Lori Epp Email & Phone Number

Fairfax County

Manage communications needs for a team of 70+ workers involving multiple initiatives; train staff members on new technology for expanding and multi-regionalizing programs; deploy new multi-media marketing strategies to promote partnerships and to ensure effective communication strategies; accountable for quality control and standardization of multi-media outreach, create and review presentations, and develop new and innovative materials for projects, programs, and large-scale events.Propose work simplification and technology driven communication methods that assist in operating more efficiently and effectively; evaluate new and innovative ideas and work to develop and operationalize, creating measurable outcomes and monitoring for continuous quality improvement; assist with the on-going development of a strategic plan to maintain employees as grant funds are awarded and closed out; work with managers to address unique program needs, including the acquisition of resources, service delivery methods, report development, relationship building and networking.Committed to professional development; cultivate the current and next generation of leaders within the organization through ongoing coaching and mentoring; help them to manage performance by pinpointing key areas of development and seeking out growth opportunities that promote forward-thinking.

Fairfax County

Led communication initiatives for employment and training programs, including developing program and event marketing materials, training materials for manager presentations, program tour of services for mass distribution among county wide agencies, and ensuring consistent communication across all program areas.Developed partnerships with community-based organizations which yielded tangible benefits for clients and staff and deployed new multi-media marketing strategies to promote through clear and concise communication; developed, launched and continually updated websites, www.nvacash.org and www.fairfaxmegajobfair.com, to enhance communication and provide an easy outlet for disseminating consistent information to the public; write press releases as needed.Selected to participate in a department-wide strategic planning initiative designed to focus on the critical work of the department; invited to various conferences for the purpose of presenting and sharing best practices related to the Center for Business Planning and Development and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.Led the Northern Virginia Growing America through Entrepreneurship initiative for small business development, including facilitating program orientations and meeting with local public and private agencies to promote the initiative; liaison between stakeholders, research firm, non-profit organization, and state agencies; articulate critical program outcomes to local Workforce Development Board and provide suggestions for program advancement.Mentored and trained staff in areas of case management, resource development, community networking, and program marketing and development; appropriately articulated Workforce Investment Act policy, performance measures, and outcome requirements to customer, staff and partnering agencies; created new case management tools to enhance, streamline, and structure program operation and support strategic vision of program.

Developed multi-media events, presentations, and marketing materials used to identify optimal resource utilization; presented employment workshops throughout three counties to audiences, including those present at the department's signature event, connecting job seekers, entrepreneurs, and employers; strengthened partnerships and leveraged resources to provide exceptional public assistance through community outreach, events, and new initiatives in line with program performance and outcome requirements.Worked closely with a partner 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to develop an employer-driven summer initiative that spanned across three counties; developed workshop curriculum, set the agenda, oversaw logistics; now in its fourth year, the initiative has more than doubled in size and generated over $50,000 in revenue this past year.Launched an annual event to connect young job seekers with employers, economic service providers, and educational institutions; developed the theme, set agenda, convened a planning team, and developed marketing materials.Planned and implemented case management services while keeping in line with department vision and demonstrating clear understanding of state policy; part of two-person team managing the day-to-day operations of out stationed employment center; implemented community networking, resource development, and marketing initiatives for community participation; acted as a liaison between county and local business and community leaders; developed a process for tracking participant placements.Appeared on the local television show, Everyday Heroes, to educate the community and promote community involvement in strengthening the workforce.