Mission/Vision: Specialize in stakeholder and public process, collectively generating solutions to complex social and environmental challenges. Mindfully courageous, I apply my innovative energy to uncertainties, risks, and creating stability making me principled, efficient, and devoted. I am calm, secure, and in control as I solve problems and get things done, which leads to others seeking out my advice often. My communication style is frank yet diplomatic facilitating authenticity. I enjoy truth exploring by reflecting on different ideas and opinions making me a resource knowledge hub.
About: I found my true professional niche when leading a nonprofit dedicated to a greener environment for socioeconomically disadvantaged urban neighborhoods through a founding leader transition. As Interim Executive Director and two terms as Board Chair, I worked diligently to navigate strategic planning, advance the board’s procedures and accountability, as well as overseeing day-to-day operations. During this overhaul, I presented to County Commissioners and major donors advocating for their continued support. This of course came with a unique set of challenges of assessing a potential merger with another nonprofit, acquisition of a flagship public service called Hard-to-Recycle, putting programs on hold that were deemed not mission critical nor revenue producers, and keeping staff moral up during this time of monumental change. This could not have been done without activating every board member to their full potential. And today, I am beyond proud to see that Asheville GreenWorks has blossomed from a budget of $100,000 to $750,000, and as for me, well, I want meaningful work. After that experience, I reflected on how satisfying it was to see all of my potential come to life and that is what spurred my journey into consulting.
As Director of Philanthropy and External Affairs, I targeted fundraising across varying mediums to promote The American Chestnut Foundation’s (TACF) conservation efforts. I built our grant revenue from the ground up, establishing standard operation procedures, identifying improvements in workflow and internal processes, and advancing processes that support organizational development. I administered the External Grants Program across 23 states and 41 institutions. I oversaw agreements with a wide range of natural resources interest groups and constituencies. Working with scientists, I identified educational products for science delivery to various stakeholders. I performed interviews for press and podcasts improving communication and knowledge exchange between the scientific and natural resources management community. I generated new revenue streams through corporate and business sponsorship pitches. I have sat on all sides of the table regarding grant-making, which is crucial for synergizing the needs of both the donor and nonprofit ensuring giving is made easy, effective and enduring.
While at the Asheville Housing Authority, a $20 million organization, and after leading human resources for 200 employees, I was promoted to lead a three-year-long renovation of a 36,000sqft, community hub of multiple nonprofits. When the center reopened, it was my responsibility to rebuild trust within a community affected by Urban Renewal in the 1970’s and ensure historical preservation while rebirthing the center as an educational base. My ability to relate to all people set the stage for an inclusive approach with community input sessions. We made Mr. Edington proud to put his name on the building; he was the last principal to serve at the former African American elementary school before schools were integrated. It is moments like seeing Mr. Edington’s smile as he toured the facility on ribbon-cutting day that inspire me to persevere through difficult situations, to make a difference in the lives of others and see the positive impact.
Because of my experience with the housing authority, my journey for social equity began. I saw economic injustices people faced
from generations of oppression. I dedicated myself to set a national example for a successful permanent housing program for people suffering from chronic homelessness. I stepped up to serve on various committees seeking equity for all. I was nominated to serve on the board of Just Economics which works to educate, advocate, and organize for a just and sustainable local economy. I continue to learn about diversity, equity and inclusion, and recently completed a six-month coaching course on antiracism.
Board Governance/Development
Giving Ideas Consulting
BOARD ASSESSMENT, BOARD RECRUITMENT, BOARD STAFF RELATIONS
Gary Landwirth
President
828-279-5758
[email protected]
Asheville GreenWorks when the organization was searching for their new executive director. Samantha served as board chair of that organization and I worked closely with her and the other members of their executive committee for 18 months. I found Samantha to be thoroughly professional, highly knowledgeable, and passionate in her role as a board member and chair. She worked both independently and collaboratively with other members of the committee and board at large, and was always focused on practical and effective ways to approach the organizational capacity building work prior to and during the selection of the new executive director. She brought a fresh and positive perspective to the work and it was a joy to work with her. Samantha is extremely committed to her work, exceptionally organized, and completely dependable in all aspects of her professional work. She works diligently on whatever project she is handling and takes every effort to follow the projects through to their successful completion. Because of her work with the Housing Authority for the City of Asheville and her board work for Asheville GreenWorks, Samantha also has a keen sense of how nonprofits can interface most successfully with both governments and corporations. I believe that Samantha would be a tremendous asset to your organization. She would work hard, think critically, and bring with her all of her professional and personal experience and dedication.
Program Planning and Evaluation
Essential Systems Engineering
FEASIBILITY STUDIES, OUTCOMES MEASUREMENT, PROGRAM ANALYSIS , DETERMINING ORGANIZATION NEEDS AND STRATEGIES
Bob Wiggins
President
828-232-1695
[email protected]
Our involvement was in the engineering aspect of the project, but there were many other viewpoints involved including regulatory, financial and community. The sum of the aspirations far exceeded available funds. Samantha consistently and respectfully gathered
Communications/Marketing
Peter Rocks
Online and mail ad campaigns, Marketing packages, Web design, Online presence
Peter Pfister
Owner
828-775-0095
[email protected]
Designed advertising campaign resulting in two years voted Best Of with Mountain Xpress, and two times Home of the Week recipient via Asheville Citizen-Times.
Fundraising/Development
The American Chestnut Foundation
ANNUAL FUNDS, CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS, CASE FOR SUPPORT, GRANT PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT, INDIVIDUAL DONOR APPEALS
Shana Zimnoch
Director of Donor Engagement
609-470-4935
[email protected]
Facilitated development efforts of the Foundation, from identification to solicitation of individual and institutional
Program Planning and Evaluation
The American Chestnut Foundation
FEASIBILITY STUDIES, OUTCOMES MEASUREMENT, PROGRAM ANALYSIS , DETERMINING ORGANIZATION NEEDS AND STRATEGIES
Sara Fitzsimmons
Chief Operations Officer
814-404-6013
[email protected]
Improved project workflow for External Grants Program request for proposal (RFP) and policies to be more inclusive and in line with organizational strategic goals. Award and administer grants to universities across the U.S. for collaborative chestnut research.
Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access
The American Chestnut Foundation
DEI MARKETING PLAN and EQUITY AUDIT, POLICY and PROGRAM AUDITS
Sara Fitzsimmons
Chief Operations Officer
814-404-6013
[email protected]
Led Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (aka JEDI or DEI) Task Force for staff and board, including identifying training and tangible organizational changes. Serve as bridge for cross-functional teams to ensure DEI initiatives are achieved.
Board Governance/Development
Asheville Green Works
BOARD ASSESSMENT, BOARD RECRUITMENT, BOARD STAFF RELATIONS, BOARD TRAINING and DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNANCE AND COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
Dawn Chavez
Executive Director
828-712-0675
[email protected]
Served as three three-year terms on Board of Directors, including two terms as board chair, executive committee, nominations committee, and various other committees.
Advocacy/Public policy
Just Economics of WNC
ADVOCACY, CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENT, STRATEGIC THINKING, ISSUE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT, LOBBYING, COLLABORATION and CONSENSUS BUILDING
Vicki Meath
Executive Director
828-505-7466
[email protected]
Served two two-year terms on Board of Directors, including secretary of executive committee, education and outreach committee, and various adhoc committees.
Advocacy/Public policy
Walker Wilson Consulting
ADVOCACY, CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENT, STRATEGIC THINKING, ISSUE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT, LOBBYING, COLLABORATION and CONSENSUS BUILDING
Greg Walker Wilson
President
828-450-1400
[email protected]
Managed $5M federally funded renovations of 36,000 square foot historical education center. Managed fundraising, procurement, reporting, and community engagement strategies. Conduct on-site tours and press conferences with politicians and stakeholders.
Human Resources
Asheville Housing Authority
PERSONNEL MANUAL, JOB DESCRIPTIONS, EVALUATIONS
Gene Bell
Chief Executive Officer, retired
828-280-6672
Served as procurement officer, human resource/payroll/benefits administrator, handle highly sensitive information for legal cases and closed session executive meetings, represent organization during eviction hearings with magistrates,
Advocacy/Public policy
Asheville Homestay Network
ADVOCACY, CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENT, STRATEGIC THINKING, ISSUE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT, LOBBYING, COLLABORATION and CONSENSUS BUILDING
Sara Nie
Co-Founder
828-337-3362
From the ground up, built an advocacy group of hundreds of Airbnb hosts campaigning for the City of Asheville to recognize the placebased
Western North Carolina Nonprofit Pathways
P.O. Box 7667
Asheville, NC 28802
Phone: 828-242-9028
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