PROFILE
Managing Director with 25+ years of executive-level experience in association leadership and management. Proven track record of advocating for and motivating business and community leaders. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cooperation with board of directors, government agencies, community leaders, and business leaders. Consultant to multiple organizations in areas of strategic planning and government affairs.
Strengths with:
• Strategic Planning • Policy Development
• Project & Event Management • Government Affairs
• Branding & Marketing Strategies • Consensus Building
• Communications & Public Relations • Leadership & Team Building
• Small Business Advocacy • Problem Resolution
• Economic Development Strategies • Proactive Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Noblesville Indiana 2014 - present - President/CEO
Yarmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Cape Cod Massachusetts 1990 - 2013
Executive Director - Senior executive with responsibility for all management, strategic planning, leadership development, business advocacy, economic development, member services, marketing, and government relations for active Chamber of Commerce representing 400 employers. Managed a staff of seven in two locations.
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS:
Government Affairs
• Negotiated for and received first-ever state grant to operate local business information center
• Shepherded three significant local land use policy changes through the governmental process leading to new business redevelopment initiatives valued at $250,000,000.
• On a regional level responsible for the reduction of a significant number of costly business permitting barriers under the County’s regional land use planning agency.
• Authored State-approved legislation establishing a dedicated revenue stream for economic development initiatives including destination development and community branding.
• Founding contributor to state-wide critical and crisis communications management team
• Appointed as the small business representative to serve two members of the Governor’s Cabinet: Appointed by the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development to the task force to guide the creation of the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation. MGCC provides a centralized resource at the state level to offer working capital, loan guarantees, and targeted technical assistance for small business. Appointed to serve on the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), an independent body appointed by the Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to assist in the implementation of the Commonwealth's transportation reform legislation.
Branding and Community Image
• Initiated, launched, and led a community-wide rebranding program from research to implementation
• Successfully recast the organization’s image within the community resulting in effective working partnerships with community organizations, public officials, and residents.
• Developed positive trusting relationships with media outlets resulting in an amplification of favorable business oriented press and a reduction of negative images and reports.
• Created partnerships with civic organizations to improve community gateways and curb appeal
• Authored and saw adopted a complete rewrite of the Town’s regulatory sign code resulting in improved community curb appeal and enhanced signage for the business community
Economic Development
• Created, staffed and trained the Town’s first economic development organization
• Successfully administered HUD funded contract for blight reduction and façade improvement
• Developed Tax Incentive Program for job creation and commercial investment
• Implemented business retention program through creation of a business resource center
• Key business leader with the municipal infrastructure improvement planning groups: marina development, traffic management, integrated water resources (storm and waste)
• Member of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan development team – with assigned responsibility for land use growth management and economic development chapters
• Key leader in re-drafting of the County’s Regional Policy Plan guiding land use development
• Team member in the development of the County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
• Lead liaison with developers for priority projects
• Responsible for stewarding the region’s first new hotel in over 25 years from permitting to opening
Small Business Assistance Programs
- Created the Business Assistance Center to assist new and expanding businesses
• Developed Class Act Seminar Series to provide low cost efficient opportunities to strengthen business management skills and financial literacy
• Launched Leaders by Choice program offering large community stakeholders opportunities to underwrite economic development initiatives and the Chamber’s business plan
• Created Neighbors Supporting Neighbors community cash program to market buy local
• Formed and chaired a professional association to share best member services practices
Tourism
• Developed and managed a community audit of recreational and tourism assets
• Created and implemented a strategic plan for tourism
• Managed two visitor centers serving over 125,000 visitors annually
• Founding member of statewide pilot program integrating technology with destination marketing
• Created and developed destination marketing publications with and annual run of 150,000
• Established and directed several community events and festivals attracting crowds up to 30,000
• Created community-wide customer service training programs
• Created thematic tours of the community’s historical districts
• Consultant to regional tourism marketing organization
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management (IOM) 1991-1997
Economic Development Institute ~ IUPUI & University of Oklahoma 1998-2001
Fellowship in Workforce Development and Education Attainment~ Association for Chamber of Commerce Executives 2015-2016
HONORS & AWARDS
• Rotary International – President’s Service Award 2013
• Yarmouth Public Service Award – 2012
• Ancient Order of Hibernians – Strong Man Award 2010
• Rotary International - Vocational Service Award 2009
• Police Relief Association – Citizens Award 1993 & 1995
• March of Dimes – Massachusetts Leadership Award 1994
• Association for Retarded Citizens -Outstanding Citizen 1991
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
• Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives - President 2009 – 2010
• Association of Cape Cod Chamber – Co-founder 1991 – 2006, Chair 1995, 1997, 1998
• Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors 1992-1995, 1998-2000, 2009-2011
• Barnstable County – Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Team 2008-2010
• Education Foundation for Dennis & Yarmouth - Founding Board Member 1990-2013
• Rotary International - Club Service Director 1997-2001, Club Member 1990-2013
• Historical Society of Old Yarmouth – Leadership Advisory Board 1996-2013
• Cultural Center of Cape Cod – Leadership Nominating Committee – 2008-2009
• Sandwich Cooperative Bank - Community Advisory Board 1995-1999
• M.E. Small Elementary School Council - Appointed Community Advisor 1993-1998 – Chair 1997
• Citizen’s Police Academy – Founding Class 1997
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