Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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John Patrick Purcell

Austin,TX

Summary

Strategic operator and coalition builder driving innovation at the intersection of business, policy, and human potential. Known for building systems-level solutions that reimagine how people work, grow, and thrive - from launching venture-scale workforce initiatives to shaping national mental health strategy with Fortune 500 CHROs. Track record of leading high-performing teams, forging cross-sector partnerships, and turning bold ideas into scalable outcomes. Builder, investor, operator.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships

Stand Together
12.2012 - Current
  • Lead a team of Director-level partnership architects responsible for identifying market gaps and forging innovative partnerships across Fortune 500 companies and business trade associations. Oversee a portfolio of cross-sector investments and national initiatives focused on the future of work, workforce mental health, second-chance hiring, and economic opportunity.
  • Built and manage a high-performing team executing corporate strategies with companies like Google, Verizon, Meta, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, and Comcast - driving enterprise adoption of innovative practices that advance measurable social impact.
  • Spearheaded the development and launch of the Workplace Mental Health Knowledge Network - a first-of-its-kind coalition of F500 companies aligning C-suite and HR leaders around ROI-driven mental health innovation and cultural transformation.
  • Architected the Second Chance Business Coalition, bringing together JPMorgan Chase, Walmart, Virgin, Union Pacific, and AT&T to expand fair chance hiring practices; advised legal and policy strategies across member companies.
  • Designed and led the Route 250 Diner activation with the National Association of Manufacturers - driving national attention to skills-first hiring through cultural storytelling.
  • Co-launched the Belonging Begins With Us campaign with the Ad Council - generating national media coverage and brand activation among major employers, reframing belonging as a business imperative.
  • Currently building the Texas Digital Economy Flywheel initiative - convening employers, community colleges, and training providers to close digital economy skills gaps.
  • Cultivated a culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
  • Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.

Member Business Services Director

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
04.2015 - 12.2017
  • Built NAM's Member Business Services division from the ground up, driving new revenue streams, boosting member engagement, and increasing retention across the country's largest industrial trade association.
  • Launched a daily industry intelligence service delivering real-time insights to members.
  • Developed the Manufacturers Marketplace, an online B2B platform that expanded member sales and strategic partnerships.
  • Built and scaled NAM EHS Navigator, a regulatory compliance SaaS tool simplifying operations for manufacturers nationwide.
  • Led the "Leading Edge" thought leadership series, elevating NAM's voice on Industry 4.0, sustainability, and supply chain innovation.
  • Modernized legacy offerings with new business models and multi-year marketing strategies that significantly increased service adoption and ROI.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.

Cause Marketing & Programs Director

Armed Forces Foundation
11.2011 - 04.2015
  • Led national brand partnerships and awareness campaigns to support military families and veterans.
  • Drove NASCAR's "Troop to the Track" initiative across 26 races annually, connecting fans with deployed troops.
  • Supported Country Music Television's tapping "Ron White's Comedy Salute" and developed high-profile campaigns with partners like NASCAR, Southwest Airlines, Las Vegas Sands, and Omaha Steaks.
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Aligned corporate values with program impact, driving funding and visibility for critical veteran initiatives.

Legislative Staff, Office of Senator Joseph Lieberman

United States Senate
07.2010 - 10.2011
  • Contributed to policy development and legislative strategy for economic competitiveness, workforce readiness, and inclusive hiring reforms.
  • Supported Senate committee activity, stakeholder engagement, and bipartisan initiatives focused on defense and veterans' affairs.
  • Established positive relationships with lobbyists, government officials, constituents, and other staff members.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC
01.2010

Skills

  • Corporate Partnerships
  • Workforce Strategy
  • Venture-Scale Social Innovation
  • Cross-Sector Collaboration
  • Future of Work
  • Philanthropic Investment
  • Narrative Change
  • Strategic Operations
  • Collaborative leadership
  • Culture transformation
  • Team management
  • Policy development

Timeline

Member Business Services Director

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
04.2015 - 12.2017

Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships

Stand Together
12.2012 - Current

Cause Marketing & Programs Director

Armed Forces Foundation
11.2011 - 04.2015

Legislative Staff, Office of Senator Joseph Lieberman

United States Senate
07.2010 - 10.2011

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

The Catholic University of America