Chelsey Hucker
Greenville,SC
Summary
Experienced Attorney and non-profit Executive Director with over a decade of dedicated service to her community's most vulnerable populations. Proven track record in grant management, community partnership development, and innovative program implementation. A passionate leader known for adaptability, resilience, and delivering results in evolving environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
FIRST LIGHT
01.2020 - Current
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy of the only Sexual Trauma and Child Advocacy Center serving Anderson and Oconee Counties.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Successfully transitioned the agency to remote work during the pandemic, a significant transition period, maintaining stability and focus on strategic goals.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Strengthened internal communication channels to facilitate cross-functional collaboration and decisionmaking.
- Evaluated program outcomes using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Led successful fundraising campaigns, securing critical resources for program development and expansion, despite six-figure federal funding cuts.
- Oversaw and managed programmatic, financial and administrative components of grant management across agency departments.
- Spearheaded grant writing efforts, securing funding for vital victim services.
- Primary handler for Roma IV, South Carolina's first ADI certified Courthouse Facility Dog.
Assistant Solicitor
10TH CIRCUIT SOLICITOR'S OFFICE
05.2013 - 01.2020
- Represent the State of South Carolina in prosecuting General Sessions and Family Court cases.
- Prepared and tried criminal cases in General Sessions and Family Court.
- Handled all Special Victims cases and a portion of other violent crimes, including murder.
- Overhauled the prosecution and investigative procedures for violent drug crimes to protect alleged perpetrators' Constitutional rights.
- Supervised a team of three, including a Victim Advocate, Administrative Assistant, and Investigator.
- Conducted pre-trial conferences with witnesses and victims using trauma-informed practices to determine the merits of each case.
- Negotiated plea agreements with members of the Anderson County Bar and made sentencing recommendations by taking victim input into consideration.
- Created and piloted South Carolina's first Facility Dog program.
- Acted as primary handler for Roma IV in Family Court and General Sessions proceedings.
Education
Juris Doctorate -
University of South Carolina School of Law
01-2012
Bachelor of Arts - Government
Wofford College
01-2009
Skills
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Operations management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Staff management
- Public speaking
- Fundraising
- Grant writing
- Board relations
Professional Training
- Sexual Assault Reporting for Corporate Leadership, Bosch, 2022
- Role of Facility Dogs in Victim Advocacy, 2021
- Sexual Assault and Reporting Basics, Clemson University, 2021
- Use of Facility Dogs in Trial, Courthouse Dogs Foundation International Conference, 2021
- Use of Facility Dogs in Trial, SC Solicitor's Conference, 2018
- Facility Dog Bias in a Trial Setting, Wofford College, 2017
- Internet Safety for High School Students, Crescent High School, 2016-2019
Leadership and Community Engagement
- SCCADVASA, Board of Directors, Sexual Assault Interest Group Chair, 2021-2024
- SC Legal Services, Board of Directors, Vice Chair, 2022-present
- Courthouse Dogs Foundation, Courthouse Dogs Ambassador, 2017-present
Professional License
South Carolina State Bar, 100701
Inactive Member, Good Standing
Timeline
Executive Director
FIRST LIGHT
01.2020 - Current
Assistant Solicitor
10TH CIRCUIT SOLICITOR'S OFFICE
05.2013 - 01.2020
Juris Doctorate -
University of South Carolina School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Government
Wofford College
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