April Josephson
Rancho Santa Margarita,CA
Summary
Versatile leader bringing years of experience in business development, strategic planning, operations, contracts and negotiations, personnel management and policymaking, taking into account the interests of a diverse group of stakeholders. Strategic problem-solver, change manager and visionary executive with success implementing plans to meet current and future needs, in context with risk management considerations and legal constraints. Key expertise in California animal law and sheltering best-practices.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
President/CEO/Executive Director
The Pet Adoption Center Of Orange County
07.2017 - Current
- Formulated and developed organizational structure and strategic, tactical, and operational plans for establishment and operation of a forward-thinking, cost-effective, animal welfare-focused pet adoption center.
- Built a high-performance volunteer team of 85 people to handle day-to-day operations humanely, efficiently, and productively, while prioritizing superior animal care.
- Created a positive work culture, resulting in high volunteer retention rates, which fosters the human-animal bond.
- Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing capabilities.
- Ensured safety and regulatory compliance by developing robust policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Built productive relationships with community partners, including local government and businesses, other community-based nonprofits, and elected officials, to support strategic business objectives.
CEO/Business Consultant
Ariel.Net
05.2009 - 06.2017
- Established and managed Internet services for 50 business clients and provided business and legal consulting services to entrepreneurs and nonprofits.
- Oversaw and guided animal welfare and community nonprofit organizations with start-up and compliance issues to achieve their outlined missions.
- Led contract negotiations.
- Established alliances and developed community relations.
Marketing Services Consultant
Guthy-Renker, LLC
02.2009 - 05.2009
- Provided project-based consulting services in the area of Marketing Operations.
- Analyzed and updated policies and procedures, creating Standard Operating Procedures for 12 brands.
Client Account Manager/Contracts Manager
CPU2
07.2005 - 01.2009
- Managed Guthy-Renker, a $1.8 billion client.
- Served as primary liaison between the account and internal departments, including senior management, information technology, fulfillment, and call center.
- Simultaneously managed 15 major national brands through product lifecycle and customer retention.
Marketing Manager/Software Producer
ALEKS Corporation
04.2003 - 07.2005
- Managed production and marketing of artificially intelligent online tutoring software for higher education and K-12 use in 5 subject areas.
- Oversaw budgets, advertising, promotions, trade shows, press contacts, staff and consultants.
- Performed in-house legal work.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
- Relevant Coursework: Leadership & Management.
J.D. -
- Relevant Coursework: Administrative Law & Internship at the Center for Public Interest Law.
- Professional Development: Continuing Legal Education emphasis on Animal Law.
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy/Political Science
- Dual Majors: Philosophy and Political Science.
- Relevant Coursework: Internship at the Institute for Politics and Government.
Skills
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Operations & Program Management
- Policy Development
- Risk Mitigation
- Negotiations/Problem-Solving
- Leadership Team Building & Employee Relations
- Budget Management
- Animal Welfare Industry Knowledge
- Community Outreach
- Political Savvy
Affiliations
Current
- Member, State Bar of California
- Member, Board of Trustees, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District; City of Rancho Santa Margarita Trustee
- Member, City of Rancho Santa Margarita Community Development Block Grant Committee
Previous
- Commissioner, City of Rancho Santa Margarita Planning Commission
- Committee Member-Fifth District, OC Animal Care Community Outreach Committee
- Board Member, OC Animal Care New Shelter Design Advisory Board
- Board of Directors, California Internet Service Provider Association
- Committee Member, City of Rancho Santa Margarita, Economic Development Committee
- Board of Directors, Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce
- Board of Directors, Orange County Employer Advisory Council
Publications
- Columnist and Contributor, "Animal Writes," Rancho Santa Margarita Patch, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- Staff Writer, “Web Crawler,” South County Business Digest, Lake Forest, CA
- Staff Writer, California Regulatory Law Reporter, San Diego, CA
Recognition
- Los Angeles Times; Orange County Visionaries 2022
- University of Phoenix, Southern California Campus; Leadership Impact Awards, Distinguished Alumni Award 2018
- Orange County Register; OC's 100 Most Influential Game Changers 2017
Timeline
President/CEO/Executive Director - The Pet Adoption Center Of Orange County
07.2017 - Current
CEO/Business Consultant - Ariel.Net
05.2009 - 06.2017
Marketing Services Consultant - Guthy-Renker, LLC
02.2009 - 05.2009
Client Account Manager/Contracts Manager - CPU2
07.2005 - 01.2009
Marketing Manager/Software Producer - ALEKS Corporation
04.2003 - 07.2005
University of Phoenix - MBA, Business Administration And Management
University of San Diego, School of Law - J.D.,
University of Southern California - Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy/Political Science
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