Nonprofit Leader, Fundraiser, Strategic Planning, Board and Governance

Karen E. Ryals

Cell 813-***-**** ( 813-***-**** ( *******@*******.***

**** **** ******** *****, *****, FL 33609

Senior Executive

Change Agent ( Turnaround Specialist ( Business Development ( Alliances

Leverage experience in startup ventures, community relations, multimillion-

dollar P&L management, marketing, and fundraising. Versatile leader with

15+ years in end-to-end operations management, program

development/execution, service delivery, and business development.

Effortlessly switch focus back and forth from internal operations to

external growth opportunities.

Contribute the entrepreneurial drive to keep the organization pushing

ahead. Imagine, identify, and capitalize on opportunities to drive

organizational visibility, standard of excellence, funding, capabilities,

and value. Uncover and seize growth potential: apply creative approach and

establish profitable, quality-focused direction. Jumpstart competitiveness

by understanding and fulfilling unmet client needs.

Elevate visibility and success through reaching out to the community and

making new products and services happen. Engineer creative critical

alliances that generate recurring revenue streams, long-term partnerships,

and ongoing support. Empower and "empassion" people: mentor diverse, high-

performing teams that deliver.

Attracted to startups / spinoffs / new challenges as a change agent. Open

to reinvention; willing to experiment outside comfort levels. Thrive in

intellectual, synergistic environment focused on transformation and growth.

Architect and navigate complex systems, structures, finances, and processes

seamlessly.

Professional Experience

American association of kidney Patients

Executive Director, 2010-January, 2013

The American Association of Kidney patients are a National Organization

that provides Education and Advocacy on behalf of all kidney patients and

their families.

Currently working on reorganization and building necessary resources as

well as development of new programs/services for patients and families

Developing new fund development program to diversify funding

Provide advocacy for kidney patients by working in Washington DC, and thru

collaborations with other kidney patient support groups

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF TAMPA BAY, INC. D.B.A. ACHIEVE TAMPA BAY

In 2003, UCP was split into 3 corporate entities: 1) Achieve Tampa Bay

(primary division & service provider), 2) Achieve Foundation (fundraising)

and 3) Achieve Management (non-traditional revenue generation). 1980-2009.

CEO, 2003-2009

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, 1996-2002

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, 1991-1995

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM SERVICES & CONSULTING, 1980-1991

Transformed the organization after taking the helm: doubled income and

increased staff by a third, in addition to adding many inventive programs

and services. Held $13M in P&L accountability for 3 divisions of

entrepreneurial not-for-profit organization.

Promoted from within through management due to trustworthiness, creativity

and collaborative traits. Led staff of up to 135 personnel through

services/programs for disabled individuals and their families, as well as

funding operations and consultative services.

Led business development, grant application process, human resources, and

investor relations. Advised 3 boards of directors on development and

implementation of affiliate policies and procedures. Partnered with CFO in

annual budgeting process. Handled community relations, and interfaced with

United Way, other funders/investors, and local, state and national

government agencies.

Chosen as 1 of 5 finalists as "Non-Profit Businesswoman of the Year" by

Tampa Bay Business Journal.

1) ACHIEVE TAMPA BAY (service provider)

Expanded revenue contribution with a laser-like focus on development of

successful new programs/services for member base. Ensured quality service

delivery within 6 counties, including independent/supported living

arrangements, preschool childcare, physical therapy, occupational therapy,

speech language therapy, family support, respite care, and employment

programs, covering up to 6,000 members.

New programs included Doula Services, Early Intervention Consortium, and

Elderlink. Started Children's Future Hillsborough, a 23-member

organizational collaborative with a $6.8M fund. It supported children ages

0-8 with developmental, behavioral, and emotional disabilities. Established

Totmobile program: received $100K in United Way funding to deploy services

for clients in rural, remote areas county-wide. Attained $50K grant,

partnering with local businesses to drive employment program.

2) ACHIEVE FOUNDATION (fundraising)

Championed fund-raising efforts and ferreted out resources for

program/service budget availability. Juggled event coordination and

community awareness initiatives as well as annual gifts and corporate

donors/gifts.

Functioned as the public face for the organization: industry events, public

speaking, and customer/client/community involvement. Represented the

organization, management, and board of directors to over 50 different

funding streams: the United Way, other foundations, and other

funders/investors. Managed 3 direct reports and base of 400+ volunteers.

Skyrocketed donor network from 2,500 to 20,000+. Captured incremental $1

million funding by automating database, participating in marketing campaign

development, and coordinating high-visibility events to increase awareness.

Instrumental in getting organization invited to national fund-raising

event.

3) ACHIEVE MANAGEMENT (non-traditional revenue stream)

Pioneered and launched earned-income consulting division in 2003.

Innovative approach to fundraising delivered back-office/infrastructure

services: finance/accounting, human resources, and IT, to parent company

and targeted local non-profit agencies. Presented to C-level executives and

showcased in convention/trade shows to expand visibility. Vital in

division's financial management, P&L review human resources, trend

/competitive analysis, and KPIs.

Cultivated base of 30+ clients, and sparked revenue to $1M+ with forecasted

recurring growth via referral business, marketing strategy, and direct

mail. Boosted staff to 17 employees.

Teaching & Training

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR

Structured and conducted graduate/undergraduate programs for 9 years within

Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders. Participated on thesis

and dissertation committees for student reviews. Developed internship

program and mentored students.

MACDONALD TRAINING CENTER - SPEECH & HEARING CLINIC

STAFF SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Delivered therapy to children; oversaw interns and volunteers through

patient assistance and interaction.

ST. JOSEPH'S WOMEN'S HOSPITAL-PEDI PROJECT

DEVELOPMENTAL THERAPIST AND SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Delivered neonatal developmental assessments and follow along to babies

housed in NICU who were born prematurely or with other anomalies. Also

provided family/parent training and counseling.

Community Involvement

Leadership Tampa, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, graduate

Management Assistance Program Advisory Board, former Member

Children's Cancer Center, former Executive Committee Member

Children's Cancer Center, past Executive Committee Member

St. Joseph's Hospital Quality Review, Member

Better Business Bureau of West Central Florida, Board Member

Junior League of Tampa, past President

Elected to lead volunteer organization which logged thousands of hours and

spent $150K + spent in community through 14 major projects and grants.

Launched new fundraisers, implemented an improved process for project

development, and increased involvement of previously inactive members.

Partnered with 5 area-Leagues and produced a nationally-recognized PSA on

membership.

Member: Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Tampa, University

Club, Vista Florida CEO Club, Leadership Tampa Alumni, and Alliance for

Nonprofit Management

Education & Credentials

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, Tallahassee, FL

M.S., Speech Language Pathology

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, Gainesville, FL

B.A., Education, emphasis in Speech Pathology & Audiology

Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology (CCC)

State of Florida License in Speech-Language Pathology

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