EXPERIENCE
CONSULTANT; Self-employed
2017- Present
I specialize in spearheading transformative change within educational institutions and businesses. My core expertise encompasses strategic planning, curriculum development, and program management. I have a distinguished track record in revitalizing struggling schools and organizations, transforming them into award-winning hubs of excellence. My services include crafting bespoke solutions in operations, professional development, and partnership building, all aimed at preparing organizations for the evolving demands of modern education and workforce development. My methodological approach blends strategic foresight with practical efficiency, prioritizing the creation of diverse, dynamic teams and the adoption of innovative practices. I am deeply committed to delivering excellence, providing insights and strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. This approach has consistently fostered environments conducive to learning and exceeded organizational goals. My dedication to client success is reflected in the lasting impact of my interventions.
DIRECTOR: ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING, CURRICULUM, PARTNERSHIPS; SCHOOL OPERATIONS; SORA
September 2020 - November 2023
A live, accredited, virtual ed-tech start-up high school designed to accelerate student growth. An inquiry and project-based environment where students create their projects, choose their timelines, and set their own learning pace.
· Advisor to and thought leader for the company and founders on long-term goals, strategies, capabilities, and operations
· Development of curriculum program, instructional models, evaluation methodologies
· Collaborator for unique Learning Management and Information System
· Outreach to and key liaison for partner companies and individuals to expand and grow network and partnerships
· Develop, create, and implement a new comprehensive curricular model serving grades 6-12, gap year, and post-graduate students
· Enhance and lead the design, implementation, and management of all partner activities (Advisor Track program; Mentor Network; internships, advisors; guest lecturers; hiring; diversity, equity, inclusion initiatives, etc.)
· Build and manage strategy for partners and business development to ensure achievement of vision and project management of strategic priorities
· Create training, management, and operational processes that are actionable, collaborative, and scalable
· Develop, implement, curate, and reform all aspects of curriculum and programming
· Air traffic control for all initiatives--understanding and identifying intentional and unintentional impacts of changes, staffing, goals, and processes
GRANT REVIEWER, US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Contracted
Grant and peer reviewer for a variety of programs administered by the US Department of Education serving state and local education agencies.
SENIOR DIRECTOR, EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT; ACT, INC
January 2014Â - July 2020
A multi-million-dollar international non-profit company providing learning, measurement, and navigation products and solutions for secondary/post-secondary educators and students, employees, and employers.
· Responsible for bridging the needs of the ACT external community and stakeholders with the needs of the ACT solutions and services organization
· Manage and support the development of customer advocacy strategy and plan aligned with sales, marketing, and customer needs
· Formed and led 6-person regional team to manage 20K volunteers in all 50 states and DC to develop grassroots advocacy, host large-scale conferences (30 per year), and work to eliminate the skills gap by connecting the outcomes of K12 and postsecondary to career
· Designed and executed a comprehensive workforce and economic development plan with a 6-person regional team that serves 500+ counties/parishes and 25,000+ employers across the US
· Managed and executed 30+ state, national, and international learning and professional development conferences from conception to delivery
· Created and implemented professional development and learning services group delivering standard and customized training domestically and internationally
ADMINISTRATOR, CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION SPECIALIST; RANKIN COUNTY SCHOOLS
July 2003 - January 2014
Third largest school district in the state serving 20K students.
· Oversaw the transformation of low performing Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 6 school into an academically successful and model behavioral status school
· Orchestrated community resources to provide health, mental, and financial services to students and families
· Led all aspects of Title I school, grants, PBIS, and funding
· Lead administrator of all instructional, social, and facility needs
· Led Grade 9-12 high school to achieve national awards for growth in academic achievement
· Served on Governor’s special committee for performance-based pay program
· Oversaw all planning and implementation of staff development, training, and coaching; executed all observations, evaluations, and feedback to
ensure high quality of learning
· Numerous Awards including Silver Award from SREB/High Schools that Work, PBIS Implementation, Professional Development
TEACHER, CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION SPECIALIST; JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
August 1997 - July 2003
Classroom teacher; specialist serving teachers and administrators in 8 elementary school, 1 middle and 1 high school. Responsible for data analysis and instructional recommendations, training and professional development.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (P/T); AMANA COLONIES HISTORICAL SITES FOUNDATION
September 2020-September 2022
A community non-profit dedicated to preserving the many historical structures of the community listed on the National Historic Register for preservation and economic development.
· Establish goals, objectives, and operation plans in collaboration with the Board of Directors
· Develop resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization through fundraising, grants, in-kind donations, and revenue generation
· Ensure historic preservation is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach
· Managed over $500K in grants, 15+ historic properties, and all business operations
Other Engagements
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Service on Governor's State Art Council
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Board member for non-profit organizatios
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Service on Governor's Performance Based Pay Committee
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Board Member with Mississippi Early Childhood Association; Annual Conference Chair
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Middle East & Africa Association of Test Publishers Conference committee and Conference Emcee
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Girl Scouts Heart of the South Area Associate Director
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SACS Accreditation Team member
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High Schools That Work (HSTW) Technical Assistance Evaluation
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Southern Regional Education Bureau (SREB) lead for Florence High School; Silver Award Recipient
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DEI Ambassador for ACT, Inc
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Public Affairs Council committee member and annual conference planner
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Education Lobbyist