Lily Bengfort
Queenstown,MD
Summary
MBA offering offering extensive executive leadership with 25 years driving success of private and public organizations within the information technology and non-profit industries. Highly skilled at handling all types of issues successfully. Known for effective problem-solving and goal-oriented planning.
Pragmatic professional with solid experience in leadership roles. Adept at implementing strategic business plans, driving growth and improving operations. Skilled in financial management and stakeholder relations. Collaborative and dedicated to building and leading talented and motivated individuals.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Partner
Blu Ventures Investment
07.2021 - 12.2023
- Conducted due diligence and listened to finance pitches as part of Cybersecurity Investment Committee and as investment partner to review and lead due diligence for prospective deals. Blu Ventures has invested over $100 million in enterprise SaaS seed-stage through Series A companies.
- Stayed informed on industry developments and market trends to gain competitive advantage.
- Collaborated with partners and support staff to maximize team efficiency.
- Chaired partner meetings to drive discussion of matters important to firm operations, keeping discourse on-topic and moving at efficient pace.
- Expanded firm''s potential investments through strategic networking and relationship building initiatives.
President & CEO
UAS Safeflight
12.2012 - Current
- Advanced product development of a communications solution to improve the reliability and throughput of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) command & control using the existing cellular infrastructure to provide Beyond Line of Sight capabilities for public safety and other commercial UAS applications
- Spearheaded vision, strategy, and execution of product development and financing; Gathered, analyzed, and presented key metrics to executive leadership and potential investors
- Product put on hold due to immaturity of long distance drone market and lack of FAA regulations for beyond line of sight commercial operations for UAS/drones.
- Obtained Patent for multi threaded cellular communications technology
- Product prototype developed
Treasurer and Board Member
Maryland State Arts Council
07.2017 - Current
- Appointed by Maryland Governor in June 2017 for term of three years and renewed for second term. Overseeing and supporting mission of awarding $US 30 plus million in grants to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations for ongoing arts programming and projects. MSAC is comprised of an appointed body of 17 citizens from across Maryland, 13 of whom are named by governor to 3-year terms that may be renewed once.
- As treasurer, chair finance and budget committee and support arts in Maryland by providing leadership that champions diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and arts as celebrated contributor to quality of life for all people of Maryland.
Entrepreneurship Educator/Mentor
Activate, HCEDA
01.2012 - 06.2023
- Advised and consulted for early-stage Education and digital technology ventures, (Unbound Concepts LLC, Workbench acquired by Google, Motifworks, Shea Radiance) as well as advising and instructing technology entrepreneur programs of local universities and Economic Development programs, including University of Baltimore, University of Maryland and Howard County Economic Development
- Instructor for internationally-acclaimed ACTiVATE entrepreneurship program for women.
- Facilitated launch and growth of 8 new companies, several are now multi-million dollar concerns, and have created numerous jobs. One has been acquired by Google.
- Mentor University of Maryland Cybersecurity Program. Includes guiding technology founder and team through refining product and market fit.
Chief Marketing Officer
TCecure
07.2018 - 09.2021
- Advised CEO and spearheaded growth strategies and Increased company revenue 30% by identifying and capitalizing on new growth opportunities through market expansion and product diversification.
- Delivered consistent growth in key performance indicators by continuously refining marketing strategies based on analytics insights.
- Managed branding campaigns and event marketing initiatives in print, video, web and social media.
- Oversaw development of traditional and social media marketing campaigns to drive sales and customer engagement.
- Increased brand awareness by developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies.
- Established strong partnerships with key industry players, enhancing company''s reputation and enabling successful collaborations.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to optimize marketing strategies, leading to improved customer acquisition rates.
- Launched two new products into market successfully, driving increased sales and brand recognition.
Board of Trustees Member
Horizon Foundation
02.2011 - 02.2015
- Enhanced Board''s decision-making process by providing oversight for $US 90 million foundation to enhance health and well being of Howard County, Maryland citizens.
- Collaborated with fellow Board members to develop strategic plans, setting organizational goals and objectives.
- Reviewed financial statements and budgets for fiscal responsibility, ensuring proper allocation of resources.
- Oversaw implementation of new programs and initiatives, monitoring progress towards desired outcomes.
Vice President, Business Unit
DRS Technologies
01.2011 - 04.2012
- Moved into VP of Business Unit for Highly mobile network products/solutions for DRS Technologies/Leonardo after completed acquisition of Cengen Inc
- Directed security and transition efforts after Merger & Acquisition with $11B company; directed regional marketing efforts and product development in direct support of President of DRS Tactical Systems
- Gathered, analyzed, and presented key financial and business development metrics to executive leadership; mentored management teams and coordinated workflow for staff
- DRS is part of Finmeccanica Group (FNC.MI), which ranks among top 10 global players in aerospace, defense and security, employing more than 75,000 people.
- Successful M&A transition.
President & CEO
Cengen Inc
01.2000 - 12.2010
- As the co-founder and President of Consulting & Engineering Next Generation Networks (CenGen Inc.), Led charge to compete and grow CenGen after dotcom bust of 2000, achieving year-over-year business growth for 10 straight years which led to successful acquisition by DRS Technologies, subsidiary of Finmeccanica Group (FNC.MI), multi-billion dollar defense contractor.
- Responsibilities include spearheading vision, strategy, and execution of business operations; Drive year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning with full responsibility for bottom-line factors, product development, and partner and contract relationships
- Provide cross-functional management with bottom-line focus on profitability, visibility, and sustainability
- Direct Vice President, CFO, and six Regional Directors spanning the west coast, New Jersey, and Florida
- Oversee product innovation using new and emerging technologies; Gathered, analyzed, and presented key metrics to executive leadership; mentored management teams and coordinated workflow for 50+ staff
- With Government Clients in US military, and national security areas, CenGen grew into multi-million-dollar concern, winning several national awards (Defense Advanced Research Project Agency Director's Award for exceptional service and achievement
- CenGen Inc. was acquired by DRS Technologies, subsidiary of Finmeccanica Group (FNC.MI) in December 2010.
- Launched new rewards program to identify and celebrate staff performance, in addition to employee development system (CengenU) that awarded creativity and encouraged internal mobility. Resulted in 95% employee retention and boosted productivity.
- Garnered new partnerships with both local and national businesses; new growth led to establishment and launch of offices in 5 States with 30 new hires.
- Recognition by DARPA for unparalleled innovation to “conceive, explore and demonstrate advanced and breakthrough technologies,” as well as for innovative low cost network communications solutions that were fielded.
- Recognition as nationally-acclaimed entrepreneur by US Small Business Administration for State of Maryland.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Loyola College of Maryland
Timonium, MD06.2005
Bachelor of Arts, English -
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD06.1991
Skills
- Business Planning, Operations and Administration
- Financial/ Budget/Program leadership and Management
- Contract Negotiations and Administration
- Product Innovation and Development
- Marketing and Business Development
- Strategic Planning
- Expert Technology literacy
Certification
- U.S. SBA Maryland Small Business Person of the Year, 2010
- Influential Marylander for Technology in 2011 by The Daily Record
- American Success Award, FIRN (Foreign Born information Network), 2009
- DARPA Director’s Award
- Maryland Technology Company of the Year 2006
- Smart CEO Magazine’s Bravo Business Achievement Award 2006
- Maryland Subcontractor of the Year in 2005
Board Positions
Governor’s Appointee to Maryland State Arts Council (2016-Present)
Mentor of Ratcliffe Fellows, University of Baltimore Entrepreneurship Scholarship (2014-2016)
Advisory Board Member, University of Maryland System Momentum Fund, (2016-2021)
Trustee, Board of Directors, Horizon Foundation, Howard County-MD (2012-2015)
Advisory Board Member, Merrick School of Business, University of Baltimore (2010-2013)
Advisory Board Member, UMBC Cybersecurity Board (2014-2016)
Volunteer, Valley Brook Community Church (1994-2008)
Capital Campaign Chair, Valley Brook Community Church (1994-1996)
Signature Achievements
- Led the charge to compete and grow a technology Start-Up after the dotcom bust of 2000, achieving sustained growth for 10 straight years which led to successful acquisition
- Designed a modern employee recognition program which boosted productivity across the board
- Award-winning background includes recognition as a nationally-acclaimed entrepreneur and a history of positioning companies for profits and growth
Timeline
Partner
Blu Ventures Investment
07.2021 - 12.2023
Chief Marketing Officer
TCecure
07.2018 - 09.2021
Treasurer and Board Member
Maryland State Arts Council
07.2017 - Current
President & CEO
UAS Safeflight
12.2012 - Current
Entrepreneurship Educator/Mentor
Activate, HCEDA
01.2012 - 06.2023
Board of Trustees Member
Horizon Foundation
02.2011 - 02.2015
Vice President, Business Unit
DRS Technologies
01.2011 - 04.2012
President & CEO
Cengen Inc
01.2000 - 12.2010
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Loyola College of Maryland
Bachelor of Arts, English -
University of Maryland Baltimore County
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