Countries in the FAO Subregion for government staff/officials. Compiled the Labor Acts of all countries in the FAO Subregion and created a database and analysis of the various staff entitlements including Maternity leave, Paternity Leave, Annual Leave, and Sick Leave. Compiled an analysis of telephone expenses/usage for FAO SAP over a six (6) to twelve (12) month period. Provided support and coordinated day-to-day procurement operations, including specialized and complex processes and functions, ensuring the consistency, timeliness and conformity with relevant rules, procedures and practices. Supported daily financial operations through account receivables in GRMS and ensured procedures were properly carried out for auditing purposes. Performed functions relating to the United Nations FAO procurement process, including the preparation of documents related to assigned procurement actions, identified methods of solicitation, issued tenders and purchase orders, evaluated bids and followed-up on suppliers, attended tender opening panels, drafted amendments and renewed contracts and service orders.

Responsible for the accounting and financial management functions of the organization which serves underserved communities in Washington, DC including procurement/payables and receivables, monthly reconciliations, maintenance of the general ledger, financial reporting, and ADP payroll processing. Provided financial and administrative support to staff attorneys and clients as well as managed vendor relationships. Created financial grant and contract reports for state and federal agencies as needed. Developed and managed the annual budget and worked closely with the Financial Advisor, Chief Operating Officer, and HR Manager to establish procedures and management controls, and to ensure accurate benefit plans enrollment and compliance.

Developed and managed the organization’s annual budget and implemented the day-to-day accounting and human resource management functions. Accounting duties included reconciliation of bank statements and closing books on a monthly basis, maintaining well-organized and clear records of all financial transactions, as well as completing the annual audit. Managed procurement/accounts payables and receivables, processed bank deposits, developed ad hoc and monthly YTD/Variance reports for the Board and Finance Committee, and provided staff training on financial policies and procedures. Human resource duties included processing bi- weekly payroll and administering the staff benefits program. Performed database and fundraising management, supervised fixed assets register, and worked closely with the Executive Director in the preparation of major contract and grant reports, as well as maintained the grants calendar. Performed general administrative/support tasks as needed.

Managed the hotel’s operations including finance and accounting, marketing/communications, events, food and beverage, front office, and guest relations. Developed and facilitated the hotel’s annual operating budget. Managed and tracked expenses in order to achieve maximum flow through to the bottom-line profit. Monitored monthly inventory of supplies and equipment and ensured purchases made were within budget and by approved vendors. Worked with the Sales team in order to meet revenue objectives, identified potential business partners in local and international markets, and maintained relationships with key organizations to increase the hotel’s visibility. Supervised all staff and teams, assessed employee performance, and ensured that professional development needs were identified and addressed. Managed crisis situations and ensured that all guest-related issues were resolved in a manner consistent with the hotel’s goals and objectives. Assisted with email and phone reservations, provided updates to the hotel’s website, and attended tourism industry related conferences locally and internationally.

Responsible for the day-to-day administration and financial management of community development projects. Established procedures and management controls for payments, allowances, and reimbursements for staff and fellows. Developed and reviewed budgets, prepared monthly and quarterly financial reports for the Board/Executive Committee and responded to all internal and external financial inquiries. Managed accounts payables/procurement and receivables, staff expense reimbursements, and staff payroll. Managed stipend payments for fellows living abroad and across the United States, and the administration of all lease agreements for fellow housing. Ensured that financial reporting obligations were met in relation to contracts with key partners including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Ashoka, Habitat for Humanity, UN Foundation, and Acumen Fund.

Implemented the roadmap/strategic plan designed by FIFA through the Football Federation Samoa (FFS) Executive Committee to serve and engage rural and underserved communities through the vehicle of grassroots football. Implemented financial, contractual, and administrative regulations, policies/practices, and reporting systems by the governing body FIFA. Responsible for the administration of the secretariat, supervised all staff and committees, as well as managed the key activities of the federation including finance and accounting, human resources, property management, marketing and communications, competitions, community development, as well as technical and legal matters. Responsible for delivering well managed efficient and effective services to federation members, and managed internal conflicts and operational crisis situations. Developed budgets and supervised the preparation of financial accounts and reports for annual audit processes in accordance with FIFA/OFC financial regulations. Responsible for attracting new funding streams through partnerships with national and international public/private organizations to support FFS competitions and programs. Responsible for maintaining the highest standard of presentation of the national headquarters and facilities. Represented Samoa as a member of the executive delegation at the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

Managed SamoaTel’s sponsorship portfolio to ensure that programs were fully leveraged, costs minimized, and direct sales optimized. Played a lead role in the negotiating of all new sponsorship contracts and sponsorship renewals. Maintained strong, commercially successful relationships with sponsors and advertisers. Developed PR’s and managed press conferences for new sponsorship agreements and contracts. Leveraged all revenue opportunities across SamoaTel’s product portfolio throughout the Pacific and attended regional telecommunication conferences. Led the planning across the sponsorship team, ensured that all budgets were monitored and met, and was responsible for post campaign analysis and recommendations.

Managed payroll of a mid-sized boutique hotel for approximately 15 full-time staff members, oversight of online, walk-in and telephone reservations, managed the food & beverage unit as well as general housekeeping services. Served as guest relations liaison, procured office, guestroom, restaurant and bar supplies as needed. Worked with overseas travel wholesalers and agents to generate sales and promote marketing of property.