Business Development Financial Operations

Tristen Short

Director of Business Development Strategic

Partnerships Financial Oversight

) *********@*****.*** % 954-***-**** in/TristenShort PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Strategic and results-driven Director of Business

Development with 15+ years of leadership in revenue growth, client management, and financial operations across industries including finance, accounting, education, and marine technology. Proven record of exceeding revenue goals, securing multimillion-dollar partnerships, and optimizing client experience. Skilled in investor relations, business development strategy, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional leadership. Adept at building high-value relationships with corporate, government, and community stakeholders to drive sustainable growth.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• Generated $2M+ in new business revenue in one year through strategic partnerships, lobbying, and targeted business development initiatives.

• Directed financial operations for CPA firms, managing bookkeeping, payroll, tax-season compliance, and client accounts with accuracy and efficiency.

• Exceeded sales goals at Washington Mutual, consistently ranking among top financial representatives in client satisfaction and account growth.

• Recognized thought leader in sustainable infrastructure, featured by CBS, Invading Seas, and Hometown News for innovations in climate-resilient seawall systems.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Business Development & Market Expansion

• Investor & Stakeholder Relations

• Strategic Partnerships & Lobbying

• Client Experience & Retention

• Financial Oversight & Budget Management

• Proposal Development & Negotiations

• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Project & Operations Management

• Team Leadership & Workforce Strategy

• Media Relations & Public Engagement

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Director of Business Development Smart Seawall

Technologies, Inc. 2022–Present

• Drove $2M+ in new revenue within first year through strategic partnerships, investor relations, and lobbying initiatives.

• Coordinated capital raise efforts, securing key meetings with investors and stakeholders.

• Directed R&D; initiatives advancing proprietary

climate-resilient seawall systems.

• Oversaw project permitting, compliance reporting, and logistics to ensure regulatory alignment.

• Featured in national media outlets (CBS, Invading Seas, Hometown News).

• Built lasting partnerships with municipalities, counties, and universities (FIU, NSU, FAU, Broward & Volusia Counties). Office Manager & Bookkeeper Aldo Zepeda, CPA Mar 2021–Apr 2022

• Managed tax-season operations, including client records, reconciliations, and bookkeeping.

• Supported CPAs with compliance, reporting, and financial documentation.

• Streamlined client communication to improve service delivery and satisfaction.

Executive Office Manager & Bookkeeper Levin, Silvey, Zelko & Mackey, CPA 2008–2013

• Supervised office operations and staff while maintaining financial reporting accuracy.

• Managed payroll, invoicing, and client bookkeeping for diverse accounts.

• Enhanced client retention by providing reliable, proactive financial support.

Personal Financial Representative Washington Mutual

2006–2008

• Provided clients with tailored financial solutions in banking, lending, and investments.

• Consistently exceeded sales and service benchmarks through relationship-driven client engagement.

• Ranked among top representatives for client satisfaction and account growth.

Instructor St. James Catholic School 2014–2022

• Designed and delivered curriculum aligned with standards.

• Built partnerships with community organizations to expand student opportunities.

• Supported accreditation and operational leadership initiatives.

EDUCATION

Master of Science – Curriculum & Instruction Florida International University 2021

Bachelor of Science – Criminal Justice Florida

International University 2014

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Chair of Membership, Volusia County Association for Responsible Development (VCARD)

Member, North East Florida Builders Association (NEFBA)

Contact this candidate