As SVP and COO of No Child Hungry, my focus is on the growth of our ability to serve children in need around the corner and around the globe. As a mission-focused 501(c)3 organization, we work hard to secure the resources needed to be a force in the fight against childhood hunger and to maximize those resources to reach as many children as possible.Among my responsibilities, I oversee our digital presence and marketing, as well as our educational programs, our community partnerships, and our long-term organizational planning. Our focus, from day one, has been to drive the dollars so generously donated to the organization directly into providing meals for those in need, so marketing has been a new experience. I've gained a great understanding of how powerful grassroots, in-the-streets, and word-of-mouth can be to spread the message. But, in the end, purpose makes all the difference. No Child Hungry has long been one of the most fiscally responsible and efficient organizations in the 501(c)3 space. We intend to remain just that, which calls for a new level of creative problem-solving, outside-the-box thinking, and the support of so many great individuals and organizations that come alongside No Child Hungry.

At Nationwide PrimeMedia, the multi-media communications division of NMG, I supported an international network of more than 5,000 independent retailers in the U.S. and Canada. In my roles at PrimeMedia, I oversaw the strategy, development and direction of all educational programs, services and assets. Under my leadership, the educational efforts of the network, both in-person, online and hybrid were joined in the launch of the Nationwide Learning Academy. Following the launch of the Academy in 2016, average attendance in educational sessions at live shows grew more than 5x, while the group's online learning platform achieved unprecedented levels of success, issuing hundreds of thousands of certifications annually to the front line teams of the organization's members. I crafted and developed more than 50 live and online learning programs, ranging from sales excellence to leadership development. As my career at NMG progressed, I assumed leadership of the PrimeMedia team, including the Nationwide Learning Academy, MediaSign TV, and the flagship production operation serving the independent channel, PrimeMedia Studios. As a retailer at heart, I wore many hats, thrived on hitting the curveball, and found joy in serving Independents as continued their paths to success. As an independent retail evangelist, I further developed my skills in public speaking, training and development, scripting, hosting events, and contributing the a culture that focused on relationships and results. I leveraged my skills in P&L management, budgeting, and team development to help discover and realize many efficiencies in both our ability to serve Members and our ability to perform at scale with speed and agility. The most rewarding experience of my time at NMG was serving as lead on the organization's robust give-back programs. These efforts, in countless communities, made a lasting difference, culminating with more than 2 million meals packed with No Child Hungry.

As a member of the leadership team for a robust and growing regional independent retailer, my primary focus was on the training and development of hundreds of team members across more than two dozen locations, developing and implementing digital learning solutions and programs that helped drive sales, organizational efficiency and individual development. As an independent retail leader, I wore many hats in the organization, with roles in marketing strategy and execution, website strategy and implementation, and e-commerce development. Among many special projects, I led the transition of the organization to an e-commerce enabled website, along with the development and deployment of e-commerce engagement specialists, making Big Sandy one of the first independent retailers to deploy such a strategy. In addition, I led the development and deployment of the company's e-commerce delivery logistics and delivery processes. This role gave me many opportunities to hone and develop my skills as a retailer and leader, while cementing my admiration and appreciation for the brave souls who dedicate their lives to independent retail. The community impact of independent retail, both economically and socially, can't be underestimated, and the level of excellent service provided to shoppers remains unmatched.