Desired Job Title
PresidentExecutive DirectorGeneral ManagerDirectorManagerWork Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteLocation: Oakland, TN, USMemphis, TN
Open to relocation: No
Open To Work
Michael Todd
Oakland,TN
Work Preference
Summary
Business management leader to corporations, communities, non-profit and military mission with a strong creative foundation. Proven record of building stability where vital resource initiatives are most lacking. Experienced in project execution, and sales and fundraising, and a proven ability to develop lasting relationships through both internal and external outreach.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelancer
DawgHouse Creative
Oakland, TN
01.2021 - Current
- Launched creative outlet focused on personal projects and passions.
- Developing business outlets with emphasis mainly on photography and personalized crafted wood signage and engraved products.
- Showcased products at local arts festivals to engage with community.
- Promoting qualities of project management, customer relations, and technical precision.
President
Maroon Development, Inc.
Quincy, IL
01.2019 - 01.2026
- Launched a management company overseeing 15 rural, multifamily residential communities for families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, totaling over 225 units.
- Developed operational strategies for marketing, leasing, budgeting, and maintenance to enhance community management effectiveness.
- Cultivated strong relationships with property managers, contractors, residents, and local authorities to foster collaboration and support.
- Collaborated with agencies to improve access to essential resources like utilities and food assistance for community residents.
- Ensured compliance with all industry procedures and government regulations.
Executive Director
Rural Rental Housing Association
Quincy, IL
01.2006 - 01.2021
- Led this statewide non-profit, of private management companies and housing authorities.
- Organized event planning for annual conference, securing site location, speakers, exhibitors, food and beverage options, and entertainment to enhance attendee experience.
- Directed fundraising initiatives for the Association’s Education Fund supporting youth initiatives to low-income areas across the state.
- Engaged in public speaking at various programs, promoting Association’s mission and increasing community awareness.
- Built strong government alliances specific to the industry.
Creative Director
Todd Creative Outdoors
Quincy, IL
01.2005 - 01.2021
- Established home-based design business creating graphics, print, photography, videography, and web and multimedia campaigns tailored to client needs.
- Focused business mainly on interests of sporting, recreation, and conservation, which included clients in outdoor television across the United States and Canada.
General Manager
Carpenter Management & Construction
Quincy, IL
01.2009 - 01.2020
- Managed operations for 36 residential properties within affordable housing programs, enhancing housing stability for residents.
- Monitored compliance with HUD, USDA, and LIHTC guidelines, safeguarding program integrity and funding.
- Trained and supervised staff, promoted positive resident relations, and ensured safety, comfort, and privacy to all residents.
- Coordinated property repairs and implemented a preventative maintenance program, improving resident satisfaction and property conditions.
- Established partnerships with agencies, benefiting hundreds of needy individuals and families.
Art Director
Ducks Unlimited
Memphis, TN
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Fulfilled creative design for all visual aspects of a nationally distributed magazine, increasing reader engagement to over 1,000,000 supporters.
- Executed magazine redesign by balancing text, color, images, and graphic style to enhance consistency and engage readership.
- Collaborated with editors, photographers, and illustrators to create a cohesive product that adhered to organizational brand standards.
- Oversaw proof checks and final print production to maintain quality control in printing.
Director-Multimedia
USAA Ins. & Financial Services
San Antonio, TX
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Directed creative and marketing strategy for 20 business lines of this Fortune 500 company, including property/casualty insurance, real estate, banking, and product merchandising.
- Championed corporate objectives by enhancing brand recognition and driving revenue growth.
- Maintained consistency by developing and monitoring brand guidelines.
- Supervised staff development projects and departmental initiatives to strengthen team capabilities.
Senior Art Director
Chandler, Ehrlich & Company
Memphis, TN
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Developed creative assets for national clients, including Philips Magnavox, Wendy’s, Time Warner Communications, and Baptist Memorial Healthcare.
- Collaborated with editorial, sales, and marketing teams to manage projects within budget, meet deadlines, and fulfill client specifications.
- Contributed to multiple award-winning campaigns, enhancing agency's reputation and client satisfaction.
Graphic Design Coordinator
Blue Cross & Blue Shield
Jackson, MS
01.1992 - 01.1997
- Designed print, packaging, presentations, and television spots to enhance brand visibility.
- Collaborated with communications team to manage high-profile special events, including annual charity walk/run, Summer Olympics Torch Relay, and Mississippi’s largest children’s festival, 'Kid Zone' featuring live Nickelodeon and Disney acts, driving community engagement.
- Managed project timelines and coordinated deliverables with team members and stakeholders.
Joint Fire Support Specialist/Sergeant
US Army National Guard
, USA
01.1987 - 01.1995
- Collected intelligence and enemy target locations to optimize artillery deployment during missions.
- Honored with the Mississippi Medal of Efficiency, Longevity Medal, and Army Achievement Medal due to outstanding service in field artillery.
- Cultivated discipline, teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail within my team.
Skills
- Project management
- Marketing
- Customer relations
- Strategic planning
- Creativity/design
- Problem solving
- Networking
- Mentoring/Coaching
- Public speaking
- Relationship-building
- Communication
- Disciplined work ethic
Accomplishments
- Creative Officer and founding Board Member for Friends of American Heroes, a non-profit whose mission was giving back to our nation’s disabled Veterans, by helping them achieve their personal dreams and goals in the outdoors.
- Served as a Committee Member to the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Office of Housing Coordination Services. Participated on the White House Forum for Affordable Housing.
- Speaking engagements at various Affordable Housing Industry events including the Rural Rental Housing Association Annual Conference, and the Illinois Governor's Affordable Housing Conference.
- Started The Art Academy, a part-time venture dedicated to providing high-quality, innovative arts and education programs to local communities through instructional art classes, summer camps and a mobile hands-on festival arts area. It’s primary mission, however, was to replace fine arts programs in local elementary schools which had lost due to funding.
- Awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Communications at the Blue Cross & Blue Shield National Associations 'Excellence Awards', while working with the company.
- Won the top award in the Southern Public Relations Awards, representing the highest honor for Special PR Program development.
- Received the Crystal Award from the International Association of Business Communicators.
- Best of Show from the National Agri-Marketers Association for agricultural creative campaign.
- Board member for the Quincy Preserves, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the rich historical and architectural heritage in Quincy, Illinois.
- Assisted on an Advisory Board for the establishment of a State Children’s Museum. Duties included fund-raising, business planning, building renovations, exhibit design, and subject matter content of the museum.
Affiliations
- Currently ontaining a Tennessee real estate license.
Timeline
Freelancer
DawgHouse Creative
01.2021 - Current
President
Maroon Development, Inc.
01.2019 - 01.2026
General Manager
Carpenter Management & Construction
01.2009 - 01.2020
Executive Director
Rural Rental Housing Association
01.2006 - 01.2021
Creative Director
Todd Creative Outdoors
01.2005 - 01.2021
Art Director
Ducks Unlimited
01.2002 - 01.2005
Director-Multimedia
USAA Ins. & Financial Services
01.2000 - 01.2002
Senior Art Director
Chandler, Ehrlich & Company
01.1998 - 01.2000
Graphic Design Coordinator
Blue Cross & Blue Shield
01.1992 - 01.1997
Joint Fire Support Specialist/Sergeant
US Army National Guard
01.1987 - 01.1995