Advancement Director for one of North Carolina's most treasured historical and cultural arts institutions. The Lost Colony production has been presented by the Roanoke Island Historical Association (non-profit) since 1937. Responsible for implementing a fundraising plan that included annual giving, foundation and government grants, corporate sponsorships, memberships, planned giving. fundraising, major gifts and causal marketing partnerships. Engaged donors and prospects in the mission, story, importance and priorities of organization through personal contact, correspondence, press releases and other marketing strategies. Other responsibilities included:• Achieving and growing annual fund revenue goals while keeping expenses at or below budget • Developing, implementing and/or overseeing a schedule of donor cultivation and recognition events including: donor receptions/dinners/events, directors’ socials, cultivation and fundraising events• Managing effective use of internal databases (most recently Donor Perfect) and other development communication tools to ensure tracking of donor and prospect contacts; maximizing relationships and creating reporting• Ensuring compliance with all IRS rules governing charitable giving, disclosure and reporting• Researching organizations and foundations for strategic alignment with their philanthropic missions to build mutually beneficial relationships for grants, corporate sponsorships and fundraising proposals• Supporting management in the development and execution of programs and events to elevate guest experience• Assisted in the recruitment, management and scheduling of volunteers

Purchased and maintained assortment plans for 4 state aquarium gift stores. Product categories include apparel, souvenir, gifts and toys. Designed custom product to support mission; some custom items becoming manufacturers top selling item. Managed inventory to increase profitability.Researched and created copy for print and product to educate consumers and support mission AsWorked with education department on special exhibits (Penguin Exhibit and Sea Turtle Hospital) to develop educational product that supports the aquarium exhibits and increase sales for the gift shops.

Managed purchasing and inventory control for four Life is good GNS locations, also providing seasonal merchandising, sales and product training, marketing and advertising and assisted in establishing store policies. Outfitted, merchandised and re-merchandised for several independently owned locations. Worked with stores on assortment planning, merchandising, design of custom product, advertising and marketing, and training of sales associates. Consulted for opening new stores from choice of location, vendor and product selection, design of custom products, development of floor plans, choice of custom fixtures, merchandising and execution to grand opening. Co-developed a resort t-shirt brand with manufacturer and coordinated launch at major trade show.

Key senior management for diverse company; growing sales from $1 to $15M, from 4 stores to 15 in ten years. Began with company as the Marketing and Public Relations Director in 1987. Left in 1991, and was recruited back in 1995 as Head Buyer in charge of all purchasing, merchandising and inventory control as company began to expand aggressively and open locations.• Developed merchandise strategies and stock assortment plans to support sales goals • Facilitated in managing store operations and managed inventory flow from the warehouse to locations • Purchased multiple product categories; silkscreen and embroidery, sportswear, jewelry, headwear, footwear, accessories, gifts, toys, kites, souvenir items, kayak equipment and sporting goods• Designed custom products for multiple company brands and categories; aviation, recreation, pirate and regional themes and exclusive product for Centennial of First Flight (2003) • Directed artists in creating new designs for silkscreen and embroidery apparel program and kite program• Negotiated with vendors for product with high margins, terms and freight allowances• Fostered vendor relationships and sourced vendors; attended 6 to 8 buying shows/markets annually• Secured vendor support with special buys and co-op programs; created product ads and promotional/media • Trained store managers and associates and hired and directed assistant buyers• Facilitated with planning of new stores; floor plan designs, selecting fixtures and decor, and assortments• Organized special events, promotional campaigns, media receptions, annual events and celebrations, store grand openings, holiday programs, fundraising events and employee parties

Wrote press releases and copy for brochures, educational and promotional material for Department of Recreation and Parks and co-organized programs and events presented by Department. Facilities included the renowned Dell Amphitheatre which presented arts and cultural programs throughout the summer, the James River Park and Nature Centre, Recreational Programs at Public Schools, Byrd Park, Arthur Ashe Center and the Mosque Theatre.Developed and implemented an extensive media list for targeting media opportunities efficiently and keep public informed of all Department events, programs and activities. Developed recreational programs for youth which included cultural arts field trips, science and sports activity programs, and participated in public fundraising and awareness campaigns, including televised programs. Assisted in volunteer recruiting and management for programs.