Lora Radford Email & Phone Number

Seattle, Washington, United States

Working with the Sound Transit Office of Civil Rights, Equity and Inclusion in Economic Development this role connects me once again with small businesses. Our team is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing the agency's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and the Small Business Program.

Seattle, Washington, United States

Exploring a keen interest in the growth of regional transit, and aligning with Sound Transit values, I accepted a position on the WSBLE team. This opportunity has provided an immersive learning foundation, supporting future growth within the agency.Engagement Segment Lead, responsible for property owner engagement during the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Phase II. Collaboration and robust community relationship-building with stakeholders, community liaisons, and consultants, which resulted in increased awareness of the project throughout the project corridor. • Overseeing consultant work which resulted in timely and vital community-facing communication.• Reviewing critical materials and workplans including folios, advertisements, and project website communication.• Harnessing event project management skills achieving multiple and impactful community events throughout the DEIS comment period. • Management of projects related to the planning, organization, and monitoring of property owner outreach.

West Seattle

Executive Director with full planning, operating, marketing, financial, legislative, regulatory, grants administration, and all administrative responsibility for programs, and services in the commercial district. Develops strategies that enhance the neighborhood business district through small business support, marketing and events, public space improvements, arts, and culture. $945K operating budget.Organizational & Industry Leadership• Generated $415K from private and corporate engagement, growing organization from $530K to $945K.• Completed outcome assessment in collaboration with members and developed ‘Junction Volunteer Program’ recruiting 300+ volunteers, saving $10,000 in paid labor costs annually.• Facilitates community economic development planning and implementation by developing authentic and strategic partnerships with community stakeholders ensuring community investments are guided by those impacted. • Public Policy Advocacy—Represents and advocates for junction members in policy and economic development issues (Head Tax, ST3 station placement, West Seattle Bridge Task Force Committee, West Seattle Low Bridge Committee).• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build relationships across a range of stakeholders including cities, districts, environmental non-profits, community groups and elected officials.Fundraising & Community Programs• Led $100K+ capital campaign--“Junction Small Business Relief Fund” raised $111,000 to benefit West Seattle Businesses affected by COVID-19. • Secured 100K through American Rescue Plan and raised an additional $97,000 for small businesses during covid-19• Collaborative approach used to secure 14.4M for affordable housing; worked with local governments and community engagement groups on policy development for highly visible \ issues.• Leadership of all event planning functions, including public relations, advertising and marketing, volunteer management, and new business development.

Seattle

Developed dynamic content for social media streams for 20+ clients specializing in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Worked with clients to develop unique social media strategies which resulted in increased brand engagement and robust customer and client revenue and sales.

Greater Seattle Area

Founder of the business with proven year-over-year success resulting in a vibrant, customer-forward business that was recognized both locally and beyond Seattle. Successfully made Hotwire an integral part of the community through community support and volunteer work with a mission to be a part of the everyday life of the customer. Promoted the business by consistently showing customers respect and exhibiting excellent customer service while increasing market share through unique promotions and deep community pride. Textwire, which was launched in 2010, was the first text-in program of its kind. Hotwire led the way for quick pick-up while maintaining quality control and excellent customer service. Recognized by regional and local newspapers as an excellent place for coffee and customer service. Helped the community through donations by supporting and developing community events. Supported the staff by being a fair and respected leader and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Responsible for a $10M+ regional insurance division with offices from Bellingham to Bellevue. Showed the staff how to develop and maintain sales and professional goals through individual coaching techniques. Developed programs to increase morale and motivate customer service staff. While being the youngest Regional Manager in the program, accomplished the title of number one region in annual goal achievement and customer satisfaction surveys year-over-year. Developed and exceed the budget revenue every year by practicing strong budget control techniques

Recognized instructor by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s Office. Successful instruction and implementation of agency training program. Excellent and enjoyable public speaking skills with dynamic topics that kept the audience engaged. Exhibited outstanding loss control techniques for 13 agency appointments through analytical decision making. Monitored agency loss control through communication with company representatives and sales agents. Reviewed, monitored and audited agents work to better understand their underwriting skills and assist with growth.

Responsible for quality review of 120+ employees. Successfully realignment of audit procedures, which resulted in company-wide increased productivity. Responded to Insurance Commissioner complaints for the entire East Coast for The Travelers Personal Lines Division Personal Lines Underwriters.

Entrepreneurship & New Business Venturing

Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

Education record

Bs, Business Administration And Management, General

Business school

Project Management

Education record