ACCOMPLISHED STRATEGIST, SOCIAL INNOVATOR AND NETWORK LEADER

25 years of experience applying strategy, social innovation and network leadership skills to guide nonprofit networks, philanthropies and public agencies to stronger community impact and equity.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Lutheran Services in America

VP, Strategy and Innovation * 02/2023 - 02/2025 * Washington, DC

• Led learning collaborative model, new initiative development, and national partnerships to expand access to care, innovation, and equity across a network of 300 health and human services nonprofits.

• Led a unique Lutheran response to housing insecurity, including a DC Summit, strategy paper with Abt Global, and plans and partnerships for 3 initiatives, including a $5M impact investing fund.

• Established and directed inaugural New Americans Collaborative, enhancing refugee resettlement support for 56,000 individuals through strategic partnerships with 18 organizations.

• Led the launch and evaluation of a Fellowship applying Healing-Centered Engagement to facilitate leadership development and systems change opportunities for people with lived expertise.

National Head Start Association

Senior Director, State Government Affairs * 09/2019 - 02/2023 * Washington, DC

• Led state government affairs, uniting 300+ leaders across 50 state-based associations, government collaboration offices and other allies to increase equity in state early childhood systems.

• Headed grassroots research engaging over 2,500 participants to identify racialized barriers to access and effective policy solutions, resulting in an influential report prompting federal and state changes.

• Oversaw $1.2 million Early Head Start Rising initiative to strengthen maternal, infant and toddler care.

• Secured new Head Start expansion policies and funding in House-passed Build Back Better legislation.

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Director, Raise it for Health Campaign * 10/2017 - 08/2019 * Indianapolis, IN

• Led campaign to raise Indiana's cigarette tax, protect kids, and invest $1.5 billion in public health.

• Secured and engaged 200+ partners across the health, business, and nonprofit sectors.

• Executed earned media plan, placing 30+ op-eds and LTEs and cultivating grassroots narratives.

• Co-led the design and launch of a 17-stop Town Hall Road Show to build public support.

Early Learning Indiana

VP, Outreach and Partnerships * 03/2014 - 10/2017 * Indianapolis, IN

• Led 80-person team executing community outreach, public-private partnerships, public policy and advocacy for state's largest early childhood education nonprofit.

• Designed and led All IN 4 Pre-K campaign with 200 partner organizations and 10,000+ advocates to successfully double state pre-K funding for families with low-incomes.

• Directed 5-year, $20 million innovation, capacity-building, and public policy grant.

• Secured organization's first-ever federal grant, an Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership award.

Pew Charitable Trusts

Manager, Strategic Initiatives * 05/2012 - 07/2013 * Washington, DC

• Managed the design of new state-based research and policy initiatives in areas such as modernizing 911 systems and strengthening family economic security.

• Managed 7-person team exploration of state health care spending.

• Supported major convening on housing finance with former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair.

AmeriCorps

Strategic Advisor, Social Innovation Fund * 01/2010 - 06/2011 * Washington, DC

• Co-led the launch and first year operations of the $50 million federal Social Innovation Fund.

• Led public comment period and execution of the inaugural and 2nd year grant competitions.

• Developed learning and evaluation framework to advance rigorous evidence of community impact.

White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation

Graduate Intern * 09/2009 - 12/2009 * Washington, DC

• Participated in daily outreach meetings to inform design of the Social Innovation Fund.

• Aided a senior advisor in the convening of a cross-agency working group on social innovation.

The Pew Charitable Trusts

Senior Associate/Project Associate * 11/2005 - 02/2008 * Washington, DC

• Co-authored a $14 million strategy to improve states' administration of U.S. elections.

• Contributed key elements of a strategy to improve children's dental health.

• Helped to secure a $10 million federal appropriation to improve voter registration.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, U.S. Senate HELP Committee

Legislative Aide/Staff Assistant to Legislative Director * 11/2001 - 11/2005 * Washington, DC

• Advanced successful reauthorizations of the nation's signature special education and HIV/AIDS laws.

• Collaborated with the Legislative Director to coordinate and manage the work of 30+ committee staff.

• Authored major speeches and addresses, including contributing to the 2004 DNC address.

EDUCATION - DEGREES

Master of Public Policy (MPP) in Nonprofit Management, Harvard Kennedy School (2011)

Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Journalism, Earlham College (2001)

EDUCATION - CERTIFICATIONS

Leadership, Organizing and Action, Harvard Kennedy School (2018)

Congressional Studies, Catholic University (2003)