SUMMARY
High-achieving Business Executive adept at translating vision and transforming complex topics into innovative initiatives to improve performance, profitability and growth. Empowering leader with over twenty years of experience and a strong track record collaborating with C-level industry leaders, academia, local and state governments. Recognized entrepreneur who thrives on tough challenges and delivers strategic actionable, value-added goals.
SKILLS & STRENGTHS
- Coalition and Consensus Development
- Local/State Government experience
- Problem Solving & Abstract Thought
- Ability to Assemble a Great Team
- Team Development and Mentoring
- High Tolerance for Ambiguity
- Agile Decision Making
- Power to Inspire
- Policy Development
- Multi-million dollar project management
- Social media marketing and management
- Leader and Influence
EXPERIENCE
Chief Innovation Officer
City of Sacramento – OFFICE of INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Sacramento, CA
May 2018 to Present
Develop concepts, goals, objectives and policies that will enhance Sacramento’s standing as a global leader in innovation. Promote and drive long term economic growth and job creation through innovation.
Incorporate elements of entrepreneurship, infrastructure, land use, and the development of social networks to retain, expand as well as attract business and talent to the City.
- Manage and control disbursement of $1M in grant funds dedicated for the City’s RAILS (Rapid Acceleration Innovation and Leadership in Sacramento) program. Restructured and designed program to better support growth in the seven verticals sectors of SUTL framework.
- Coordinate with City units and external stakeholders to develop sector based strategies focused on attracting new businesses, retaining existing businesses, and engaging and strengthening Sacramento’s innovation community.
MAYOR EXECUTIVE APPOINTEE – Chief Innovation Officer
MAYOR’S OFFICE For INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (MOFIE) – Sacramento, CA
May 2017 to April 2018
Focused on bridging the public-private divide, reducing process, and growing a strong and vibrant business community. Encouraged an innovation-driven economy, supported entrepreneurs, revenue-generating businesses and the creation of high quality jobs. Leveraged skills in negotiation, organization and efficiency to develop strategic opportunities and relationships to enhance the awareness and visibility of Sacramento’s innovation and workforce development ecosystem.
- Conceptualized, introduced and launched an overall innovation sector based economic development strategy called the Sacramento Urban Technology Lab (SUTL). The framework was distinctly developed to focus on the growth of seven principal sectors including Mobility, Clean tech/Sustainability, Life science/Health IT, Food Systems, Cyber security/IoT, Government/Civic Tech, and Workforce Development.
- Acknowledged as the executive face of the City of Sacramento’s innovation ecosystem, elected to represent and speak on behalf of the Mayor and the City at various events aimed at the cultivation and maintenance of positive relationships with a range of audiences, nationally and internationally, to enhance economic development.
GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE APPOINTEE – Deputy Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (GoBiz) – Sacramento, CA
April 2010 to May 2017
Ensured the coordination and promotion of innovative economic development and capacity building activities throughout California. Leveraged skills in negotiation, organization and efficiency to develop strategic opportunities and relationships to enhance the awareness and visibility of California’s innovation and workforce development ecosystem.
- Led local and state efforts to successfully recruit Fortune Global500 company to California resulting in a $300M investment, a new head quarter facility and 2500 jobs being created.
- Organized coalitions consisting of state resource agencies, higher education, nonprofit research institutes and business partners to compete for over $1.6B in federal grant monies, resulting in $600M in funds for the state of California.
- Recognized as a thought leader in the state of California’s innovation ecosystem with authority and ability to communicate, cultivate and maintain positive relationships with a range of audiences, nationally and internationally, to enhance economic and workforce development.
GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE APPOINTEE – Deputy Director
California Census 2010 – Sacramento, CA
October 2009 to June 2010
Appointed to develop new initiatives based on Census 2000 best practices. Administered support for Census 2010 education and outreach activities by furnishing statewide leadership, expertise and guidance to governmental agencies, business and community organizations.
- Controlled disbursement of $1M in contracts with top 13 hard-to-count counties to promote statewide census outreach campaign.
- Developed, launched and maintained nationally recognized web based Census information portal and social media campaign.
GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE APPOINTEE – Various Positions
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES – Sacramento, CA
February 2007 to October 2009
Public Affairs Officer
Senior professional charged with constructing online social media policy and guidelines as well as authoring video message board project request for proposal in accordance with California Vehicle Code section 1656.5.
Assistant Deputy Director, Field Operations Division
Oversaw daily operations that included personnel actions, budget allocations, and capital outlay projects for 4500 employees and 169 Field Offices statewide.
- Organized and mobilized local field office staff throughout the state during major events such as fires, earthquakes and work stoppages.
Executive Appointment as Special Advisor to the Director
Appointed to manage the staff and oversee the operations of the Equal Employment Opportunity Office (EEO), Audit Office, and Information Privacy & Security Office (IPSO). Led a cross-divisional team of 50 assembled to collaborate with vendors toward the completion of the International Registration Plan replacement system.