Leadership:Provide visionary leadership, ensuring the successful implementation of strategic initiatives to fulfill the organization's mission.Oversee fiscal management, maintaining financial health and ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.Secure growth and sustainability by developing strategic plans that support the organization’s long-term viability.Strategic Development:Drive access to capital for regional businesses by enhancing existing funding mechanisms… Show more Leadership:Provide visionary leadership, ensuring the successful implementation of strategic initiatives to fulfill the organization's mission.Oversee fiscal management, maintaining financial health and ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.Secure growth and sustainability by developing strategic plans that support the organization’s long-term viability.Strategic Development:Drive access to capital for regional businesses by enhancing existing funding mechanisms and launching new ones, fostering growth in the startup ecosystem.Design high-impact programs and resources to attract, retain, and support startups across all stages of development.Build partnerships with regional organizations to create a cohesive, inclusive strategy that accelerates innovation and entrepreneurship.Collaborate with key stakeholders to drive small business creation and expansion through shared resources and joint initiatives.Metrics and Evaluation:Establish comprehensive reporting frameworks that ensure transparency and accountability for all stakeholders.Regularly communicate key performance metrics and milestones, reinforcing commitment to the organization’s goals and community impact. Show less

Leadership & Strategic Development:Lead the Economic Development Team, generating business leads by fostering relationships with companies affiliated with Kansas State University.Spearheaded successful grant proposals, securing critical funding for innovative university and community projects.Present high-impact engagement opportunities to internal and external stakeholders, driving collaboration and promoting Innovation Partners' services.Manage and mentor a cross-functional… Show more Leadership & Strategic Development:Lead the Economic Development Team, generating business leads by fostering relationships with companies affiliated with Kansas State University.Spearheaded successful grant proposals, securing critical funding for innovative university and community projects.Present high-impact engagement opportunities to internal and external stakeholders, driving collaboration and promoting Innovation Partners' services.Manage and mentor a cross-functional team, including the Economic Engagement Manager and Communications & Marketing Specialist, to achieve strategic goals.Knowledge-Based Economic Development Partnership (KBED):Co-lead the KBED Partnership, collaborating with community stakeholders to implement effective economic development strategies that benefit the region.Lead responses to RFPs by leveraging university resources, facilitating key company visits, and strengthening relationships with regional businesses.Cultivate strategic relationships between industry and Kansas State University, overseeing key metrics and ensuring mutual growth and success.Community Entrepreneurial Ecosystem:Provide strategic leadership in shaping the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering collaboration for long-term ecosystem growth.Drive initiatives focused on advancing the Investment Continuum, enhancing resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs at all stages.Startup Support & Event Management:Support K-State’s entrepreneurial efforts by connecting startups to university and community resources, driving growth and innovation.Lead and support events that build industry awareness and engagement with the university, creating new opportunities for collaboration and development. Show less

Human Resources & Liaison Responsibilities:Acted as the primary liaison to Human Capital Services, overseeing position descriptions, recruitment processes, onboarding, and employee transactions for the research office.Played an integral role in the HCS Competency Initiative and the successful implementation of the Kronos timekeeping system.Managed all human resource activities and supervised the Office Specialist, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with university… Show more Human Resources & Liaison Responsibilities:Acted as the primary liaison to Human Capital Services, overseeing position descriptions, recruitment processes, onboarding, and employee transactions for the research office.Played an integral role in the HCS Competency Initiative and the successful implementation of the Kronos timekeeping system.Managed all human resource activities and supervised the Office Specialist, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with university policies.Administrative & Event Coordination:Coordinated meetings, events, and strategic initiatives on behalf of the VP for Research, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with the office's goals.Managed complex travel arrangements and reimbursement processes, optimizing time and resources for the VP.Delivered exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders, enhancing communication and fostering strong relationships.Leadership & Project Management:Led the development and successful implementation of an online time and leave system for staff, improving workflow efficiency and accuracy across the department. Show less

Entrepreneurial Leadership:Developed and executed a comprehensive business plan, including budgeting, market analysis, and store design, to launch Purple Swirl Frozen Yogurt successfully.Oversaw the construction and implementation of the business, ensuring alignment with operational goals and market positioning.Team Leadership & Human Resources:Led a team of 10-20 employees, providing effective training, scheduling, and ongoing development to foster a positive work… Show more Entrepreneurial Leadership:Developed and executed a comprehensive business plan, including budgeting, market analysis, and store design, to launch Purple Swirl Frozen Yogurt successfully.Oversaw the construction and implementation of the business, ensuring alignment with operational goals and market positioning.Team Leadership & Human Resources:Led a team of 10-20 employees, providing effective training, scheduling, and ongoing development to foster a positive work environment.Managed all human resource functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee communications.Operations & Vendor Management:Negotiated contracts with vendors for equipment, supplies, and services, ensuring cost-effective solutions and strong vendor relationships.Streamlined inventory management processes, overseeing ordering, receiving, and the implementation of an efficient inventory system to support operations.Marketing & Customer Service:Executed successful marketing strategies through social media, website management, and in-store promotions to drive customer engagement and brand awareness.Ensured exceptional customer service, consistently promoting a customer-first culture that contributed to high satisfaction and repeat business.Event Coordination & Fundraising:Organized and promoted the business as a venue for community events, including meetings, parties, and receptions, increasing brand visibility and revenue streams.Established and managed successful fundraising partnerships with local organizations and Kansas State University, enhancing community involvement and business impact. Show less

Business Development & Strategy:Conceptualized and launched Champagne Affairs, creating a comprehensive business plan, event design concepts, and marketing strategy to establish a strong brand presence.Contract Negotiation & Client Management:Drafted and negotiated contracts with clients, while building and maintaining strong vendor relationships to ensure seamless event execution.Event Planning & Coordination:Planned, organized, and flawlessly executed weddings… Show more Business Development & Strategy:Conceptualized and launched Champagne Affairs, creating a comprehensive business plan, event design concepts, and marketing strategy to establish a strong brand presence.Contract Negotiation & Client Management:Drafted and negotiated contracts with clients, while building and maintaining strong vendor relationships to ensure seamless event execution.Event Planning & Coordination:Planned, organized, and flawlessly executed weddings, fundraising events, and other special occasions, ensuring each event met the client’s vision and expectations.Budget Management & Creative Solutions:Managed strict event budgets, providing innovative, cost-effective solutions that enhanced client satisfaction without compromising quality or creativity.Rental Services & Event Logistics:Offered a curated selection of rental décor and managed all aspects of event logistics, including set-up and clean-up, to deliver a seamless and stress-free experience for clients. Show less

Financial Management & Reporting:Managed accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accurate financial tracking and contributing to the firm’s financial stability.Processed payroll, managed tax liabilities, and reconciled bank and credit accounts, preparing monthly financial reports for leadership.Budgeting & Forecasting:Developed and managed budgets, integrating job costing with invoicing to provide accurate revenue forecasts and expense tracking.Human Resources &… Show more Financial Management & Reporting:Managed accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accurate financial tracking and contributing to the firm’s financial stability.Processed payroll, managed tax liabilities, and reconciled bank and credit accounts, preparing monthly financial reports for leadership.Budgeting & Forecasting:Developed and managed budgets, integrating job costing with invoicing to provide accurate revenue forecasts and expense tracking.Human Resources & Office Administration:Oversaw human resources activities, including onboarding, benefits administration, and managing health and retirement plans for employees.Managed day-to-day office operations, including scheduling, ensuring the smooth functioning of administrative tasks.Marketing & Customer Relations:Led marketing initiatives, including creating promotional materials, developing the firm’s website, and executing other outreach activities to enhance brand visibility.Provided exceptional customer service to clients, vendors, and subcontractors, building and maintaining strong relationships. Show less