Dennis Culnan
Vice-President
Mount Laurel,NJ
Summary
Performance-driven Vice President with 20+ years of experience aligning systems with business requirements, policies, and regulatory requirements. Passionate about applying excellent organization and communication skills to manage and lead teams. Results-oriented individual well-versed in interfacing and consulting on business processes to drive results based on sound overall business judgment.
Talented Vice President with excellent employee development, customer service and analytics skills coupled with more than 30 years of experience. Comfortable giving engaging presentations to clients to drive new business, expand accounts and establish brand profile. Excellent team builder and leader of initiatives. Performance-driven Vice President with [Number] years of experience aligning systems with business requirements, policies, and regulatory requirements. Passionate about applying excellent organization and communication skills to manage and lead teams. Results-oriented individual well-versed in interfacing and consulting on business processes to drive results based on sound overall business judgment.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Vice President
Stevens Lee Public Affairs
09.2023 - Current
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
President
Phoenix Strategies, Inc.
02.2014 - 08.2023
- Managed crisis situations effectively while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
- Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
- Supported project management team for optimal performance.
- Inspired innovation by creating an environment that encouraged creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
- Increased awareness of vital issues by organizing public events, workshops, and informational sessions.
- Leveraged social media platforms strategically to amplify messages, broaden reach, and engage constituents effectively in the policymaking process.
- Influenced policy changes by conducting thorough research and presenting compelling arguments to decisionmakers.
- Monitored legislative developments to identify opportunities for advocacy and potential threats to clients'' interests.
- Successfully advocated for favorable policy outcomes, utilizing persuasive communication skills in meetings with lawmakers.
- Conducted analysis of proposed legislation to determine potential impacts on clients'' industries or areas of concern.
- Wrote press releases and other materials utilizing SEO practices.
- Increased revenues and supported business goals by developing public relations strategies and campaigns.
- Prepared or edited organizational publications such as employee newsletters or stockholder reports for internal or external audiences.
- Studied objectives, promotional policies or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies influencing public opinion or promoting ideas.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with public by utilizing strategic plans.
- Engaged in professional networking to maintain strong relationships with communications and media professionals to drive partnerships and effective dissemination of mass communications.
- Drafted press releases, op-eds, and speeches to promote clients'' positions on various issues effectively.
- Regularly updated clients on progress toward established goals while remaining responsive to their needs or concerns throughout engagements.
- Managed multiple client accounts simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and organization.
- Developed targeted messaging campaigns that resonated with diverse audiences to garner support for critical initiatives.
- Enhanced credibility as a lobbyist by staying informed on current events, trends, and relevant political developments.
- Testified before legislative committees as an authoritative voice representing clients'' perspectives on crucial matters.
- Secured support for key initiatives through effective relationship-building with stakeholders and legislators.
- Advanced clients'' interests by developing strategic plans, setting goals, and identifying targets for lobbying efforts.
- Coordinated grassroots outreach efforts by mobilizing supporters and engaging community members in the political process.
- Maintained strict compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing the practice of lobbying.
- Served as a reliable resource for policymakers seeking expert advice or information pertaining to specific subjects.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of lobbying efforts and adjusted strategies as needed to ensure continued progress toward desired outcomes.
- Collaborated with team members to devise comprehensive lobbying strategies that aligned with clients'' objectives.
- Participated in industry conferences and networking events, fostering connections beneficial to future endeavors or collaborations.
- Managed media relations for organizations to produce successful results.
- Conducted media relations and responded to media requests for information.
- Supported public relations managers with writing, researching and preparation of materials
- Used various social media platforms for media and blogger outreach.
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to identify key messages and create compelling content for press releases and other materials.
- Produced and distributed brochures, newsletters and press kits.
- Facilitated press conferences and other outreach events to raise visibility of organization.
- Monitored media coverage and produced detailed reports to analyze impact of PR efforts.
- Developed and implemented social media strategy to increase engagement and reach new audiences.
- Developed comprehensive media outreach plan to increase visibility of organization in local, regional and national markets.
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media to spread positions.
- Created and executed targeted PR campaigns to raise awareness of organization and initiatives.
- Coordinated media interviews with organization staff, board members and volunteers.
- Cultivated strong relationships with media representatives to secure widespread coverage and feature stories.
Director of Business Administration
South Jersey Transportation Authority
08.2011 - 02.2014
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Led cross-functional teams to exceed benchmarks for SLA delivery, staying on top of challenging schedules with multiple competing timelines.
Deputy Executive Director / Chief of Staff
SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
2 2009 - 02.2011
- Continue to perform the functions of the Chief of Staff as identified below
- Oversaw Directors of the Transportation Services, Airport, Tourist Services and Finance Departments
- Oversaw development of the annual operating and capital budgets
- Managed authority-wide expenditures to ensure annual costs remain within budget
- Manage authority-wide headcount to maintain budget and meet operational requirements
- Develop and manage Authority structural reorganizations and insure seamless transitions
- Oversee strategy to develop ACY into South Jersey’s International Airport
- Oversee strategy to construct a maintenance hangar at ACY that will create 75 permanent jobs
- Oversaw air service development strategy
- Negotiated contract for the development of a hotel complex to support growth of the airport
- Oversee strategic business plan for development of parking facilities throughout South Jersey
- Oversee strategy to increase non-toll revenues
- Enhanced organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative strategies.
- Experienced analyzing documentation, making recommendations and advising staff on matters involving human resources, procurements and administration.
- Drove strategic initiatives to completion, overseeing project timelines and milestones.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Built and managed processes for tracking and monitoring department performance.
Chief of Staff
SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
01.2007 - 02.2009
- Implemented directives from the Executive Director through senior staff and department directors
- Conferred with and advised Department and Division Heads in outlining and implementing plans for functions and directives delegated by the Executive Director
- Represented the Executive Director in dealings with the Federal government, Governor’s Office and his/her cabinet, the NJ Legislature, and other elected officials as necessary
- Served as liaison with the Authority’s Board of Commissioners
- Developed strategies to secure Federal and/or State funding
- Developed presentations to the Board of Commissioners, patrons, other memos and reports
- Developed strategic policy and position papers as requested
- Responsible for the general administration and staff assignments of the Executive Director
- Managed overall Authority staffing needs and budget analysis and control
- Oversaw the support staff for the Executive Department
- Served as Acting Deputy Executive Director of Operations on interim basis
- Managed the daily operations of the Atlantic City International Airport on interim basis
Senior Project Manager
SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
04.2006 - 12.2006
- Supervised the implementation of all projects in SJTA’s capital program (~$50 million)
- Managed staff of project managers and outside consultants related to capital projects
- Ensured all projects are implemented on schedule and in a cost-effective manner
Electronic Toll Collection Manager
SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
05.2005 - 03.2006
- Developed policy recommendations for all related E-ZPass activities
- Managed staff of toll analysts
- Supervised toll analysis and audit functions for revenue, traffic data and violation enforcement
- Established reporting procedures and produce periodic management reports
- Managed violation enforcement including customer complaints and relations
- Primary SJTA representative on IAG (E-ZPass) Policy Committee and I-95 Corridor Coalition
- Managed project to construct and deploy E-ZPass technology in urban parking facilities
Transportation Planner / Project Manager
SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
08.2002 - 05.2005
- Architected strategy to secure $500,000 in federal funds to initiate a roadside service program
- Managed $13 million project to construct Express E-ZPass at the Pleasantville Toll Plaza
- Managed daily transportation statistics to develop strategic planning for the Authority
- Improved methodology and analysis of annual visitor statistics for Atlantic City
- Participated in regional planning activities
- Developed thorough knowledge of enabling legislation, rules and regulations of SJTA
Vice-President
PHOENIX STRATEGIES
11.2001 - 08.2002
- Responsible for business development
- Managed clients’ diverse governmental needs
- Worked at various levels of local, regional and state government to advance clients’ agenda
Inside Sales Executive
COMPUTER ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL
10.2000 - 10.2001
- Sold Enterprise Data Management software to corporate clients
- Responsible for a $1.8 million annual sales quota
- Attained 90% of quota
- Promoted to a more lucrative territory after 5 months on the job
Public Relations Consultant
PHOENIX STRATEGIES
11.1999 - 10.2000
- Conducted election analysis, research, and media strategy
- Researched and wrote issue papers
- Provided advance work for 2000 Democratic Primary
Commercial Project Manager
SIEMENS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (STS)
10.1998 - 11.1999
- Ensured financial development, measurement and analysis of all business activities supporting the projects and general business for the locomotive department with $100+ million annual sales
- Supervised locomotive department commercial personnel
- Developed short and long-term seasonal business plans, budgets and forecasts
- Managed business data including Orders, Sales, P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and (EVA)
- Managed departmental receivables and trade payables
- Managed and controlled the spare parts business with a volume of $1.5 million
International Management Trainee
SIEMENS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (STS)
08.1997 - 10.1998
- One of only six Americans selected in 1997 to work in Siemens’ International Trainee Program
- Studied the German language and culture at the Carl Duisberg Center
- Negotiated intra-company prices and cost distributions while working in a manufacturing plant
- Performed a variety of financial analyses at the Division’s headquarters
Deputy Marketing Tour Manager
PHOENIX STRATEGIES
01.1997 - 08.1997
- Provided financial controlling and logistical coordination for the marketing tour of a new Siemens’ train, which generated significant local TV and newspaper coverage in 50+ U.S
- Cities
- Organized the transport of the train with Amtrak, major rail lines and governmental entities
- Served as liaison to coordinate the efforts various local, county, state and federal transit entities
- Provided international liaison among stakeholders in the USA and Europe
- Managed the tour staff, logistics and interface with host communities
- Educated clients, public officials, and media personnel about this new train technology
- Reconciled costs with budget for the tour's $2 million budget
- Organized and managed the 'accident-free' loading and unloading of the $2.5 million train
Education
Executive MBA Program - Entreneurship
Rutgers University
Newark, NJ 01.2010 - 05.2011
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Political Science
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ 09.1992 - 09.1996
Skills
German
Spanish
Portuguese
Microsoft Office Programs
Team Leadership
Strategic Planning
Coaching and Mentoring
Decision-Making
References
Available upon request
Awards
- American Management Association, 'Accounting & Finance for Non-Accounting Execs', 1999
- Siemens’ International Trainee Program, Member, 1997, 1998
- Rider University, Presidential (Full-tuition) Scholarship, 1993
- Bloustein Distinguished Scholar, NJ Department of Higher Education, 1992
Timeline
Vice President
Stevens Lee Public Affairs
09.2023 - Current
President
Phoenix Strategies, Inc.
02.2014 - 08.2023
Director of Business Administration
South Jersey Transportation Authority
08.2011 - 02.2014
Executive MBA Program - Entreneurship
Rutgers University
01.2010 - 05.2011
Chief of Staff
SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
01.2007 - 02.2009
Senior Project Manager
SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
04.2006 - 12.2006
Electronic Toll Collection Manager
SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
05.2005 - 03.2006
Transportation Planner / Project Manager
SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
08.2002 - 05.2005
Vice-President
PHOENIX STRATEGIES
11.2001 - 08.2002
Inside Sales Executive
COMPUTER ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL
10.2000 - 10.2001
Public Relations Consultant
PHOENIX STRATEGIES
11.1999 - 10.2000
Commercial Project Manager
SIEMENS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (STS)
10.1998 - 11.1999
International Management Trainee
SIEMENS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (STS)
08.1997 - 10.1998
Deputy Marketing Tour Manager
PHOENIX STRATEGIES
01.1997 - 08.1997
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Political Science
Rider University
09.1992 - 09.1996
Deputy Executive Director / Chief of Staff
SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
2 2009 - 02.2011
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