Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Leader of Distinction, 100 Women Strong

MaryJo Schnell

OutCenter Southwest Michigan
Benton Harbor,MI
1
Certification
2027
years of professional experience

Dynamic Executive Director with expertise in community engagement, program management, and strategic planning. Proven track record of enhancing outreach initiatives and fostering partnerships to drive organizational impact.

Work History

Executive Director

13 Years 5 Months
OutCenter Southwest Michigan | 10.2012 - 03.2026
  • Led strategic initiatives to enhance community outreach and engagement efforts.
  • Fostered partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings and resources available.
  • Developed and implemented policies promoting inclusivity and support for diverse populations.
  • Oversaw financial management, ensuring budget adherence and resource allocation efficiency.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness, using feedback to drive continuous improvement in services offered.
  • Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Coordinated fundraising campaigns, enhancing donor relations and increasing overall contributions to the organization.

Consultant

Self-employeed | 2007 - 2012
  • Provided strategic recommendations based on market research and trends.
  • Developed comprehensive reports to support data-driven decision making.
  • Cultivated client relationships to ensure satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
  • Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
  • Implemented process improvements to streamline project delivery timelines.

Executive Director

Neighborspace | 2003 - 2007
  • Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
  • Represented the organization to the local the public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
  • Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization's reach and influence.

National Program Manager

Feeding America | 1999 - 2002
  • Led national initiatives to enhance food distribution strategies across multiple regions.
  • Developed and implemented training programs for local food bank staff and volunteers.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to identify community needs and optimize resource allocation.
  • Analyzed program performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in operations.
  • Advocated for policy changes at the national level to improve food security initiatives.

Education

Master of Arts - Time Arts

The School of The Art Institute of Chicago | Chicago | 05-1987

Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Communication

Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI

Skills

Program oversight
Strategic planning
Community engagement
Project management
Operations management
Financial management
Fundraising planning
Public speaking
Change management

Accomplishments

Established a precedent setting community and civic resource for a tri-county mostly rural area.

Increased and diversified income by 377% over a 10 year period, a compound annual growth rate of 16.9%.

Led the development of system change programs with education and empathy as core components.

Recognized as a leader and innovator, championing more than 200 inclusive policies and practices across multiple sectors.

Recipient of the inaugural Excellence in Impact Award from United Way of Southwest Michigan.

Certification

Interim Executive Director Training - Executive Services Corps

Executive Leadership & Management Training - Land Trust Alliance

Group Participation & Facilitation Methods - Institute of Cultural Affairs

Timeline

Executive Director

OutCenter Southwest Michigan
10.2012 - 03.2026Read More

Consultant

Self-employeed
2007 - 2012Read More

Executive Director

Neighborspace
2003 - 2007Read More

National Program Manager

Feeding America
1999 - 2002Read More

Saint Norbert College

Bachelor of Arts from Graphic Communication
Read More

The School of The Art Institute of Chicago

Master of Arts from Time Arts
Read More

Leader of Distinction, 100 Women Strong

An annual award celebrating local women in Southwest Michigan who have made profound civic and philanthropic impacts.

MaryJo Schnell