The Elevate Global (EG) is transforming and elevating lives, and uplifting nations for the betterment of humankind. EG intervention strategy focuses on building economic resiliency through education, reskilling & upskilling workers, innovation & entrepreneurship and sound economic policy. EG provides advisory and consultative services for clients in the United States and abroad. The Our multidiscipline team of collaborators is comprised of advisors, consultants and resource partners with experience in project development, management, funding and implementation. The team expertise ranges from agriculture, rural development, infrastructure development, education, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership development, healthcare and innovative housing options.

Developed, managing and implementing a rural Entrepreneurship and Innovation Playbook that supports the President’s Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Report - Call to Actions.

Consultant, Rural Empowerment Advancement Program (REAP), San Antonio, TX.REAP serves rural Texas businesses, communities and economic development corporations. Key Accomplishments:▪ Providing research and planning services; working with clients to align public and private financial resources with community projects.

Director, University of Texas at San Antonio, Institute for Economic Development, Rural Business Program, San Antonio, TX. Key Accomplishments:Provided consultative advisory services, research, planning, project development and financial services to small/medium size businesses, economic development corporations, communities, public housing authorities and municipalities across a 79-county region.▪ Provided training to implement core values and Valued Based Leadership (VBL) at The University of Texas at San Antonio – Institute for Economic Development.▪ Co-developed “Shell Oil Municipal Capacity Building (MCBP) training modules, to equip city administrators, elected officials and other key stakeholders with the administrative capacity to plan, develop and manage new growth opportunities and create sustainable communities.▪ Co-founded, hosted, planned and managed the Governor’s Texas Rural Challenge Annual Conference from 2009-2017. The only statewide conference of its kind focused on entrepreneurship, capacity building, workforce development, housing, infrastructure, healthcare and youth engagement. Organized the Texas Student Challenge and the Texas Strong Entrepreneurship Pitch Competitions for university students and SBA SBDC clients.

Founder and President, Cicero Management Consulting, Biloxi, MS.Specialized in providing technical, managerial and financial services to business and government clients such as municipalities, banks, and developers to support their real estate and economic development efforts. Key Accomplishments:▪ Projects included the Mississippi New Market Tax Credit project; and providing marketing and underwriting support to the South Texas Business Fund.

Deputy Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Biloxi, MS.Established via Presidential Executive Order to coordinate long term re-building of the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast Region following the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina. Key Accomplishments:▪ Managed long-term federal rebuilding efforts in Mississippi by working with state and local officials to identify and develop strategies and solutions for infrastructure, housing, small business, labor, environmental and other related issues that impeded the full recovery of the region.

Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Served Joint Field Office (JFO) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for Hurricanes Katrina/ Rita response/recovery efforts. Worked under direction of Vice Admiral Theodore Allen to coordinate/implement the National Response Plan. Key Accomplishments:▪ Focus was on the agriculture, commerce and housing. Worked with State of Louisiana, local stakeholders and federal partners, including U.S. Coast Guard, Corps of Engineers, DHS, SBA, HUD, EPA, Labor, Commerce, and other federal officials to coordinate the recovery and rebuilding of the Katrina impacted area.

Deputy Under Secretary/Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Washington, DC.Led organization providing $14 billion annual funding for grants, loans, and technical assistance to rural residents, communities and businesses. Key Accomplishments:▪ $87 billion loan portfolio consisting of $41 billion in housing, $41 billion in infrastructure and $6 billion in business loans.▪ Presidential Initiatives Implemented: affordable home ownership, renewable energy, small business, faith-based programs and implemented. Deputy Under Secretary/Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Washington, DC, December 2001 to August 2005 Led organization operating over 50 financial assistance programs for businesses, communities & nonprofits, individuals, lenders, tribes and utilities.

Founding President, Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer, the Community Development Loan Fund, Inc., San Antonio, TX.Key Accomplishments:▪ Provided leadership for all aspects of the Community Development Loan Fund (CDLF, a collaborative between the City of San Antonio and 21 bank investors. The mission of the CDLF was to provide gap finding to underserved markets; small, minority and women-owned businesses. Implemented strategic goals/objectives and managed the fundraising, underwriting/servicing of business loans.▪ Oversaw the design, marketing, promotion, and delivery of services; recommended budget for Board approval and managed organization’s resources within those budgetary guidelines; approved all aspects of staff administration, including training, salary administration, job descriptions, staff meetings, performance evaluations, and communications within the staff; assured the organization consistently presented a strong, positive image to stakeholders and customers.▪ In role of Chief Financial Officer, oversaw the investment/loan portfolios and prepared monthly accounting, budget and financial management reports for the Board of Directors.