As Director of Community and Economic Development for the WPCOG, I work with a team that assists local governments in the application preparation and administration of the local, state, and federal grants that lead to local and regional infrastructure improvements and job creation. Our team also works to provide affordable, decent and safe housing and related infrastructure improvements for residents of the Western Piedmont. As Director of the Education Foundation Inc of Caldwell County, I work to increase support, secure and distribute funding to the students and educators of Caldwell County Public Schools. We do this by partnering with community and business leaders to identify need and creating strategic plans of action to help enhance and strengthen the education experience.As a past City Council Member and Mayor Pro-Tem, I serve as an elected official who represents the people of Lenoir, NC. I serve the city by sitting on a variety of State and National Boards and help implement policy that promotes a safe and robust community, fiscal responsibility, economic development, technological growth, and infrastructure enhancement.As the former Director for the CCC&TI Small Business Center I worked with startups to help prepare them for success through consultation through strong business network. I brought an innovative approach to business development through use of the latest technology and business trends. As former Director of Technology Education and VMware Academy my roles include program development and promotion. Promotion of these training programs was placed on a variety of marketing and sales techniques from online advertising, news print, video, and business interaction.Other Areas of Expertise Include:International Coordinator at CCC&TI for Brazil. Work extensively with IMPACTA University in Sao Paulo and others private colleges throughout Brazil. Focus on setting up and successfully developing ESL, business, and IT classes taught via video/web conferencing. Experience traveling and teaching classes in Brazil as well as developing partnerships with other schools and business leaders.Small Business Owner and Operator. Helped manage day to day operations with local retail store. Managed employees, facilities, customers and marketing aspects.Specialties: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, team leader and innovator. Strong management and business relations with some international experience.