SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Accomplished, detail oriented executive leader with a proven ability to bring innovative approaches to the full range of financial, operational, and administrative activities of organizations, including strategic planning, budget formulation and execution, Human Resources, Information Technology and Systems, contracts and procurements, facility management, policy/governance, and strategic resource management.  

Recognized throughout career for tireless work ethic, creating and promoting overarching vision and leading change in continuously evolving environments.  Track record of developing and implementing innovative programs and policies to achieve organizational goals and customer expectations, reduce risk, and improve financial performance. Very strong analytical, financial, and technical skills.

Demonstrated executive-level communications skills with verifiable ability to forge consensus under difficult, complex, and novel circumstances.  An experienced negotiator; able to create effective partnerships, meet deadlines, and build consensus across diverse constituencies.

Proven skills in building, supervising, mentoring, and developing subordinate staff and leading complex multidisciplinary teams to top levels of performance.  Committed to modeling and instilling the highest levels of ethical standards, integrity, veracity, and objectivity across an organization. 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Chief Operating Officer 01/10/2022 to Present
Director of Operations 06/18/2018 to 12/31/21
Business Performance Systems, Inc.

Overview: Hired to take over day-to-day operations for one of the managing partners seeking to retire. Directs all business operations and operational strategy of $5M+ federal IT consulting firm specializing in PMO support, software testing, system verification and validation, and application development. Operational areas include finances, business administration, contract administration, human resources, business development, capture/proposal management, and project/program management.

Selected Accomplishments:

·         Compliance and administration of contracts. Performs all aspects of contract administration for multiple, active contracts, task orders, and related modifications with agencies such as DOI, GSA, USPTO, ED, and HHS. Serves as portfolio/program manager for multiple task orders.

·         Develop and implement strategic goals for growth. Spearheads development of overarching corporate growth strategy and tactics. Actively leads business development, pipeline, partnerships, capture, and proposal management efforts. See table below for results.

·         Identify and implement efficiencies to meet strategic goals. Streamlined hiring process via implementing innovative practices resulting in an over 50% reduction in staff time spent on recruiting and selection activities and shortening time-to-hire to <15 days.

Business Consultant / Principal  07/18/2014 to 06/18/2018
DPCS, LLC

Overview: Founded and direct consulting firm providing management consulting and professional services to nonprofit businesses across multiple industry sectors, including the dietary supplement industry.  Serve as a strategic consultant and advisor on legislative and regulatory affairs, strategic planning and management, business expansion, revenue enhancement, continuous process improvement (CPI), crisis management, marketing, and public affairs.

·       Guide companies in implementing change and meeting strategic goals in a continuously changing environment: Work directly with senior decision-makers to anticipate, address and resolve complex and unique operational challenges, improve competitive advantage, and drive organizational growth and performance. Direct overall business strategy development, including short/long-term strategic planning, visioning and innovation. Manage the full project lifecycle from bid and proposal development and sales presentations through contract negotiations and closing.

·       Perform complex quantitative and qualitative analyses, including SWOT analysis, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of business operations, as well as opportunities and threats in the marketplace.  Guide clients in developing a strong business strategy. Develop and present a 3-5 year strategic and tactical plan for achieving organizational goals, reducing risk, increasing governance and accountability, protecting program integrity, and driving revenue growth.  Plan and execute consumer surveys to assess and improve customer expectations.

·       Ethics, Governance & Policy Expert:  Provide expert guidance to clients on identifying the impact of current and emerging industry trends and regulatory issues on the dietary supplement industry.  Review internal policy and practices to assure compliance with applicable FDA, USDA, FTC, and FWS regulations; and recommend changes.  Lead working groups to improve product safety and industry oversight, and promote high professional and ethical standards.

·       Facilitate strategic dialogues and build relationships with key stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for change. Draft legislative language and policy and work closely with legislative consultants to advocate for effective, fair laws and regulations to support responsible commerce of dietary supplement products.  

·       Persuasive, Effective Communicator, Orally and in Writing: Research, synthesize and aggregate highly technical information and expert recommendations from industry experts into concise briefings, presentations, talking points, white papers, and analytical reports for clients.  Lead creative teams in developing communications strategy, public affairs and consumer outreach campaigns, and educational seminars.

Selected Accomplishments:

Within 1-month of launching DCPS, successfully negotiated lucrative consulting agreement with a global public health and safety company.  Worked directly with General Manager and Technical Team to create operational strategies to protect and grow programs by taking advantage of market, industry and economic opportunities while mitigating risk and exposure.  

Developed and managed ongoing execution of strategic business goals, including short and long-range strategy for education, marketing, communications, and government relations programs. Developed guidance for CPI, media response, crisis management, and regulatory strategy.

Results: Program grew by 50% in less than one year while under contract.  Recommended improvements in auditor training and calibration that enabled the company to realize a 30% gross margin and revenue in 2015; estimated at $900K over budget YTD.

Interim Executive Director; Director of Finance & Administration/CFO  09/15/2016 to 07/17/2017
Baltimore Clayworks, Inc.

Overview: Provide administrative leadership for 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts center with $1.2M budget including all aspects of HR, IT, general governance, facilities management for multiple buildings comprising over 18,000sqft, and all aspects of annual, project, and program budgeting, forecasting, and related financial management and reporting, as well as bookkeeping, audit and tax prep and management. Promoted to Interim Executive Director in April 2017.

Financial Leadership: Produce financial reports and information in support of governance and business operations. Coordinated and developed annual operating plans and budgets for board approval; led financial planning and analysis, performance management process, evaluating and measuring progress against established goals. Enhanced the flow of financial and operational information; implemented “best practices” and maintained internal controls. Informed Board on financial matters; advised senior managers on short- and long-term financial decisions. Produced financial reports and information in support of governance. Oversaw all aspects of transaction processing, banking matters (reconciliations, lending), full-charge bookkeeping, and related. Managed vendors related to audits and tax filings; effectively communicated with vendors, internal and external stakeholders, funders, and regulators.

• Guided board through financial exigencies via providing expert financial analyses, recommending and implementing staffing reductions, consistently evaluating cash positions, developing and increasing revenues and fundraising opportunities

• In the face of significant opposition, fulfilled board-mandated directives to devise and implement plans to sell properties and relocate operations, develop a 3-year pro forma income statement, engage in formal business and strategic planning to sustainable business models

Operations Leadership: Human Resources, Marketing, Communications, Information Technology, Facilities. Establish and enforce all policies and procedures, including updates to Bylaws, employee handbook, and other staff-level processes. Accountable for recruitment, selection, hiring, training, and improvement/discipline of all staff and contracted employees. Develop marketing strategies for all business units, directing marketing efforts for fundraising, retail, education, artistic/exhibitions, and community arts programs. Create communications via numerous channels (newsletters, web, traditional media/newspaper articles, etc.) to achieve marketing goals. Identify and counsel with third-party vendors for IT/IS, employee benefits, various business insurance, and legal issues.

• Maximized revenues for educational programs, fundraising/development, and retail sales to attain budgeted targets

• Identified and implemented operating efficiencies to reduce expenses and increase productivity

Chief Operations Officer / Director of Administration  01/30/2006 to 05/19/2014
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)                                                                                                                            

Overview:  Advanced through increasingly responsible leadership roles with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), a national trade association representing businesses in the herbal and botanical products industries.  Recruited as Director of Administration in January 2006 and promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) in March 2008.  As a member of AHPA’s executive team, provided leadership and direction for a 501(c)(6) nonprofit with a $1.7M budget, 10 employees, and 300+ corporate members in the U.S. and internationally.

·       Operations Leadership: Managed and oversaw all day-to-day operations including financial administration, governance and compliance, IT, contracts, and HR functions.  Provided expert guidance to the executive director on risk management, strategic and tactical planning, and profit and loss management (P&L).  Played key role in establishing and promoting organizational vision and managing change internally and externally in a continually evolving industry and regulatory environment.

·       Financial & Oversight: Formulated, forecasted, and presented budgets for board approval. Monitored and maintained financial and programmatic data. Created financial reports for senior management using Excel and QuickBooks.  Developed and maintained revenue streams, managed operational costs, allocated resources, and controlled expenses. Direct accountability for all membership accounts with revenues of $1.2M, a $250K IASC contract, educational events revenue of $100K, and $15K from the sales of publications/prior seminars.  Established and monitored performance measures to achieve strategic goals.

·       Developed, coordinated, and executed administrative policies and processes for property and facility management and related leases and contracts.  Selected and managed contractors for IT and cybersecurity administration, HR administration, insurance, investments, and other administrative services. Organized and led board of directors and committee meetings. 

·       Supervised 3 subordinate personnel. Coached, mentored and provided leadership and technical direction. Encouraged independent decision-making, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. Promoted teamwork and an inclusive workplace. Assigned work based on staff strengths and experience, established priorities and deadlines, evaluated performance and resolved conflicts.

·       Formed and led multidisciplinary project teams, comprised of staff and volunteers from different backgrounds and technical competencies, for marketing, member recruitment and retention, and business development initiatives.  Conceptualized and led development and execution of multimedia communications, including web content. Developed and communicated project plans and goals. Coached and led teams in meeting established standards and program requirements.

·       Leveraged industry subject matter expertise, technical knowledge, business acumen and strong decision-making skills to innovate and implement new programs to drive membership growth and retention, increase fundraising capacity, and achieve financial objectives.

·       Promoted Strategic Partnerships in the U.S. and Internationally: Built and maintained effective partnerships with stakeholders across the industry. Interfaced regularly with representatives of international and U.S. governmental and regulatory agencies.  Represented AHPA on working groups to promote information exchange and to advocate for effective laws, regulations, and best practices for the ethical commerce of herbal products.

Selected Accomplishments:

Developed, implemented, and administered sound financial practices and expense controls that increased program revenues to $1.7M from $919K in 6 years to exceed financial objectives. Successful in increasing the organization’s reserve fund to $1M from $15K.

Drove membership growth and retention for 7 consecutive years.  Spearheaded the first dues increase in nine years, which increased revenue from dues to $1.123M from $780K over 6 years.

Innovated and managed a highly-effective sponsorship program that generated $100,000 in revenues annually, 2011-2014.

Leveraged political savvy and strong communications skills to advocate with Congress and multiple federal agencies, including the FDA, FTC, and USDA; for more effective laws and regulations for herbal products.

Developed, marketed, and executed over 30 successful educational seminars (web-based and in-person). Recruited keynote speakers and managed all event logistics, including IT support.

Led IT project for the acquisition and implementation of a new Association Management System (AMS), which improved tracking and management of membership data, event registrations, and reporting. Developed budget, vetted contractors, managed board approval process, and oversaw migration of data from Access.

Successfully negotiated and administered a $250K contract to provide administrative services for the International Aloe Science Council (IASC), a trade association with an $800K budget and 75+ members.  Served as Executive Director for 6 years concurrent with role as COO. 

Developed potent, targeted strategic marketing campaigns, including conceptualization and creation of industry social networking group (AHPA Group – LinkedIN, 8,000+ members).

Executive Director    05/01/2008 – 05/30/2014
International Aloe Science Council (IASC)

Overview: Tapped to serve as Executive Director of this 501(c)(6), 75-member trade association following successful negotiation of a multi-year contract in 2008.  Independently led the management and administration of all association operations including government relations, regulatory and legal affairs, risk management, policy development, strategic planning, communications, marketing, membership programs, and a 3rd-party certification program. Managed an $800K budget.  Served as IASC’s Executive Director concurrent with role as COO for AHPA.

Restructured and downsized organization: Assumed leadership of a struggling trade association.  Following a thorough top-down, bottom-up assessment, implemented change across all areas of operations to improve customer relations, member services, fiscal control, IT, and records management. Closed the Texas office, eliminated positions, and relocated operations to Maryland. Led IT team in implementing new systems and software to increase operational efficiency. Managed all contract deliverables. Based on performance excellence IASC renewed the contract with AHPA in 2011.

Led the administration and revamp of the 3rd Party Certification Program: Championed and led major improvements in the oversight and accountability of an IASC-managed certification program for the aloe vera industry. Overcame initial opposition from the board to develop and implement the first formal audit and testing procedures and sampling program to assure high quality standards and ethical business operations for products containing aloe vera. 

Selected Accomplishments:

Partnered with AHPA’s VP of Scientific and Technical Affairs to address findings from a National Toxicology Program (NTP) study, which threatened to damage the status of aloe vera ingredients on a global scale.  Spearheaded outreach across regulatory and scientific channels, including the FDA, FTC, USDA; and successfully lobbied Congress to mitigate damage across the aloe vera industry, including loss of consumer confidence, reduced sales, and potentially industry-terminating regulatory action.

Leveraged political savvy and strong communications skills to convince the Brazilian Health Ministry to re-allow sales of aloe vera-based products in the country.  Strategically used in-country consultants and member resources, navigated complex scientific and regulatory channels, and gained board approval to expedite publishing of required standards critical to protecting industry interests.  

Successful in preventing efforts by the German Ministry of Health to inappropriately regulate aloe vera in the country.  Worked with scientists and regulatory groups and subject matter experts in country to provide scientific documentation and clarification.  Led development and publication of the first global standards of identity, analysis, and quality control for aloe vera.

Spearheaded and led creation of REACH Regulations Guidance (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals), a European Union (EU) regulation passed into law in 2006 that covers the production and use of chemical substances and potential impacts on both human health and the environment. REACH has been described as the most complex and most important legislation in EU’s history. The regulations also established the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), which manages the technical, scientific, and administrative aspects of REACH.

During 6-year tenure authored and co-authored multiple scientific publications, white papers, position statements, multimedia communications, congressional and organizational position statements, and regulatory language on aloe vera, including the aloe vera chapter in the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements, Second Edition.

EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

 
University of Maryland University College (UMUC), Adelphi, MD 20783 (2015-2018)

• B.Sc. in Business Administration

Baltimore School of Massage, Gwynn Oak, MD 21207 (2003-2004)

• Certification: Licensed Clinical Massage Therapist

St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, MD 20686 (1993-1994)

Montgomery College, Rockville, MD 20850 (1988-1992)

Additional Training:

• DISC Training, 1999

• Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership II (Participant & Train the Trainer) Certificate of Completion, 1997

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

 Recent Publications:

·       Beyond “Belief”: Moving Away From Dietary Supplements’ Reliance on Consumer’s Good Faith (Author, Journal of Nutritional Health and Food Science, April 2015)

·       Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements 2nd Ed., National Institutes of Health-Office of Dietary Supplements (Co-author, Aloe Vera chapter, CRC Press, June 2010)

·       Aloe Vera Leaf, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Aloe Vera Inner Leaf Juice: Standards of Identity, Analysis, & Quality Control (Reviewer, American Herbal Pharmacopeia, 2012)

·       AHPA: Laying the Groundwork for the Herbal Industry (Author, Nutrition Industry Executive, May 2011)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Chief Operating Officer & SVP of Membership Services, Natural Products Association (NPA), 1773 T St. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (05/2014 – 07/2014). Personally recruited by the CEO of this 501(c)(6) to lead a 600+ member trade association and oversee an annual budget of ~$2M and 10 employees. Voluntarily resigned after less than 3-months due to ethical concerns.

Licensed Clinical Massage Therapist, Multiple Facilities, Columbia, MD (2004-2006), University of Maryland Women’s Gymnastics (2005)

Corporate Trainer, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, Bethlehem, PA. (2002)

Sr. Sales Executive, Avant! Corporation, Fremont, CA (2000-2001)

Financial Specialist, First Union National Bank, Burlington, NC. Series 6 & 63 licensed. (1997-1999)

Store Manager, The Gap, Inc., Chapel Hill & Raleigh, NC. ($2M & $5M+ stores w/100+ employees) (1994-1997)

Floor Supervisor, Performance Bicycle Shop, Carrboro, NC. ($2M, 25+ employees) (1993-1994)

SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE SKILLS: AMS/CRM - Salesforce, Aptean/GoMembers, iMIS, Crystal Reports, Arts Center Canvas, Access and MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook); Basecamp and SharePoint; HTML, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Dot Net Nuke (DNN) CMS; Squarespace, Weebly; QuickBooks, Peachtree; Constant Contact, Survey Monkey. 

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

Kathy Holt, Board President, Baltimore Clayworks, kholt@aol.com, (303) 917-4746  

Don Lovelace, Owner/CEO, Lily of the Desert & IASC Board of Directors; edl@lilyofthedesert.com, (940) 566-9914

Élan Sudberg, CEO, Alkemist Laboratories & AHPA Board Member; elan@alkemist.com, (714) 754-4372

Steven Dentali, CEO, Dentali Botanical Services & former AHPA/IASC Board Member; sjdentali@gmail.com, (561) 306-3010

Lisa Thomas, General Manager, NSF International Dietary Supplement Programs (former) lmt888882@yahoo.com, (248) 249-2005

Devon excelled at seeing the “big picture” from a strategic perspective, and identifying solutions to increase or protect the program’s business. He was also quickly and easily able to convert both negative and positive actions and events in the media, regulatory, and other arenas affecting clients and NSF's business into successful strategic opportunities. His primary efforts and results were in creating a short- and long-term strategy for the program that covered everything from education, marketing, communications, government relations, regulatory affairs, and the analysis and continuous improvement of internal programs and policies.

Devon is a highly analytical thinker and conscious thought leader, with proven project and program management skills. He is able to easily influence others both verbally and in written communications, creating cogent and concise arguments in order to make his points. He intrinsically understands businesses from the perspectives of brand management, customer service, administration, and bottom-line productivity, and has the ability and drive to execute as needed. Devon is intelligent, quick, has an incredibly high level of integrity, and above all was and is one of the most competent and reliable people I’ve had the pleasure of working with in my 23 years in management.

- Lisa Thomas, General Manager - Dietary Supplements/Sports Nutrition/Beverage Quality, NSF International (DPCS, LLC Client)

Devon is a dedicated and driven individual who worked tirelessly to attain success for both AHPA and the IASC. As the ED for the IASC, an organization consisting of approximately 70 manufacturers and brand marketers for an industry valued at around $5bil, Devon’s strategic vision and leadership continues to influence and shape the association’s efforts. It would not be an overstatement to say that he single-handedly brought that organization’s stature to new levels in many practical areas. Devon is a true entrepreneur with what I would consider a “startup mentality”. He is keen minded yet intellectually humble, unafraid to ask questions, and routinely used those and his other skills and attributes to generate new ideas in order to drive business.

- Steven Dentali, Ph.D., AHPA & IASC Board Member & Former Colleague @ AHPA

Devon is a pleasure to work with because of his can do attitude. Simply said, he gets things done.

- Wilson Lau, Board Member, AHPA

"Devon was hired as CFO in September of 2016 and moved into the position of Interim Executive Director in April of 2017 after a management and Board reorganization triggered by its financial crisis. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary skills and Devon’s performance during this time period was nothing short of magnificent.  His list of accomplishments during the crisis includes:

• Managing a Board that was often divided in its opinions as to the best approach to a solution.

• Successfully negotiating a contract for the sale of BCW’s major assets (2 buildings which housed its operations) at a high value that would have allowed continuation of operations at a new location.

• Amassing a solid understanding of the operational and financial situation, developing analytical and data-driven information to support recommendations for actions that would sustain the organization and move it forward, including building relationships with and attaining financial support from lenders, and organizing the board around the process of decision-making relative to the sale of the properties.

• Addressing cash flow and related issues on a daily basis, creating detailed reports that were easy to understand and providing sound recommendations for the board to consider.

• Maintaining financial books and records in pristine condition allowing quick preparation of financial presentations to regulators and other interested parties.

• Preparing detailed plans for reorganization including relocation options, partnering arrangements and program rationalizations.

• Keeping staff informed of the progress of re-organization and, as the situation deteriorated, letting them know at an appropriate time that they should begin seeking other employment options.

• Advising the Board on confidentiality considerations as an external group sought to exert inappropriate influence over BCW and potentially seize control of it.  This group effectively blocked the sale of the buildings forcing BCW to file for bankruptcy.

Throughout this process Devon worked tirelessly and with great skill and passion. I would recommend Devon wholeheartedly and without reservation."

- Robert P. Dillon, Treasurer, Baltimore Clayworks Board of Trustees

I’ve known Devon for more than 10 years and worked with and along side him in different capacities. I believe Devon possesses the talent, skills (in particular, the interpersonal and communication skills) and experience to serve as an effective ED. 

I’ve also had the opportunity to serve on two association boards with which Devon was affiliated, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), for which he served as COO and the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) for which he served as ED. In both of those functions, I was able to witness Devon’s effectiveness as a leader and communicator. Both the AHPA and IASC Boards are distinct and diverse, but eclectic collections of passionate and demanding member company representatives. Devon was exceptional at managing member relations and issues. One example is how he led the IASC through some contentious litigation over misuse of it’s certification logo.

Devon’s background also includes work in highly technical areas. The aforementioned IASC certification program involves meeting certain quality standards for aloe and an onsite audit. Devon basically spearheaded this effort for the association. During his tenure at the IASC, aloe came under attack in the US over a misunderstanding about its safety. Devon led efforts to communicate with the media, FDA and the scientific community to clarify the situation around aloe safety.

- Andrew Shao, Ph.D., AHPA & IASC Board of Directors