Over 20 years of experience demonstrating ethical commitment and successful outreach strategies to promote growth and economic opportunities in various sectors. Expertise in building strong relationships and implementing innovative programs across diverse industries. Extensive network including elected officials, business owners, celebrities, faith-based leaders, social influencers and community organizations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Lobbyist
The Bass Group, Inc.
03.2024 - Current
Met with state legislators and staff to educate and solicit support for various client initiatives.
Advocated for equity in Video Gambling and Hemp industries.
Produced events to build relationships with stakeholders, constituents and community groups in Springfield, IL for client initiatives.
Prepared presentations and provided administrative support for Principals.
Lobbied legislators on behalf of clients’ budget requests.
Senior Consultant
The Chicago Football Classic (CFC)
01.2019 - 12.2023
Provided procurement consulting, coordinating multi-million. dollar vendor contracts for national scale events.
Negotiated supplier diversity commitments and performance standards across client initiatives.
Secured partnership with Byron Allen Media Group/HBCU Go TV for live broadcast of the 25th Anniversary Game.
Increased sponsorship revenue by 20% through creative strategic partnerships and sponsorship decks.
Coordinated partnerships with participating HBCUs and national sponsors to support educational and cultural programming
Managed and evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
Director of Public Engagement & Civic Affairs
Illinois Office of the Governor
01.2017 - 01.2019
Spearheaded the restructuring of the 'Fair Practices In Contracting Task Force', to increase procurement opportunities for certified BEP vendors.
Managed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen relationships for between Governor’s office and support agencies.
Secured key partnerships that contributed to the Governor’s overall growth strategy for minority businesses.
Director of External Affairs
Illinois Office of the Comptroller
08.2015 - 12.2016
Conducted training and developed marketing collateral for strategic partners and support agencies of the P.O.W.E.R Program in accordance with the Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative (SB0269).
Organized high-profile events featuring prominent speakers, attracting widespread attention from both media outlets and key stakeholders To raise the awareness of the IOC.
Served as a spokesperson for the Comptroller, representing the IOCs interests with elected officials statewide, business contacts in both the private and non profit sectors.
Cultivated relationships with influencers in relevant industries, amplifying the offices reach among target demographics.
Business Relations Specialist
Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS)
01.2013 - 01.2015
Developed and implemented strategies to increase the number of businesses registered in the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) by 10%.
Led procurement support for Bureau of Strategic Sourcing (BOSS) for statewide agencies ensuring increased access and equitable contracting.
Delivered training and workshops for the support staff of CMS and partner agencies, improving compliance and and vendor engagement outcomes.
Collaborated with procurement officers and vendors to streamline RFP/RFQ processes, resulting in more competitive and transparent bidding.
Project Manager
Chicago Football Classic
03.2011 - 12.2012
Led cross-functional teams to successful project completions, improving team cohesion and productivity with effective leadership strategies.
Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
Key Account Manager
Remy Martin Cognac, USA
01.2008 - 01.2011
Developed and maintained strong, positive consumer and trade relationships for the Remy Martin portfolio within 120 accounts in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
Increased brand awareness by creating and executing customized programs in assigned accounts that integrated local tastemakers and National Celebrities.
Identified and capitalized on branding opportunities via new product distributions, menu prints and POS placement which incorporated an effective managed and tracked inventory system.
Conducted regular staff training for Remy Martin portfolio.
Education
BA - Business Administration
Howard University
Washington, D.C.
1992
High School -
University of Chicago High School
Chicago, Illinois
1986
Skills
Marketing
Project Management
Budget Planning
Communication
Relationship Building
Civic Engagement
Public Speaking
Timeline
Contract Lobbyist
The Bass Group, Inc.
03.2024 - Current
Senior Consultant
The Chicago Football Classic (CFC)
01.2019 - 12.2023
Director of Public Engagement & Civic Affairs
Illinois Office of the Governor
01.2017 - 01.2019
Director of External Affairs
Illinois Office of the Comptroller
08.2015 - 12.2016
Business Relations Specialist
Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS)
Digital Strategy Consultant & Marketing Project Lead at Antena Tres Directo (A3D)Digital Strategy Consultant & Marketing Project Lead at Antena Tres Directo (A3D)