Vonnessa Goode-Knight
Boston,MA
Summary
Transformational executive with over 20 years of experience leading complex, mission-driven organizations in nonprofit and public sector environments. Expertise in translating vision into execution by aligning people, processes, and performance to achieve measurable impact at scale. Proven track record in organizational leadership, operational infrastructure, and fiscal oversight, adept at managing multimillion-dollar budgets while driving system-wide performance improvements. Recognized for fostering high-performing teams, navigating change effectively, and integrating equity-centered approaches into operations, programs, and organizational culture to enhance overall effectiveness and expand community impact.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Principal Consultant
Goode Knight Vision Consulting, LLC
Boston, MA, USA
01.2023 - Current
- Assessing organizational needs and provided tailored consulting services to strengthen management programs and build staff capacity in non-profit sectors.
- Formulating and applying comprehensive strategies that advance equity and inclusion while integrating culturally responsive practices throughout the organization.
- Designing and implementing equity-centered training programs to enhance leadership development and drive organizational change.
- Guiding mission-driven clients in the development of sustainable, community-oriented programs and effective operational strategies.
Executive Director
Project HOPE Boston, Inc.
Boston, MA, USA
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Cultivated and maintained strategic relationships with external stakeholders while advancing the organization's advocacy agenda for vulnerable populations.
- Engaged with board members to drive strategic planning efforts and contributed to program development while overseeing and assisting Executive Team with internal management processes.
- Provided strategic insights to board regarding program development via regular written and verbal updates.
- Analyzed community and program planning requirements, delivering comprehensive recommendations to board for policy and budget enhancements.
- Facilitated board engagement and facilitated collaboration among standing committees as an ex-officio member, enhancing program planning, development, and evaluation processes.
- Directed financial management strategies for Project Hope and its affiliate, Co-Opportunity Inc. and communicated financial condition of agency to board and finance committee to ensure informed decision-making.
- Conducted comprehensive reviews of financial statements and budgets prepared by finance manager, facilitating informed decision-making with program teams.
- Supervised the execution of fundraising plans, maintaining adherence to the organization's fund development policy.
- Engaged board members by providing updates on critical fundraising needs and facilitating their participation in fundraising activities.
- Engaged in fundraising activities by cultivating connections with individual donors and establishing collaborative networks with corporate and foundation entities.
- Secured funding for ADA-compliant playground while increasing family shelter residency and state financial support by 27%.
- Developed strategies that resulted in a 30% increase in education department funding, facilitating a corresponding rise in ESOL enrollment.
- Negotiated and secured $65,000 in funding to support strategic growth objectives.
- Represented Project HOPE on the Board and committees of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative.
- Orchestrated comprehensive planning processes to integrate community economic development with social and environmental objectives.
- Coordinated development of engaging activities to enhance staff participation in community outreach programs.
Program Director, MA Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (MBCCP)
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
Boston, MA, USA
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Managed statewide federally funded breast and cervical cancer screening program while executing daily operations including supervision of staff, implementation of all program activities, collaboration with external contractors, monitoring of contractor performance and implementation of improvement strategies.
- Oversaw provision of leadership and technical guidance to MBCCP contractors, ensuring alignment with program expectations among 18 healthcare institutions and community-based organizations.
- Collaborated with data and contract managers to deliver performance feedback reports to all MBCCP contractors.
- Assessed training requirements and conducted relevant sessions to support the development of all program stakeholders.
- Directed financial management of $2.2 million federal budget and $880 thousand state funding to support program objectives.
- Facilitated teamwork within MBCCP to achieve all CDC reporting deadlines efficiently.
- Guided grantees in addressing structural barriers and social determinants of health, through a racial equity lens, focusing on the needs of priority populations and their communities.
Racial Equity Movement Leadership Team Member
Bureau of Community Health and Prevention (BCHAP)
Boston, MA, USA
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Spearheaded racial equity and inclusion initiatives through participation and leadership within BCHAP and DPH, collaborating across divisions to reframe strategies through an equity lens.
- Facilitated the launch of racial equity efforts to promote inclusivity within the division.
- Engaged with cross-functional teams at BCHAP to drive and elevate racial equity efforts.
- Drove the creation and implementation of a strategic racial equity plan, ensuring inclusive participation from all bureau staff and extending initiatives to three additional bureaus within DPH.
- Led initiatives within racial equity work groups, focusing on enhancing communications policy and operational strategies for the racial equity leadership team.
- Established and chaired racial equity movement town hall meetings, driving engagement from 54 to over 200 staff members within a year.
Program Coordinator
Division of Violence and Injury Prevention
Boston, MA, USA
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Oversaw planning and coordination of daily operations, streamlining administrative functions to optimize program performance.
- Managed comprehensive information management processes and budget allocations to enhance project efficiency.
- Coordinated administrative support for thirty staff, managing unit programs and special projects to ensure seamless communication across four division units.
- Developed comprehensive reports and supporting materials to facilitate effective program planning for the division.
- Oversaw request coordination for referendums and grant writing to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
- Facilitated design process of interoffice intranet, ensuring identification and definition of critical site functionalities.
- Oversaw all aspects of travel logistics for senior executives, prioritizing timely and organized itineraries.
Membership Sales & Service Coordinator
Greater Boston YMCA-Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA, USA
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Monitored and evaluated quality standards in membership department, ensuring excellence in transactions, staffing, and hospitality services.
- Coordinated staff meetings focused on member experience while assisting in recruitment and training processes for team development.
- Directed administrative support and leadership initiatives for membership team to achieve budgetary objectives.
- Supported operational efficiency by coordinating administrative processes and preparing for audits.
- Oversaw financial assistance processing to ensure accuracy and compliance while conducting audits of all daily transactions.
Director of Programs
Freedom House, Inc.
Boston, MA, USA
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Led youth development programs, emphasizing leadership skills, academic enrichment, and career development in high-risk neighborhoods.
- Facilitated leadership and guidance for three mid-level managers, enhancing day-to-day operations and program execution for a team of 20 personnel.
- Developed and implemented monthly training programs to improve staff proficiency and collaboration.
- Oversaw budget allocation of $550,000 to ensure effective financial management of program resources.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, Boston Public Schools, and higher education institutions to enhance program and participant outcomes.
- Oversaw and assessed progress towards achieving programmatic objectives.
- Compiled data and prepared grant reports to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
- Implemented initiatives to foster parental engagement and promote youth leadership, resulting in a 65% increase in semester-to-semester persistence and a 57% rise in annual retention rates.
- Promoted programs across diverse channels, achieving a 50% increase in participant enrollment.
Director of Programs- Consultant
Ella J. Baker House
Boston, MA, USA
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Managed daily operational activities, facilitating collaboration among two program directors, a program coordinator, and ten support staff to support the executive director's strategic initiatives.
- Collaborated with executive director to identify service gaps for youth in high-violence neighborhoods.
- Conducted research to identify funding sources and collaborated on proposal development initiatives.
- Delivered guidance and constructive feedback to support employee growth and optimize productivity through performance management processes.
- Encouraged a 'can do' attitude among team members to drive productivity and engagement.
- Directed programming for youth development, emphasizing public health initiatives and summer employment opportunities to foster community safety.
- Strengthened existing community partnerships while establishing new resources to support organizational growth.
- Analyzed and modified program operations and policies as necessary to enhance quality of service delivery.
- Oversaw execution of outcome-based grants awarded to organization and ensured timely submission of required reports.
Deputy Director
MissionWorks, Mission Main Resident Services Corp
Boston, MA, USA
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Managed and coordinated day-to-day operations to support organizational objectives.
- Engaged with diverse constituent groups, including boards, committees, volunteers, and external audiences, to foster community involvement and support.
- Supervised execution of programs, ensuring compliance with defined goals and operational standards.
- Led staff and facilitated diverse operational programs, focusing on improving services for elderly residents, engaging youth and teens, and advancing adult education and workforce development initiatives.
- Cultivated community collaborations and partnerships to enhance organizational impact for area residents.
- Directed strategic change management efforts to improve program outcomes by introducing innovative programs such as licensed after-school enrichment, youth-led violence prevention, and citizenship classes.
Executive Director
Action for Boston Community Development, Incorporated
Boston, MA, USA
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Supervised staff and managed facility operations, enhancing overall program effectiveness within the organization.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive fiscal monitoring system to enhance budget management of $1.3 million.
- Spearheaded creation and implementation of programs, addressing community needs and supporting organizational evolution.
- Executed comprehensive program expansions and innovative solutions, resulting in a remarkable 380% increase in agency's client base.
- Managed recruitment, training, and supervision of a team of twenty-five (25) employees.
- Formulated and executed annual work plans, establishing goals, projected outcomes, and budget aligned with government contracts.
- Evaluated data and prepared six- and twelve-month outcome measures reports to assess program effectiveness.
- Controlled expenditures in accordance with budget allocations overseeing and coordinating all aspects of budgeting and financial and contract management.
- Researched and solicited funding sources to support expansion of programs and services for community residents.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with over twenty local organizations to address community needs and enhance service program development.
- Acted as administrative liaison to advisory committee, ensuring strategic direction of organizational goals.
Deputy Director
Dorchester Neighborhood Service Center
Dorchester, MA, USA
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Directed administration of organizational operations, providing technical assistance and support in managing a $4.1 million budget.
- Developed and implemented operating plans for six departments, collaborating with department managers to ensure alignment of monthly and annual objectives.
- Collaborated in establishing organizational frameworks and operational guidelines that supported the effective delivery of client services.
- Directed a team of thirty full and part-time employees, ensuring seamless daily operations of the center.
- Managed and guided program directors to ensure effective operation of licensed childcare components, focusing on after school enrichment and Head Start extended day programs.
- Coordinated cross-functional collaboration among management teams to enhance program and service development based on community requirements.
- Designed and implemented internal processes to enhance program delivery efficiency.
Education
MBA -
Simmons University
Boston, MABachelor of Science - Psychology
Northeastern University
Boston, MASkills
- Visionary leadership
- Operations management
- Consulting
- Financial Administration
- Board reporting and collaboration
- Performance Assessments
- Fundraising Initiatives
- Process Improvement
- Client relationship building
- Community Partnerships
- Equity-Based Leadership
- Organizational Growth
Board Membership
- O.W. Holmes Innovation School, Dorchester, MA, 2022-01-01, Present, Governing Board Member, Set and maintain the vision/mission of the school., Approve major programs/policies/partnerships., Fundraise for Initiatives of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Innovation School., Review the school’s progress on indicators of Scholar engagement and achievement as well as ensuring a plan is in place for continuous improvement., Approve the annual school budget with respect to discretionary funds., Develop a long-term strategic plan focused on outcomes in order to secure the resources and partnerships needed to support school’s the vision and strategic planning.
- Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI), Roxbury, MA, 2022-01-01, 2024-01-01, Community Board Member, Supported the Executive Director and staff aligning the DSNI mission and the execution of the community work and organizing., Reviewed organization’s financials and approve annual budgets., Supported fundraising efforts., Participated in monthly Board meetings focusing on DSNI business, community updates, programs, financials, personnel updates, strategic planning., Conducted formal, written annual assessments of the Chief Executive Officer.
Timeline
Founder & Principal Consultant
Goode Knight Vision Consulting, LLC
01.2023 - Current
Executive Director
Project HOPE Boston, Inc.
01.2022 - 01.2024
Program Director, MA Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (MBCCP)
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
01.2018 - 01.2022
Racial Equity Movement Leadership Team Member
Bureau of Community Health and Prevention (BCHAP)
01.2016 - 01.2022
Program Coordinator
Division of Violence and Injury Prevention
01.2014 - 01.2018
Membership Sales & Service Coordinator
Greater Boston YMCA-Huntington Ave.
01.2013 - 01.2014
Director of Programs
Freedom House, Inc.
01.2009 - 01.2012
Director of Programs- Consultant
Ella J. Baker House
01.2009 - 01.2010
Deputy Director
MissionWorks, Mission Main Resident Services Corp
01.2008 - 01.2009
Executive Director
Action for Boston Community Development, Incorporated
01.2001 - 01.2006
Deputy Director
Dorchester Neighborhood Service Center
01.1999 - 01.2001
MBA -
Simmons University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Northeastern University