Alejandra Guzman

As Chief Business Development Officer, I drive the LSU Health Foundation’s growth through strategic real estate ventures, including property acquisition, management, and public-private partnerships .I oversee a substantial operating budget, manage mission-related investments, and lead a property management team responsible for lease agreements and financial oversight. Additionally, I have temporarily assumed Chief Executive Officer Responsibilities.

• Real Estate Transactions & Management: Led $7M in property acquisitions, managed 180,000 SF of commercial real estate, and administered leases with a total future value of $9.5M
• Public-Private Partnerships: Restructured a master lease, ensuring the financial viability of student and faculty housing ($200 M investment) in the Biomedical District
• Stakeholder Relations: Managed relationships with key stakeholders, including a major real estate donor whose $7M property donation strengthened the Foundation’s asset portfolio
• Mission-Related Investments: Launched a $3M investment program to support healthcare-focused businesses, aligning financial growth with the Foundation’s mission
• Leadership Transition: Maintained operational stability during the departure of the CEO, CFO, and Chief Development Officer; assumed Acting CEO responsibilities during the transition
• Financial Management: Implemented new business protocols to separate real estate project evaluations from general operating funds, enhancing financial clarity and control

Temporarily assumed leadership of the development team and fundraising operations, overseeing a $1M annual budget and driving revenue growth to support the organization’s mission.

• Fundraising Leadership: Led a team of 10 in executing comprehensive fundraising initiatives, including donor relations, major gifts, planned and annual giving, corporate partnerships, and capital campaigns
• Revenue Growth: Developed strategies to achieve $8M in revenue through diversified fundraising efforts
• Strategic Oversight: Managed scholarship funds, endowed chairs, professorships, and grant applications, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities
• Operational Management: Oversaw database management and fundraising events, optimizing donor engagement and stewardship

Led the development and management of business ventures, collaborating with executive leadership to drive strategy and financial performance.

• Business Operations: Oversaw the LSU Health Fitness Center, generating $250K in annual profit before its closure in Q4 of 2021
• Strategic Leadership: Worked closely with the CEO and CFO to develop and execute strategies addressing key business challenges
• Team Management: Supervised staff through direct and indirect reporting structures, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with organizational goals

Led real estate strategy and capital investment initiatives to drive equitable community development and economic growth.

• Strategic Leadership: Developed and executed real estate, policy, and partnership strategies to revitalize communities
• Executive Collaboration: Worked alongside the CEO and CFO to analyze and implement key organizational initiatives
• Team Management: Supervised direct and indirect reports, ensuring alignment with strategic goals

Oversaw performance management and strategic initiatives, ensuring that programmatic investments exceeded $9M and aligned with organizational objectives.

• Organizational Impact: Designed and led data-driven strategies to measure program effectiveness, improve quality, and drive strategic decision-making
• Stakeholder Engagement: Managed partnerships with key organizations, including the City of New Orleans, Aspen Institute, GNO Inc., and Downtown Development District
• Public Outreach: Directed media strategy across television, radio, social media, and editorials, reaching over 31,000 people
• Leadership & Governance: Supervised staff and provided guidance on strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency

• Program Strategy & Development: Designed and led initiatives focused on workforce, housing, entrepreneurship, and small business growth
• Stakeholder Engagement: Built partnerships with public and private organizations to advance economic development initiatives
• Operational Support: Managed special projects, data analysis, and stakeholder events to drive strategic priorities

Managed business operations and strategic partnerships for major real estate developments exceeding $200M.

• Executive Leadership: Served as Chief of Staff to the CEO, providing strategic oversight and operational guidance
• Urban Development: Led community and real estate development efforts for high-profile projects, including Arboleda and SOFIA
• Stakeholder & Risk Management: Directed risk assessment and business expansion strategies for $400M+ in company assets
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Managed a multi-sector team, coordinating with leading firms such as MIT, Leland Consulting Group, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, and Sasaki Architects

At CEMEX, I led strategic initiatives in housing, sustainability, and public-private partnerships, advancing economic and community development on a national scale.

• Spearheaded the design and implementation of nationwide workforce and economic development programs, including the New Employment Opportunities Initiative (NEO) in Mexico
• Advised executive leadership on policy, sustainability, and market expansion, ensuring alignment with global development goals and business priorities
• Led strategic initiatives in housing, sustainability, and public-private partnerships, advancing economic and community development on a national scale

• Corporate & Institutional Relations: Advised executive leadership on policy, sustainability, and market expansion, ensuring alignment with global development goals and business priorities
• Sustainability & Workforce Development: Designed and implemented nationwide workforce and economic development programs, including the New Employment Opportunities Initiative (NEO) in Mexico, fostering job creation and skill development

• Strategic Growth & Business Development: Led initiatives that resulted in the construction of 35,000+ homes for low-income communities across Mexico and Latin America, supporting market expansion and social impact
• Public-Private Partnerships: Developed and managed large-scale collaborations with government agencies, private sector leaders, and NGOs, implementing economic and community development programs benefiting 100,000+ individuals

I held progressive roles from Human Resources Intern to Corporate Liaison, where I supported HR operations, developed training programs, managed stakeholder relationships, and advised on workforce development, contributing to the company's operational success and community initiatives.