Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
SANDRA K DUNAHOO

SANDRA K DUNAHOO

Lexington,Kentucky

Summary

Talented leader with proven success based upon the experience of a successful lifelong career serving in federal and state government, private business and volunteer non-profit organizations. Focused in strategies to plan, develop and execute events and initiatives to achieve maximum social and financial returns. Creative and tenacious with excellent leadership and client relations abilities. Professional and outgoing with success in building loyal relationships and attracting new network opportunities.

Overview

42
42
years of professional experience

Work History

Vision Strategist

Nesbitt Engineering, Inc
12.2019 - Current
  • Developing new and emerging market opportunities within the scope of professional services of Nesbitt Engineering, Inc.
  • Thorough networking, social media presence and personal contact on a daily basis with top decision makers in local, state and federal government.
  • Strategic planning for projects focused on the highest return on investment for future sustainability.

Commissioner

Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Kentucky
12.2015 - 12.2019
  • Served in a Senior Staff/Cabinet level position within the Office of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  • Managed two overall agency budget cuts, including a major 17.8% cut.
  • Provided leadership and management for agency dollar investment, including the the $1.4 billion Kentucky Infrastructure Authority.
  • Served on 12 Boards and Commissions.

Project Development Specialist and Funding Consultant

Nesbitt Engineering, Inc
11.2006 - 12.2015
  • Led Nesbitt in the development and funding of public infrastructure projects, while re-directing the focus of the firm to expand into new markets including the design of a new fire station, health center, transportation facilities and a cemetery.
  • Devised a funding plan to revive dormant projects which were considered failed.
  • Regularly traveled to Washington, DC to maintain contact network, learning and gaining information leading to the development of top ranked projects in the region.
  • Prepared marketing materials and represented the company at KACo, the Kentucky County Judge Executive Association, Kentucky Rural Water, the Kentucky League of Cities and Area Development District meetings.
  • Completed Leadership Kentucky and served for two terms on the Board of Directors.
  • Resolved project related problems to maintain client confidence and loyalty.
  • Developed new projects from a vision, designed funding plans and prepared successful funding applications.

Marketing Manager

Kenvirons, Inc
01.1996 - 11.2006
  • Led the development of new clients and funded projects to generate workload with adequate revenue to support 65 employees at a cost of $45,000 per day.
  • Developed marketing materials and proposals for the firm along with trade show presentations and representation.
  • Created funding strategies and prepared funding applications while maintaining a public presence with local governments, the General Assembly, the Congressional Delegation and state and federal agencies.

Marketing Manager

Elrod Dunson Consulting Engineers
11.1994 - 01.1996
  • Directed marketing activities for the State of Kentucky, securing 5 new clients and $5,000,000 in funded projects the first year.
  • Extensive market and relationship building throughout Kentucky and Tennessee for the purpose of building name recognition and marketing of services.
  • Trade show representation and regional meeting attendance.

Projects Manager

Congressman Hal Rogers
01.1986 - 11.1994
  • Served as the Veterans Affairs Legislative Assistant and Projects Manager serving to liaison with local governments seeking federal funding for local projects.
  • Assisted in securing funding to extend water lines to unserved populations resulting in an increase from 40% served to over 90% in many counties.
  • Lead efforts to recognize wastewater and "straight pipes" as the next issue facing the 5th District, resulting in the organization which later became funded and known as the PRIDE.

Edwards Kaserne Branch Library Manager

Drake, Unites States Army Morale
05.1983 - 12.1985
  • Managed the US Army Morale Support Branch Library for the Drake/Edwards Kaserne in Frankfurt, Germany
  • The heavily utilized facility provided troop support for the 3rd Armored Division
  • Duties included implementation of a new video movie borrowing program, teaching classes for troops, management of circulation activities and maintaining staffing schedules for 8 employees.

Skills

  • Oversight of the investment of nearly $700,000,000 taxpayer dollars
  • Career involvement with the implementation of over $400,000,000 in governmental projects
  • Attuned to the needs of local government
  • Expert in funding strategies
  • Grant writing expertise
  • Creative problem solver
  • Social media savvy
  • Inter-governmental and legislative relations veteran
  • Knowledgeable working network of funding agency contact
  • Contact network of State and Federal Legislators
  • Working experience with 120 Kentucky Counties and county officials
  • Working experience with 419 Kentucky Cities and Mayors
  • Core Accomplishments
  • Appointed Commissioner of the Department for Local Government
  • Served in the Governor's Cabinet and Senior Staff
  • Kentucky State and Local Debt Officer
  • Kentucky State and Local Finance Officer
  • Chairman of the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority
  • Governor's Alternate to the Appalachian Regional Commission
  • Governor's Alternate and Designee to the Delta Regional Authority
  • Served on 12 Governor appointed Boards and Commissions
  • Project manager for Congressman Hal Rogers
  • Successful consulting career in the Private Consulting Engineer sector
  • Pro bono consultant to multiple successful non-profit organizations
  • Facilitated the organization of three US Military Innovative Readiness Training Medical Missions in Kentucky resulting in recognition from the Vice President of the United States
  • Strategic planning
  • Project coordination
  • Team leadership
  • Project management
  • Client relationship management
  • Audience engagement
  • Strategic networking
  • Decision-making
  • Social media marketing
  • Customer service
  • Relationship building
  • Talent development
  • Creative idea development
  • Teamwork
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Active listening
  • Self motivation
  • Professionalism

Affiliations

Board Member Kentucky Heritage Council － Frankfort, KY

Vice Chairman Kentucky Environmental Education Commission Frankfort, KY

Board Member Leadership Kentucky－Frankfort, KY (2 terms)

BRIGHT/Co-Starters Facilitator

Volunteer Consultant to Backroads of Appalachia

Volunteer Consultant to 1 Clay County

Grants Consultant to SOAR

Timeline

Vision Strategist - Nesbitt Engineering, Inc
12.2019 - Current
Commissioner - Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Kentucky
12.2015 - 12.2019
Project Development Specialist and Funding Consultant - Nesbitt Engineering, Inc
11.2006 - 12.2015
Marketing Manager - Kenvirons, Inc
01.1996 - 11.2006
Marketing Manager - Elrod Dunson Consulting Engineers
11.1994 - 01.1996
Projects Manager - Congressman Hal Rogers
01.1986 - 11.1994
Edwards Kaserne Branch Library Manager - Drake, Unites States Army Morale
05.1983 - 12.1985

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SANDRA K DUNAHOO