Hi, I’m
William Blake Ponder
Pratt,KS
Summary
High-energy Education and Relationship Strategist transitioning into EdTech Sales. Proven track record in "selling" programs to stakeholders, managing complex community pipelines, and pioneering state-level initiatives. Expert at identifying needs, building long-term partnerships, and driving engagement through empathetic communication. Ready to leverage a decade of leadership and program development to exceed quotas and drive revenue in the SaaS/EdTech space.
Overview
14
years of professional experience
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Pratt High SchoolPratt, KS
Career Specialist (JAG-K)
06.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Collaborated with local businesses to establish internship opportunities, strengthening community engagement and student experience.
- Designed and delivered web-based, self-directed learning materials.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in performance and develop targeted learning solutions.
- Facilitated workshops on resume writing and interview techniques, improving student confidence and job-seeking skills.
- Collaborated with employers to identify job openings, matching qualified candidates with suitable positions.
New Beginnings ChurchLiberal, KS
Associate Pastor
01.2019 - 06.2022
Job overview
- Pipeline Development: Designed and scaled an 'Assimilation Pipeline' to move new community members from first-time visitors to active participants, mirroring the SaaS sales funnel (Lead → Qualified Lead → Conversion).
- Account Management: Oversaw 'Small Groups' infrastructure, focusing on retention and long-term engagement of a diverse 'client' base.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborated with senior leadership to implement new organizational procedures, similar to working with a Sales Operations team.
- Developed and implemented engaging sermon series to enhance congregation spiritual growth.
- Facilitated weekly Bible studies aimed at deepening understanding of Scripture while fostering a supportive learning environment.
Liberal High SchoolLiberal, KS
Career Specialist (JAG-K)
07.2013 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Market Pioneering: Selected as 1 of the first 25 specialists to pilot the JAG-K program in Kansas; successfully 'launched the territory' and established the program's presence in Western Kansas.
- Stakeholder Buy-In: Developed and delivered presentations to school boards and counselors to ensure continued funding and program expansion.
- Project Management: Managed a caseload of students, tracking data meticulously to report success metrics to the state office.
Adolescent Support ServicesLiberal, KS
Truancy Officer
08.2012 - 06.2013
Job overview
- Monitored student attendance patterns, identifying at-risk individuals for early intervention.
- Collaborated with school officials to develop and implement truancy prevention programs.
- Conducted home visits to engage families and address barriers to school attendance.
- Maintained accurate records of student interactions and follow-up actions taken.
- Reduced truancy rates by implementing effective intervention strategies and collaborating with school staff.
- Maintained detailed case files on all assigned truant students, ensuring proper documentation of interventions tried and outcomes achieved.
Education
Kansas State UniversityManhattan
Bachelor of Science from Family Studies/Humans Services
08.2008 - 12.2011
University Overview
Seward County Community CollegeLiberal, KS
Associate of Science from Athlectic Training
08.2005 - 05.2007
University Overview
Skills
- Sales & Business Development
- Prospecting
- Lead Generation
- Discovery
- Relationship Management
- Pipeline Management
- Lead Onboarding
- Community Assimilation
- Retention Strategies
- Communication
- Public Speaking
- Presentation
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Conflict Resolution
- Strategic Growth
- Market Expansion
- Pilot Program Launch
- Goal Achievement
Websites
Quote
Change might not happen overnight...but progress should.
Timeline
Career Specialist (JAG-K)
Pratt High School
06.2022 - Current
Associate Pastor
New Beginnings Church
01.2019 - 06.2022
Career Specialist (JAG-K)
Liberal High School
07.2013 - 12.2018
Truancy Officer
Adolescent Support Services
08.2012 - 06.2013
Kansas State University
Bachelor of Science from Family Studies/Humans Services
08.2008 - 12.2011
Seward County Community College
Associate of Science from Athlectic Training
08.2005 - 05.2007