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Leanne Cardwell
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Strategic business development leader with 20 years of experience exceeding partnership revenue goals and generating significant sponsorship revenue. Expertise in crafting tailored proposals and implementing revenue-generating programs that align with organizational objectives. Proven ability to cultivate long-term relationships with corporate sponsors.
Work History
Principal
Next Play Advisors
Annandale, VA
2025 - Current
- Secured >$200k (first year) in corporate sponsorships, naming-rights agreements, and key partnerships with national and international prospects by crafting high-value packages and executing targeted outreach.
- Developed revenue forecasts, sponsorship valuations, and long-term growth strategies.
- Developed pitch materials, proposals, and presentations for investors and sponsors, ensuring alignment with client objectives and enhancing funding opportunities.
- Launched revenue-generating programs—camps, leagues, memberships, and academies—to increase market presence and drive participation.
- Forged strategic partnerships with schools, sports academies, nonprofits, and community organizations to broaden brand influence.
Softball Program Manager
The St. James
Springfield, VA
2023 - 2026
- Increased net new revenue by $200k in first year
- Exceeded program goals in first and second year, launching new travel softball program and managing all finances, marketing, and business development
- Organized events such as clinics, seminars, and tournaments aimed at business development and market promotion, developing long-term partnership with Washington Nationals Office of Youth Programming
- Oversaw compliance with program requirements, schedule, and budget constraints.
- Communicated with internal and external partners to align strategies and objectives, fostering collaboration and support.
Senior Consultant
Partner Forces
Washington, DC
2023 - 2024
- Led team of 20 on new multi-million dollar contract with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Collaborated with government and private sector stakeholders to address major, highly-publicized challenges.
- Fostered strong partnerships and solved intricate problems to build risk resilience.
- Adapted strategies to ensure success in fast-paced, high-pressure scenarios involving complex risks.
Solution Consultant
Reciprocity/TechnoMile/Altai Systems
Remote
2019 - 2023
- Exceeded sales goals by developing tailored pitches and presentations to C-suite executives purchasing 6-figure software programs.
- Utilized sales technology and storytelling skills to deliver engaging product demonstrations, facilitating closed sales.
- Customized software solution demonstrations based on client insights.
- Provided strategic input that influenced product direction and streamlined the sales process.
- Delivered product training to new hires and clients via demos and training videos.
Senior Director - Industry Relations
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
Fairfax, Virginia
2017 - 2019
- Drove initiatives to meet Fortune 500 clients' objectives through tailored programs based on comprehensive needs analysis.
- Increased annual revenue by 12% and maintained a 98% client retention rate through strategic sales initiatives.
- Identified new sponsors and upsold existing ones, coordinating event development and managing vendor relationships.
- Managed communications, public relations, membership, and finance to ensure timely delivery of all projects.
Vice President - Business Development
Impellia
Remote (extensive travel)
2016 - 2017
- Drove outreach and sales efforts at innovative sports technology start-up.
- Cultivated strong relationships with NFL head trainers, enhancing stakeholder engagement.
- Managed client processes and industry partnerships, facilitating pre-market product preparations that aligned offerings with client needs.
- Executed extensive cold-calling campaigns targeting NFL and collegiate athletic training departments.
- Represented company at industry conferences, workshops, and meetings with senior purchasing executives.
Vice President - Business Development
Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI)
Reston, VA
2013 - 2016
- Surpassed corporate partner revenue goals by >20% annually
- Established 25% increase in new long-term corporate relationships
- Contributed to achieving 96% industry partner retention rate annually
- Trained and led 7-person teams in marketing, development, membership, conferences, and education
Director - Membership and Business Development
Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA)
Washington, DC
2011 - 2013
- Exceeded corporate partner revenue goal by 64% in the first year and 25% in the second year of tenure (goal was moved to double first year's revenue).
- Increased corporate and individual membership by 20%, enhancing overall membership engagement.
- Coordinated business development initiatives with C-suites of largest U.S. health plans and regional plans.
Education
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Master of Arts - History
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Skills
- Revenue forecasting
- Business development
- Corporate sponsorships
- Strategic partnerships
- Event management
- CRM proficiency
- Negotiation skills
- Interpersonal strengths
- Relationship building and networking
- Effective communication
Accomplishments
- Lead Judge, CASE International Circle of Excellence Awards
- Invitee, CASE Minority Advancement Institute
- Volunteer of the Week, Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy
- Inductee, Washington College Athletic Hall of Fame
- Inductee, Lenape Valley HS Athletic Hall of Fame
Affiliations
- Volunteer Coach and Mentor, Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy
- Head Coach, Washington Nationals Softball Team, Major League Baseball Jennie Finch Classic National Tournament, All-Star Week
- Community Partner, Washington Nationals Office of Youth Programming
Timeline
Principal - Next Play Advisors
2025 - Current
Softball Program Manager - The St. James
2023 - 2026
Senior Consultant - Partner Forces
2023 - 2024
Solution Consultant - Reciprocity/TechnoMile/Altai Systems
2019 - 2023
Senior Director - Industry Relations - American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
2017 - 2019
Vice President - Business Development - Impellia
2016 - 2017
Vice President - Business Development - Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI)
2013 - 2016
Director - Membership and Business Development - Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA)
2011 - 2013
Gonzaga University - Master of Arts, Organizational Leadership
Washington College - Master of Arts, History
Washington College - Bachelor of Arts, Sociology