Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Vince Bass

Chicago,IL

Summary

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)
01.2013 - 01.2015

Project Manager

Chicago Football Classic
03.2011 - 12.2012

Key Account Manager

Remy Martin Cognac, USA
01.2008 - 01.2011

BA - Business Administration

Howard University

High School -

University of Chicago High School