Employee Engagement Human Resources

R O B I Z Z O, Ph.D.

D Y N AMIC E XECUTIVE V I S I ONARY LEADER C H A N GEMAKER

706.4 6 1 . 0 177 Petaluma, C A r o b i z z o@g mail.c om L i n k e d I n . c om/Rob-I z z o Highly accomplished and multi-talented leader with an unyielding commitment to nurturing the growth of organizations that aim to make a positive impact on the world. Driven to strengthen individuals and organizations, leveraging a relationship-driven leadership style paired with a strategic mindset for long-term progress. A proven achiever of diverse goals, from surpassing sales targets to launching businesses from the ground up. Recognized for the ability to forge consensus and align missions, structures, processes, and people to drive lasting success. Passionate about social and environmental responsibility, and a proven ability to inspire and lead teams to excellence.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility Leadership: possesses a profound grasp of sustainability and social impact, guiding organizations in harmonizing their missions with environmentally responsible practices. Commitment to social responsibility is exemplified by pioneering efforts in achieving rigorous certifications in sustainable agriculture and fostering eco-friendly practices within the wine industry.

Strategic Planning and Impact Measurement: demonstrates proficiency in strategic planning and impact measurement, emphasizing the ability to measure and report on the social and environmental impact of initiatives. Dedication to transparency and accountability aligns with the values highly regarded in these sectors.

Ethical Leadership and Values Alignment: recognized for ethical leadership and commitment to values alignment, fostering an inclusive organizational culture rooted in integrity and responsibility. Created equitable compensation practices and employee development programs underscores unwavering commitment to ethical principles in leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building: highly skilled in fostering partnerships, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and maintaining strong connections that advance organizational missions and impact. Expertise in stakeholder engagement and relationship building contributes significantly to the alignment of missions and the achievement of organizational goals.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Leadership: exhibits strong leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), showcasing capability to foster inclusive cultures, advocate for diversity, and drive equity within organizations. Commitment to promoting diversity and advancing equity positions him as an asset in enhancing organizational effectiveness and fostering a more inclusive work environment.

E D U C A T I O N

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) Education Leadership University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Workforce Education University of Georgia Athens, GA

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Management Information Systems University of Georgia Athens, GA E X P E R T I S E A N D S K I L L S

• Strategic Planning and Organizational Development

• New Business Development

• Marketing, Promotion, & Brand building

• Market Development and Support

• Change Management

• Organizational Learning and Team Building

• Employee Development and Mentorship

• Recruiting, Hiring, Retention

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)

• Succession Planning

• Budget Development / Financial Oversight

• Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

• Risk Assessment and Management

• Operations Management

• Compliance and Permitting

• Collaboration and Community Building

• Resource Planning / Logistics

• Project Management & Program Development

• Stakeholder Collaboration & Management

• Infrastructure and Process Development

P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E

C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R & G e n e r a l M a n a g e r 2017 – 2023 Eco Terreno Wines & Vineyards Sonoma, CA

• Transformed a visionary commitment to environmental and social responsibility into a thriving 150-acre vineyard and wine company, elevating purpose alongside profit. Oversaw organizational development and change management during growth through data-driven decision-making. Incorporated pragmatic business solutions to complex industry challenges by identifying new trends in mature markets and building a high-performing team.

• Cultivated an enduring, inclusive organizational culture, resulting in a dedicated and highly engaged team. Instituted equitable compensation practices, leading to a six-year retention record with near-zero employee turnover, fostering the belief that long- term success hinges on fulfilled, career-oriented team members. Served as HR Generalist, building employee policies and infrastructure, including robust employee learning and development programs.

• Developed a strategic organizational development plan for a highly competitive workforce, through a commitment to social justice by increasing employee pay through a company minimum wage of $25 per hour and offering industry-leading benefits.

• Managed diverse teams spanning multiple departments from agriculture to sales to high-end hospitality through fostering an engaging work environment focused on the employees’ needs, creating a thriving workplace culture.

• Developed tools to enhance employee engagement and learning, including the creation and administration of employee feedback loops and subsequent actionable insights. Designed programs fostering open communication channels between employees and company leadership, facilitating continuous organizational improvement.

• Stewarded a $10M annual operating budget and managed $50 million in assets, providing the critical financial foundation for ongoing growth and expansion initiatives. Developed financial expertise in accounting, budgeting, and financial forecasting.

• Established and scaled sales distribution across national markets. Orchestrated comprehensive branding, digital and traditional marketing, social media, and sales strategies that solidified the position as a premium wine while remaining steadfast in commitment to eco-friendly practices.

• Designed, implemented, and maintained operational infrastructure, including grape growing, farming, harvest logistics, winemaking, bottling and labeling, shipping & inventory management, compliance, Direct-to-Consumer and wholesale, accounting & financial management, and human resources management.

• Pioneered the adoption of rigorous Demeter Certified Biodynamic and CCOF Certified Organic standards and actively pursued B Corp Certification, underscoring unwavering dedication to social responsibility. D I R E C T O R, W I N E M A R K E T I N G & S A L E S 2012 - 2017 Wilson Artisan Wineries Geyserville, CA

• Orchestrated and executed a visionary growth strategy, delivering exceptional results with 26–28% year-over-year sales increase. Outpaced industry benchmarks by 10–25%. Established synergy between DTC and Wholesale markets.

• Collaborated with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to craft and manage comprehensive infrastructure budgets, ensuring a financially sound framework in alignment with ambitious growth objectives.

• Innovative sales channel diversification, including the establishment of a robust e-commerce platform and the successful operation of 11 tasting rooms. Pioneered transformative sales approaches with a shift towards nurturing long-term, relationship-based DTC customer engagements.

• Handpicked and cultivated a high-performing team of sales, marketing, inventory, technology, and compliance managers, collectively overseeing a diverse workforce of 150-plus employees. Championed a culture of excellence that consistently exceeded performance targets. Emphasized the strategic investment in payroll to attract, reward, and retain top-tier talent.

• Created all facets of branding and marketing strategy, demonstrating a keen ability to manage vendor relationships and foster customer loyalty through effective CRM practices. Collaborated with winemakers to successfully launch new products, optimize product mixes tailored to tasting rooms, wine clubs, and sales campaigns. Coordinated winemaker market support.

• Seamlessly navigated the integration process for newly acquired winery brands while skillfully steering the development of new winery and tasting room locations, significantly expanding the organization's footprint.

• Assumed full responsibility for compliance and permitting processes, ensuring unwavering adherence to all regulatory requirements, preserving the organization's sterling reputation for integrity and responsibility. U N I V E R S I T Y P R O F E S S O R L E C T U R E R I N S T R U C T O R Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CA 2016 – 2019 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY 2014 – 2016 University of Georgia Athens, GA 2007 – 2012

• Led visionary approach to education by identifying and dismantling institutional and individual barriers to learning, creating learning outcomes consistent with university program and student goals while cultivating dynamic and inclusive classroom environments, and effectively communicating high expectations for student achievement.

• Demonstrated a data-driven commitment to student success through the implementation of strategic formative and summative assessments, allowing for the identification and harnessing of each student's unique abilities and growth trajectories.

• Employed meticulously designed instructional strategies firmly grounded in measurable learning objectives, ensuring that curriculum delivery was closely aligned with instructional strategies that were relevant and engaging. Utilized technology to enhance project-based learning and inquiry-based learning to bring real-world challenges to the classroom.

• Provided tailored support and academic scaffolding to empower students to achieve their full potential, fostering a growth mindset that nurtured their personal and academic development. Notable Courses Taught:

• "Technology Leadership & Innovative Design" for an executive MBA program, offering advanced insights into technology leadership and innovative design strategies.

• "Wine eCommerce & Direct Sales" and "Strategic Wine Marketing" for a Wine Business Management program, enriching students with expertise in the wine industry's dynamic eCommerce and marketing landscape.

• "Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education" and "Systems Analysis and Design," where students gained valuable insights into higher education assessment methodologies and the intricacies of systems analysis and design principles. G R A D U A T E R E S E A R C H A S S I S T A N T A P C H A L L E N G E P R O G R A M 2008 - 2012 University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA

The AP Challenge Program is a five-year longitudinal intervention project, which introduces Advanced Placement student participants, as well as their Advanced Placement teachers, and guidance counselors to rigorous instructional strategies and support systems all designed to raise minority and low-SES students’ AP test scores. The program intervention includes comprehensive qualitative and quantitative data collection about multiple facets of the teachers’ yearlong experience in the intervention. The scope of duties and accomplishments for this role included:

• Managed, conceptualized, executed, and supervised a federally funded, five-year intervention program aimed at uplifting high school Advanced Placement (AP) students, educators, and counselors. Excelled in grant and contract administration.

• Managed undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students in data collection and analysis, ensuring compliance with research standards and publishing results for academic journals and the U.S. Department of Education.

• Doubled participant retention and improved student performance, fostering a dedication to social justice and shaping a teaching philosophy centered on empathy, high yet achievable expectations, and tailored support. Notable Achievements:

• Secured a $5 million grant to fund Social Justice Programs, demonstrating a commitment to advancing educational equality and social justice initiatives.

• Honored as the hand-selected Student Representative to the Faculty Council, reflecting recognition and trust in ability to collaborate with faculty leaders and top executives of the University on matters of institutional governance and strategic decision-making.

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