Tamatha Kohler
Charleston,SC
Summary
Highly-motivated and results-driven Executive Director with over 20 years of experience leading teams and executing strategic initiatives focused on early childhood programs and policy. Adept at overseeing program development, financial management, and fostering a high-performance culture. Proven ability to build and mentor teams, develop and implement strategic plans, and enhance organizational impact through data-driven decision-making. Passionate about advancing educational equity and committed to leveraging strong communication and relationship-building skills to drive positive change.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Charleston County First Steps
North Charleston, SC
01.2023 - Current
- Oversee an early education nonprofit organization, managing all aspects of operations, strategic planning, budgeting, and performance management.
- Develop partnerships and programs aligned with strategic priorities, fostering local and regional collaboration.
- Secured over $80K in additional grant funding within the first year resulting in expansion of programs offered.
- Develop and execute state contracts and Memorandums of Understanding that encompass the scope of work, performance metrics, and detailed budgets.
- Serve as a leader in the community by cultivating strong relationships with government agencies, community partners, and stakeholders to enhance visibility and advocacy.
- Advocate to state legislators for early childhood needs to secure funding and broaden community program initiatives.
- Ensure organizational program strategies that support SC First Steps goals, as required by the state legislative mandate.
- Write and manage grants. Engage in collaborative efforts on special initiatives within key priority areas.
- Develop program and organizational policies, and conduct program oversight.
- Oversee program delivery, evaluate effectiveness, and use data to inform decision-making and improvements.
- Implement human resource policies and practices.
Interim Executive/Program Director
Alamance Partnership for Children
Burlington, NC
10.2009 - 06.2022
- Spearheaded the conceptualization, implementation, and supervision of thirteen programs dedicated to enhancing health and early education opportunities for families.
- Wrote and oversaw grant management, program design, and program delivery, which includes monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to stakeholders.
- Monitor and document the progress of project deliverables for grants and contracts. Provide reports to board members and stakeholders.
- Raised $135K a year in state grant funding to expand parenting classes offered in community.
- Create and deliver program funding proposals, quarterly reports, mid-year, and year-end summaries to the board of directors.
- Provided team management and mentoring to program coordinators to foster a high-performing culture.
- Designed an annual grantmaking strategy for NC childcare business owners that provided an infusion of short-term funding ($100K) to build outdoor learning environments to combat childhood obesity.
- Managed $5M budget in state, federal, and private funds, overseeing program coordination, monitoring, and evaluation for optimal resource allocation.
- Developed and implemented a strategic plan that aligns with the organizational mission and goals.
Program Specialist
Randolph County Partnership for Children
Asheboro, NC
09.2008 - 10.2009
- Provided technical assistance to public and private preschool classrooms and developed new community programs.
- Created promotional materials for publicizing events associated with the program.
- Organized workshops and training to promote professional growth among teachers and childcare providers.
- Supported county special needs and mental health task force efforts, contributing to community development.
More at Four Program Coordinator
Guilford County Partnership for Children
Greensboro, NC
07.2003 - 04.2007
- Streamlined prekindergarten operations, enhancing program efficiency, and expanding county-wide training reach, resulting in improved childcare quality standards.
- Collaborated with community organizations to assess childcare needs and improve program quality.
- Monitored program budgets, expenditures, and resource utilization while making recommendations as needed.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the program, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education and Teaching
Kings College
Leadership Alamance
Alamance Area Chamber of Commerce - class of 2020
Skills
- Grant Management
- Financial Management & Sustainability
- Quantitative & Qualitative Data Analysis
- Program Design & Oversight
- Communication and Stakeholder Coordination
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Organizational & Program Policy Development
Timeline
Executive Director
Charleston County First Steps
01.2023 - Current
Interim Executive/Program Director
Alamance Partnership for Children
10.2009 - 06.2022
Program Specialist
Randolph County Partnership for Children
09.2008 - 10.2009
More at Four Program Coordinator
Guilford County Partnership for Children
07.2003 - 04.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education and Teaching
Kings College
Leadership Alamance
Alamance Area Chamber of Commerce - class of 2020
Additional Teaching Experience
Preschool Inclusion Teacher, Leaksville Spray Elementary, Eden NC Aug 1997 – Aug 1998
Preschool Inclusion Teacher, Pinebrook Elementary, Lincoln Park NJ Sep 1995 – Jul 1997
K, 1st, & 2ndGrade Teacher, Patterson Public Schools, Patterson NJ Sep 1992 – Sep 1995
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