Suzanne Bowers
Lignum,VA
Summary
Accomplished executive professional, nationally recognized for experience leading a federally funded, statewide non-profit with expertise in special education laws and regulations through leveraging strong team leadership and development to drive forward progress in special education policy and training. Highly organized, detail-oriented leader skilled in directing high-performing teams to develop solutions and solve operational and systemic problems by promoting mission and increasing effectiveness of federal, state, and local grants and contracts. Quick and firm decision-maker possessing first-rate communication and organizational skills by successfully collaborating with teams and industry leaders to develop grant work plans, financials and strategies.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
12.2011 - 09.2023
- Senior level administration experience in nonprofit management and disability education with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of special education laws and other Federal and state disability civil rights policies.
- Secured grants through grant writing, management, implementation, and reporting for an annual budget of $1.9 million.
- Worked with the Board of Directors to develop and ensure that the company is serves as represented stakeholders on special education issues at the national , state, regional, and local levels.
- Remained current on human resource laws and company benefits to ensure compliance while hiring, managing, training, supporting, and terminating staff and contractors.
- Identified and oversaw the development, production, and updating of all media materials, resource materials, and publications in accordance with 508 compliance standards.
- Served as the spokesperson for PEATC by clearly communicating and representing the mission, goals, and objectives to community and corporate groups and other stakeholders.
- Proven track record of working with culturally, socioeconomically, and geographically diverse families with the ability to integrate family-centered and culturally competent principles through the organization, it’s activities, and projects
- Responsible for the overall operation of the federal, state, and local grants including administrative, financial, public relations, program development, program implementation, compliance, evaluations, independent audit completion, and reporting.
- Wrote and facilitated evidence-based training for parents and professionals on various special education topics at the National, State, and local level.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for nonprofit.
- Set organizational goals and objectives to guide and direct company focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
- Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
- Built and maintained strong company teams by hiring and training qualified staff to create positive and productive work environments.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover by developing and implementing organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
- Aligned company vision, goals, and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results and increase funding options.
- Created promotional materials and provided insightful information to social media, websites and print media to educate public.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
Deputy Director
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center, PEATC
12.2005 - 12.2011
- Directed and administered all financial plans and ensured appropriate internal controls for verification that the organization is operating within the requirement s of grants, contracts, and established business practices.
- Developed business policies and accounting practices and assist with annual independent audit.
- Provided financial oversight and monitoring and ensure that relevant financial data is presented to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.
- Worked with the CEO to oversee all risk management and legal activities including letters of agreement, contracts, leases, and other legal documents and agreements.
- Monitored business insurance procurement, monitoring, and management.
- Served and ensured grant deliverables and reporting are completed annually as the Project Director for all Federal grants.Developed plans and oversaw implementation of programs and grant compliance.
- Improved coordination and communications across organization to increase operational efficiency while contributing to short- and long-term strategic planning and identifying potential new partners and funding opportunities.
- Modernized operations with strategic process improvements to decrease company liability.
- Prepared and submitted accurate, timely management and financial reports and project budgets.
- Liaised with legal counsel to address legal issues, contract review and governing instruments.
- Liaised between organization and affiliates and managed networking relationships with funders, partners and vendors.
- Delivered data outcomes to internal and external staff to drive continuous improvement, family engagement, and grant compliance.
- Negotiated and administered vendor contracts in strict compliance with corporate policy and procedures.
- Assisted senior leadership in managing all aspects of operations.
- Trained and developed procedures for management staff on specific projects and ongoing operational needs.
Workshop Facilitator/Consultant Trainer
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
01.2004 - 12.2005
- Conducted workshops to empower parents, professionals, and self-advocates on how to understand and exercise of their role, responsibilities, and rights under Federal and state laws and regulations.
- Educated families and self-advocates on options to obtain appropriate services for their children with disabilities.
- Worked to improve education results for all children, resolve problems between families, schools, and community organizations while striving to connect students with disabilities to community resources to address their needs.
- Provided opportunities for parents, professionals, and self-advocates to gain support and knowledge about various disabilities, legal rights, resources, communication strategies, education, life-long planning and other special education information though workshops, conferences, and individual assistance.
- Facilitated dialogue between participants, family and schools to provide best possible program and individualized eduction program.
- Planned and facilitated special education workshops in accordance with federal and state law, employing varied methods to maximize attendance.
- Led group discussions and activities to meet different community needs and learning styles.
- Facilitated community outreach to expand participation and support.
Family Advocacy Resource Provider
Army Community Service
10.2000 - 01.2004
- Met with parents and soldiers to identify family needs while supporting positive relationships with schools, community resources, and military leadership.
- Identified problems and implemented solutions for military parents of children with disabilities, self-advocates, and the professionals who work with them, to receive appropriate services and support.
- Developed resources and support for high-risk families to include services such as health, eduction, cultural and social services, and respite care.
- Coordinated efforts with staff, professional medical and community organizations to promote the health and safety of children.
- Created and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including protocol, procedures for handling problem situation, local, state, and federal policies and chain-of-command.
- Prepared after action and weekly, monthly, and annual reports to meet contract expectations.
- Maintained a strong working knowledge of the federal and state special education regulations and laws to identify the impact on military families as it is incorporated into the various programs and services offered by the military.
- Created and facilitated training on various special education topics, and ensuring soldier readiness for military personnel with a disable dependent.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
High Point University
High Point, NCSkills
- Family Engagement and Special Education policy expert
- Human Resources (HR) and Benefits
- Public Speaking, Training, and Facilitation
- Federal Grants Management
- Nonprofit Leadership and Strategic Planning
- Board Development and Financial Management
- Policy and Procedure Development
- Program Monitoring and Business Administration
- Media Relations and Strategic Partnerships
- Leadership Development for Systemic Change
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Communications Strategies and Stakeholder Relations
- Risk and Mitigation Analysis
- Federal, State, and local Grant writing
- Effective Communicator and Public Speaker
- Corporate Strategy and Development
- Regulatory and Statutory Compliance
Accomplishments
- Duke University Nonprofit Management Certification
- Board of Directors Collaboration, Reporting and Presentations
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Coaching and Community Relations Development
- Business Development and Executive Management
- Training and Development (HR) and Benefits
- Research and Curriculum Development
- Public Speaking and training
- Nationally recognized Special Education expert
- Grant Writing and Implementation
- Leadership, Program, and Staff Development
Certification
- Nonprofit Management Certification, Duke University - 2015
- Virginia State Special Education Advisory Committee- member, Vice Chair, and Chair of the Policy and Regulations subcommittee and the Family Engagement Subcommittee
- Gubernatorial Appointment member of the Virginia State Rehabilitation Council
- Founding member of the Virginia Interagency Transition Council (VITC)
- Serve on several statewide workshops and advisory councils as a special education and family engagement expert
- Present workshops on the local, state, and national level on various disability related topics
- Annual Employment Litigation training
- Active Shooter training
- Wrightslaw Training on Special Education
- Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP)
- Past board member and consultant for the Arc of North Central Virginia
- Understanding Financial & Accounting Concepts, Statements, and Terminology (7.5 CEU)
- Stop Bullying Conference (1.5 CEU)
Timeline
Executive Director
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
12.2011 - 09.2023
Deputy Director
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center, PEATC
12.2005 - 12.2011
Workshop Facilitator/Consultant Trainer
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
01.2004 - 12.2005
Family Advocacy Resource Provider
Army Community Service
10.2000 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
High Point University
- Nonprofit Management Certification, Duke University - 2015
- Virginia State Special Education Advisory Committee- member, Vice Chair, and Chair of the Policy and Regulations subcommittee and the Family Engagement Subcommittee
- Gubernatorial Appointment member of the Virginia State Rehabilitation Council
- Founding member of the Virginia Interagency Transition Council (VITC)
- Serve on several statewide workshops and advisory councils as a special education and family engagement expert
- Present workshops on the local, state, and national level on various disability related topics
- Annual Employment Litigation training
- Active Shooter training
- Wrightslaw Training on Special Education
- Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP)
- Past board member and consultant for the Arc of North Central Virginia
- Understanding Financial & Accounting Concepts, Statements, and Terminology (7.5 CEU)
- Stop Bullying Conference (1.5 CEU)
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