Laura Stein Email and Phone Number

Leading business and financial operations of 100-year-old membership based non-profit with $7M+ annual budget. Implementing significant overhaul of financial practices organization wide, including development of debt reduction plan, monthly cash flow analysis, class-based accounting, year over year financial analysis and 3-year budget forecasting. *Developed and led strategic financial turnaround resulting in organization evolving from month-to-month cash basis operations to sustainable cash reserve in four years.*Modernized financial and business IT systems greatly reducing manual accounting entries, paper filing, and streamlining customer service experiences with billing, store purchases and custom trophy orders.*Annually lead financial management of the largest educational based competition event in the United States with 6,000+ student attendance.*Implemented department budgeting as part of annual budget process, aligning department budgets with strategic goals to ensure department directors have needed resources to achieve department goals.

Recruited to lead a wide array of startup organizational functions from financial management to HR administration to IT development and oversight (CRM database and Office365). In charge of monthly financial reporting, annual budget ~$1.5M, federal and state contracts management ~$5M, and annual state audit. Direct all aspects of public and private sector funding. Development and administration of programs to advance statewide economic development and increase federal research grant awards geared towards commercialization activities. * Rose to Vice President level shortly after hire due to ability to successfully juggle a multitude of diverse projects/tasks and deliver within tight time constraints.* Ensured functionality, viability, and survival of politically charged nonprofit organization during periods of significant instability and President/CEO turnovers, while mitigating damage to corporate reputation.* Delivered accurate budget and financial projections and led organization to three consecutive years of state audit reports with no findings (FY15 – FY17).* Worked autonomously with little to no direction, shouldering a wide array of organizational management tasks as well as innovative projects’ development and execution.

Enlisted to grow and improve the physical and economic infrastructure of struggling communities in Iowa and Missouri, working in tandem with federal/non-federal partners and Denver headquarters. Carried out strategies to appeal to new industries, incite business expansion, and create/preserve long-term private sector jobs and investment. Determined eligibility of proposals and alignment with Regional Investment Strategy; presented and awarded proposals.* Became first economic development representative (field officer) locally to administer grant awards and staff national review panels, which lightened headquarters heavy workload, reduced costs, and heightened efficiency.* Drove maximum and timely impact/results from EDA economic development investments by equipping EDA applicants and recipients with comprehensive technical and financial guidance.* Influenced agency decisions, policy recommendations, and positions by developing and implementing program strategies, as well as analyzing key business and industry policy questions.* Presented insightful informational briefings and status reports to the Denver Regional Office Director regarding program investment pipelines, proposals, applications, and post-approval monitoring.

Grew scope of responsibilities rapidly to manage a variety of programs, services, and projects to attract, grow, and retain business, employment and workforce in Iowa. Promoted to Business Finance Team Leader with direct accountability for spearheading a 5-member team. Established, strengthened, and preserved relationships with other financial assistance providers (public and private). Served as intermediary to the Board of Directors.* Championed economic growth strategies focused on cultivating start-up companies and helping existing businesses become more innovative, and therefore communities to reinvest, recover and revitalize.* Selected to join Rebuild Iowa Office for 4 months, a state-run organization created to assist with recovery from natural disasters of 2008. Generated funding by creating legislation and took over management of the program.* Reduced costs by providing strategic insight and supporting deployment of state-mandated budget cuts.