Vanecia B. Kerr
Summary
C-Level Executive with experience leading nonprofit organizations with operating budgets of $7M+ and managing assets up to $1B. Proven experience increasing revenue up to 37% within two years and accomplishing four-year goals in three years. Creating and implementing new programs to engage board members and attract 200+ community volunteers in less than two years.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Impact Officer
Mile High United Way
11.2020 - Current
- Spearheaded a comprehensive collaborative strategy that aligned cross-functional teams, resulting in the achievement of four-year objectives a full year ahead of schedule while maintaining internal and external stakeholder engagement throughout the process
- Supported the implementation of new and innovative impact investing and grant strategies to support the local community
- Testified at the Colorado State Capitol and participated in meetings at the White House regarding the American Rescue Plan Act
Regional Executive Director
College Track
11.2016 - 11.2020
- Encouraged high performance culture with a focus on communication, results and strong collaborative relationships aligned around shared goals resulting in a 43-point increase on staff engagement survey within one year
- Spearheaded the development of comprehensive performance metrics for 50+ staff members, aligning individual goals with company objectives and leading to a marked improvement in overall team effectiveness and accountability
- Increased revenue by 20% within the first year
- Negotiated, designed, and led a commercial real estate project for a new 8,000 sq. ft. College Track facility
- Served as the key spokesperson with over 40 TV, video and radio appearances
- Developed board structures and strategies to cultivate relationships while generating revenue in partnership with board leadership
Managing Director of Marketing, Communications & Development
City Year
07.2011 - 11.2016
- Averaged approximately 37% increase in revenue at City Year each year for two consecutive years
- Strategic fundraiser and event planner who launched the first City Year Women’s Initiative as a new revenue channel
- Expanded the Women’s Leadership Breakfast from 400 attendees in the first year to 800 attendees in two years demonstrating leadership to inspire people around critical community challenges
- Conducted face-to-face meetings with US Senate and US House of Representatives on Capitol Hill (Washington, DC) regarding the importance of education
- Launched City Year Denver Board, City Year Women’s Initiative Advisory Council and the City Year Denver Associate Board in under 4 years: partnering to attract new donors
Regional Director, Community Affairs
TIAA-CREF
01.2004 - 07.2011
- Responsible for creating and executing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy with measurable outcomes for 20+ offices in a multi-state territory encompassing over 1,600 employees
- Launched and successfully managed a new department at a $350B Fortune 100 company, achieving 100% of goals utilizing 90% of budget.
- Conducted in-depth program and financial analysis during economic downturn resulting in 15% annual cost savings
- Researched, Secured, and Implemented new web-based volunteer management, tracking and reporting technology to support giving campaigns and innovative community investment strategies for 6,000+ employees
- Directly managed over 700 volunteers in over 50 projects annually; simultaneously managing multiple projects under tight deadlines, successfully completing all projects on time and under budget
Client Relationship Manager/Senior Administrative Liaison
TIAA-CREF
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Responsible for overseeing up to $1B in assets while managing relationships with top tier clients across the country
- Achieved 80th percentile on 360 Evaluation for staff development which was ahead of 80% of all other managers
- Maintained detailed records of all client interactions, ensuring accuracy in account management and reporting activities.
- Developed strong rapport with clients through consistent follow-up and attention to detail.
- Recognized with the Pinacle Award for Service Quality for transforming a challenging client situation and preserving over $50M in assets
Education
Certificate - Corporate Community Involvement
Boston College - Center For Corporate Citizenship (Carroll School of Management)
Boston, MAMasters - Public Administration
Baruch College
New York, NYBachelor of Arts - Political Science
Hampton University
Hampton, VASkills
- Written & Verbal Communication
- Consensus Building
- Strategic Planning & Implementation
- Building, Leading & Managing Teams
- Innovation & Organizational Growth
- Streamlining Processes & Driving Results
- Fundraising & Relationship Management
- Metrics & Evaluation
- Finance, Reporting & Technology (eg Salesforce)
- Organizational Effectiveness
Accomplishments
- Over 15 years’ experience overseeing program outcomes, grant management, fundraising, program development, and operations while developing a deep understanding of multiple issues impacting the local community
Honors and Awards
- 9News Leader of the Year, Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, 2023
- 2022 Woman of Impact, American Heart Association, 2022
- Woman of Distinction, Girl Scouts of Colorado, 2019
- Top 25 Most Powerful Women, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, 2018
- Outstanding Women in Business, Denver Business Journal, 2018
- Outstanding Leadership Award, Sisters in Service, 2016
- Athena Award Finalist recognized as Outstanding Female Leader in Colorado, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, 2014
- Brand Management Corporate Star Award, TIAA-CREF, 2006
- Outstanding Chair Award, Mile High United Way, Denver, CO, 2003
- Pinnacle Award for Service Quality, TIAA-CREF, 2002
- Institutional Services Leadership Award, TIAA-CREF, 2001
- Pioneer Award, Toastmasters, 2000
Civic Leadership
- Denver Academy, Board of Trustees, 2021 - Present
- Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, Board of Directors, 2021 - Present
- Denver Public Schools Foundation, Board of Directors, 2022 - Present
- Newman Center for the Performing Arts (University of Denver), Denver, CO, Board of Directors, 2020 - Present
- Hope Communities, Board of Directors, 2019 - Present
- GlobalMindED, Board of Directors, 2019 - 01/01/22
- Colorado Commission on Higher Education, Commissioner (Chair 2021-2022, Vice Chair 2019-2021), 2014 - 2022
Timeline
Chief Impact Officer
Mile High United Way
11.2020 - Current
Regional Executive Director
College Track
11.2016 - 11.2020
Managing Director of Marketing, Communications & Development
City Year
07.2011 - 11.2016
Regional Director, Community Affairs
TIAA-CREF
01.2004 - 07.2011
Client Relationship Manager/Senior Administrative Liaison
TIAA-CREF
01.1999 - 01.2004
Certificate - Corporate Community Involvement
Boston College - Center For Corporate Citizenship (Carroll School of Management)
Masters - Public Administration
Baruch College
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Hampton University
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