I write a bi-weekly column, just for kicks and giggles.

The Veterans Restoration Quarters is a transitional facility that houses 250 homeless veterans. Our mission is to provide training and resources that assist in integrating veterans back into society as self-sustaining members of the community. This program is the third largest of its kind in the nation. As a non-profit, we rely heavily on volunteers. As the volunteer coordinator it is my responsibility to manage all volunteer activity on our 15 acre campus. I recruit, manage, and motivate the over 600 volunteers who serve our veterans each month. I also oversee the education programs on campus, recruiting, training and managing the instructors for each course. I am lead staff on the Education Review Board for our on-campus education programs. I am also often called upon as a spokesperson for our organization.

Working within a team, I assisted in analyzing training programs and helped with internal and external training programs that aligned with corporate mission and core values. I was responsible to drive business results by marketing programs through community networking and social media marketing. In working with external clients, I conducted needs analysis to determine training needs, coordinate all logistics for training programs, including event space, training documents, and audiovisual needs.I continually partnered with internal departments; marketing, group sales, catering & conference services, Inn on Biltmore Estate. I assisted in conducting internal new staff orientation trainings and participate in continuing education for staff across all business acumens and leadership levels.When requested, I assisted with Focus Groups for market identification. When requested, I Collaborated with management team on training content and flow of programs.Tracked website analytics and built strategic outreach based on results.Responsible for all marketing of professional development programs for the Biltmore Center for Professional Development. Faciltitate and oversee outreach through social media, community engagement, & relationship management of corporate and community partnerships. Assist in developing trainings, to include: Customer Service, Employee Engagement, Cultivating Change.

Non-profit fundraising development through business and corporate relationships & cultivation. Served as the key communicator and relationship manager to senior-level decision makers with over 50 corporate accounts. Consistently exceeded budget goals annually. Created and developed an annual recognition and recruiting event for over 200 corporate executives. Spearheaded the Corporate Development Committee. Planned and hosted corporate and business events for corporate sponsors and clients. Hosted before-and-after receptions with guests, clients and performing artists.

Worked cross-functionally with internal and external teams to identify existing and potential partnership and expansion/reach projects through emerging markets and existing systems. Developed strategies for integrating new fundraising opportunities into the Brand. Collaborated with national corporate partners to develop cause marketing opportunities for existing programs. Organized, lead and collaborated with a national volunteer task force to develop guidebooks for cutting-edge, emerging market development events. Facilitated presentations at the national level and led trainings for staff and volunteers.

Designed, developed and assisted with the execution of trainings and training resources for volunteers and staff across the state of Florida for Relay For Life. Designed and delivered trainings for staff from one to over 1,000 staff and volunteers. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to determine goals, lined up objectives and tactics to ensure goal obtainment. Cultivated internal and external relationships with volunteers and staff from across the state. Lead and engaged the state-wide Relay Advisory Team, which assisted in the development of plans and standards for Relay For Life. Collaborated with senior leadership to set and meet goals and objectives of over 350 events across the state of Florida. Participated in the development of the annual state-wide budget of Relay For Life.

As Public Relations Manager for this four-theater performing arts venue, I was responsible for all publicity efforts annually. From small, one-man shows to major Broadway productions, I was responsible to pitch programs to local and national media markets. Developed close relationships with local media. Worked closely with program producers. Planned and organized opening-night cast parties of Broadway shows. Wrote speeches for executives and helped plan outreach and fundraising events for the venue.