Kortnee Simmons
Constituent Services Director
Troy,NY
Summary
Skilled political and social science professional successful at leveraging expertise to assist various groups with making forward-thinking plans and capitalizing on the current geopolitical landscape and historical trends. Ready to leverage training to make positive impact on outreach activities. Articulate communicator with strong analytical and relationship-building abilities.
Overview
2
2
Certifications
1
1
year of post-secondary education
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Policy Research Intern
Senator Michelle Hinchey
Kingston, NY
01.2021 - Current
- Identified, researched and tracked legislative issues relevant to current public issues.
- Assisted other office administrators by answering phones, returning email messages and creating distribution lists.
- Reviewed legislative and regulatory documents, analyzed implications and shared findings with Director of Community Outreach.
- Kept up with news on daily basis to stay informed about local, regional, national and international events.
- Improved representative-constituent relationship through consistent hard work and dedication to policy research, addressing constituent concerns.
Chief Executive Officer
The Lark Agency
Kingston, NY
11.2017 - 01.2021
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships, including negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Led strategic and business initiatives to successfully grow revenue in areas such as streaming and merchandising
- Review financial statements, sales and activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement and to determine areas needing cost reduction and program improvement.
- Develop or implement product-marketing strategies, including advertising campaigns or sales promotions..
Education Coordinator
The A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center
Kingston, NY
11.2018 - 01.2019
- Assisted with marketing, advertising, PR and student and faculty outreach efforts to drive afterschool education program growth.
- Leveraged knowledge of budget and educational designs to facilitate development of cost-effective educational programs.
- Implement program plans by ordering needed materials, scheduling volunteers, reserving space, or handling other administrative details.
- Planned, formulated and assessed goals, policies and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards.
Community Organizer
Citizen Action Of New York
Albany, NY
01.2013 - 10.2018
- Identified community organizations and leaders to establish and nurture relationships to help build awareness and win reforms for public.
- Participated in strategy development and planning to grow organizing program and advance campaigns.
- Liaised with political organizations and initiatives to confirm consideration of community best interests within campaigns and political agendas.
- Collaborated with community organizations in other regions to support state-wide and national outreach initiatives.
- Built strong bonds with local cultural organizations by respecting unique differences and specific societal norms.
- Organized voter registration campaign that resulted in 400+ new registrations.
Human Resources Manager
Limber Tree Services, Inc.
West Hurley, NY
01.2015 - 05.2016
- Educated management on successful policy implementation and enforcement actions to prevent employee legal entanglements.
- Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
- Updated training processes by reviewing existing documentation, leveraging feedback from associates, and working with legal and compliance teams.
- Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
- Streamlined HR efficiencies, coordinated new hire orientations and provided onboarding and training for 20+ new employees.
Education
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Ulster County Community College
Stone Ridge, NY 01.2020 - Current
Independent Study - Law (Pre-Law)
Harvard University
Cambridge, MASkills
Leadership
Community Organizing
Policy and Legislation Analysis
CRM Software Proficiency
Graphic/Web Design
Outreach
Human Resources
Public Relations
Organization and Time management
Cultural awareness
Affiliations
- Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society
- Circle K International
- Citizen Action of New York
- The Alliance for Quality Education
- Harambee Kingston
- End the New Jim Crow Action Network
- Working Families Party
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Certification
Licensed Notary Public - Four Year Commission
Timeline
Policy Research Intern
Senator Michelle Hinchey
01.2021 - Current
Licensed Notary Public - Four Year Commission
01-2021
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Ulster County Community College
01.2020 - Current
Education Coordinator
The A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center
11.2018 - 01.2019
Chief Executive Officer
The Lark Agency
11.2017 - 01.2021
Certified Post-Prison Release Mentor, NYS DOCCS- No Expiration
10-2015
Human Resources Manager
Limber Tree Services, Inc.
01.2015 - 05.2016
Community Organizer
Citizen Action Of New York
01.2013 - 10.2018
Independent Study - Law (Pre-Law)
Harvard University