Bess McGeorge
Little Rock,United States
Summary
Versatile and mission-driven professional with experience in business development, nonprofit leadership, event coordination, and donor relations. Skilled in program management, fundraising, and team leadership, with a strong background in community engagement and outdoor experiential education. Passionate about building relationships, organizing successful initiatives, and creating meaningful impact through strategic planning and collaboration.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Development
DELTA SOLAR
Little Rock, AR
10.2022 - Current
- Develop and maintain client relationships to expand solar energy solutions
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the renewable energy sector
- Collaborate with internal teams to create proposals and presentations for potential clients
- Conduct market research to stay ahead of industry trends and opportunities
- Represent the company at networking events, trade shows, and community engagements
Program Director
NEIGHBORHOOD BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
Chicago, IL
08.2019 - 08.2022
- Oversaw all organizational programming operations with an annual budget of $2 million
- Recruited, trained, and supervised 35 staff leading programs for youth aged 5-18
- Developed strategic plans to increase visibility, membership, and fundraising capabilities
- Evaluated program performance through data analysis
- Served on Senior Management Team, Marketing Committee, and Program Committee
Program Manager and Program Guide
CHICAGO VOYAGERS
Schaumburg, IL
06.2016 - 08.2022
- Guided youth through outdoor experiential adventures to foster healthy relationships and responsible behavior
- Managed program leaders, assistants, coordinators, and interns
- Oversaw logistics for programs, including staff coordination and volunteer engagement
- Ensured program safety and effectiveness through risk management policies
Inpatient Program Therapist
Riveredge Hospital
Forest Park, IL
01.2016 - 12.2017
Youth and Family Counselor/Wilderness Therapist
OMNI YOUTH SERVICES
Buffalo Grove, IL
07.2013 - 10.2015
- Provided counseling and case management for youth and families
- Led substance abuse counseling and trauma-informed therapy groups
- Developed experiential activities for effective therapy sessions
Conservatory Graduate
Second City Training Center
Chicago, IL
01.2009 - 12.2009
Waitstaff
Charlie's Ale House
Chicago, IL
01.2007 - 12.2008
Intern
Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center
Little Rock, AR
01.2004 - 12.2004
Education
Master of Education - Community Counseling
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
Chicago, Illinois01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Recreational Education, Outdoor Recreation and Camp Administration
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Fayetteville, Arkansas01.2004
Skills
- Professional and courteous
- Problem-solving
- Interpersonal skills
- Fundraising expertise
- Volunteer management
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Administration and reporting
- Team building
- Relationship building
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, IL
- Wilderness Medical Association, Wilderness First Responder
Timeline
Business Development
DELTA SOLAR
10.2022 - Current
Program Director
NEIGHBORHOOD BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
08.2019 - 08.2022
Program Manager and Program Guide
CHICAGO VOYAGERS
06.2016 - 08.2022
Inpatient Program Therapist
Riveredge Hospital
01.2016 - 12.2017
Youth and Family Counselor/Wilderness Therapist
OMNI YOUTH SERVICES
07.2013 - 10.2015
Conservatory Graduate
Second City Training Center
01.2009 - 12.2009
Waitstaff
Charlie's Ale House
01.2007 - 12.2008
Intern
Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center
01.2004 - 12.2004
Master of Education - Community Counseling
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - Recreational Education, Outdoor Recreation and Camp Administration
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS