Kimberly Bless Email & Phone Number

When I was 12, I asked my parents to buy me a pair of the newest rage in jeans. My mother, who didn't drive, walked me up to the park district and had them hand me an application. Mom said, if you want a new pair of jeans, you will earn the money, so you understand the value. That lesson taught me to always push forward, be ambitious, and create my own path.Along the way, I became a highly accomplished and respected nonprofit and association leader who gets things done. With over 20 years of strategic leadership known for building profitable and lasting relationships while leveraging an extensive background including business and sales growth, client engagement, company branding, identifying and mitigating gaps in business, and inspiring and empowering teams. Highly skilled in financial controls, budgets, strategic planning, performance measurement, and staff development to spark innovation toward a common vision for associations, not-for-profit organizations, and enterprises. Seamlessly presents influential, clear, and concise information to executive-level suites, board members, elected officials, media, employees, consumers, and other key stakeholders. Demonstrates keen business acumen to oversee budgets and funding. Collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to complete multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Extremely adaptable and an excellent listener who works to understand what makes an organization thrive. Experience in both on-site and hybrid/remote work settings. Areas of expertise: Board of Directors CollaborationNonprofit Leadership Financial Analysis, Planning, and Reporting Member Based Association Management along with Non-Dues Revenue GenerationCollaboration Across a Diverse Group of Stakeholders and Elected OfficialsMission Driven Advocacy People Management, Mentoring, Talent Development, and RecruitmentGrant Applications and ProposalsContract Negotiation and Administration Additional skills: Research & Analysis, Relationship Building, Sound Judgement, Political Acumen, Critical Thinking, Confidentiality, Conflict Resolution, Emotional Intelligence, Upmost Integrity, Highly Professional, Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)In my free time, you can find me on a beach, reading a book, and soaking up the sun with my favorite business partners - my hubby Tony and our mini golden doodle, Bubbles.

Listed skills include Marketing, Public Relations, Leadership, Event Management, and 46 others.

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  Illinois Wesleyan University

  Business Management