Nonprofit and Civic Experience

The Democracy Collaborative

Senior Advisor, the Greater University Circle initiative.

Cleveland State University - Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs

Interim Director, the Center for Community Planning and Development – Support for anchor partnerships to address inequality in Greater University Circle; and working to strengthen the practice of planning and community development through research, technical assistance, and engagement, in partnership with public, private and nonprofit corporations, planners and planning students, and government officials.

NewBridge - Cleveland Center for Arts and Technology

Interim Executive Director/Senior Advisor – Based on the successful Manchester-Bidwell model developed in Pittsburgh, NewBridge trains adults for jobs in healthcare, and provides after school programs for youth in the arts.

Cleveland Foundation

Project Director, Greater University Circle – implemented the Living Cities Integration Initiative as part of a five city cohort, with a focus on “creating jobs, income and ownership opportunities for Cleveland residents.” The initiative is a multi-stakeholder partnership that has advanced employment opportunities, small business development, and community wealth building.

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress

Senior Program Officer – responsible for the management of the Cleveland Neighborhood Partnership Program, a $1.6 million annual budget, multi-year, comprehensive support program for select community development corporations. Responsible for grant management, program evaluation, capacity building/ technical assistance as well as the creation of specific marketing initiatives and events. 

Tremont West Development Corporation

Commercial Development Director – responsible for developing an award-winning commercial support program. Coordinated fundraising, grant administration, events and marketing, training, internship and volunteer programs, and an historic preservation program for storefront façade improvements.

Western Reserve Historical Society

Exhibit Department Manager - responsible for the management of the design and installation of historical exhibits, and for the production of related graphic materials.  

The Cleveland Children’s Museum

Director of Museum Programs – education program development and evaluation, supervision of education department staff.

Board Service

The Democracy Collaborative, a national leader in equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.  The Cleveland Print Room, a community-based, analog photography darkroom and exhibition space. I serve on the City of Cleveland's public art committee, and I am a founding member of the Cleveland Colectivo, a local giving circle. My career in community development began as a board member, later staff, at the Tremont West Development Corporation; I wrote about the experience on Walter's Web Log.                                           

 Additional Training

  • Certified Economic Development Finance Professional, National Development Council

  • Neighborhood Leadership Program, Cleveland State University College of Urban Affairs

  • Certified Main Street Manager, National Trust for Historic Preservation