President & Ceo
CurrentKansas City’s leading urban education intermediary designed to increase college/career readiness and create access to high-quality employment.Recruited by CEO membership organization to drive the design and launch of nonprofit intermediary. Selected to lead all organizational functions including the acquisition and allocation of funding, building and management of a team that has grown from 2 to 12, program innovation, development of strategic school district and academic institution partnerships, creation of corporate alliances, and budget/resource management. Mission-focused speaker for PREP-KC.Defined the mission to work in partnership with K-12, higher education, and industry to provide students in KC bi-state region’s urban public schools with rigorous preparation for postsecondary education and high-quality employment.Gathered data and successfully made funding appeals to corporations, foundations, and individuals. Engaged civic leaders in the opportunity to collectively strengthen and diversify the region’s workforce while also improving the quality of civic life.Successfully secured startup grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as well from local funders. Continues to receive support from long-term investors/funders.Secured partnerships with 6 bi-state urban school districts and 3 charter schools serving a diverse 65,000-student base. Supports superintendents, principals, classroom teachers, and other staff with tools and coaching needed to provide rigorous instruction for urban students.Recruited and supports Board of Directors, including leaders from business and industry, strategic civic leaders, and workforce organizations. Continues to ensure a focus on best practices. Delivered clean audit outcomes and Form 990 reporting for 12 consecutive years.
