Gerry Vazquez
631.338.7392
vazquezgerry@yahoo.com
PROFILE
Nonprofit executive specializing in strategic planning, management, staffing, fund development, community engagement and new media.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
NON-PROFIT CONSULTANT 4/06 - present
Provide nonprofit CEOs and boards with management services, including marketing, fund development, strategic planning, feasibility studies, new venture planning, strategic partnerships, capacity building, staffing, training, board development, program development, public policy and use of technology.
Assignments:
Providing strategic advice for new charter school network and managing the planning of the initiative’s pilot school. Serving as fund development advisor to the board of a new school; assisting school developer in successfully navigating the charter approval process.Developing a comprehensive three year plan for a multi-service agency.Conducting community/needs research for a Brooklyn-based new schools nonprofit corporation.Authoring an 88 page charter school planning guide a leading charter school funding and development organization. Assessing contract issues facing nonprofit agencies in a major New York county.PRESIDENT 11/98-4/06
New York Charter School Resource Center, New York, NY
Co-Founder of state-wide nonprofit charter school consulting and funding organization. Managed a team of 10 school planners, grant makers and consultants in providing training, planning and funding to more than 50 new academies (planning, start-up and expansion grants totaling over $20 million.) Raised $10MM in operational and program funds including $1MM capacity building grant – the first of its kind. Negotiated a multi-year, multi-million dollar grant making partnership with a leading foundation – again, the first of its kind. Served on three national grant making panels. Built a community and political constituency in support of the state’s charter schools movement. Organized annual conferences; recruited educational entrepreneurs. Lobbied members of the New York State Legislature for passage of the Charter School Act of 1998.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/COO 6/94-11/98
New Visions for Public Schools, New York, NY
Managed internal operations of this fast-growing education fund through careful planning and effective oversight of key functions including; human resources, finance, information systems, facilities and programs. Coordinated the agency’s annual program and financial plan; provided oversight and sound fiscal management of agency budgets totaling upwards $15MM. Cultivated and maintained relations with funders (corporate, individual and foundation); negotiated grants of $5K to $1MM. Established constructive relations with key government agencies. Managed all aspects of HR, including staff recruitment and hiring; HR policy development and oversight; compensation planning and appraisals. Supervised five directors.
SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER/PROGRAM OFFICER 9/89-6/94
New Visions for Public Schools, New York, NY
Developed and directed promising urban education reform, youth services and professional development initiatives. Formed public-private partnerships related advisory/steering committees; raised program funds; managed innovative grant programs including the award-winning and nationally replicated Champions of Active Learning grants program sponsored by a leading U.S. financial firm; organized forums and conferences; prepared and disseminated public education materials.
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS 9/84-11/88
Puerto Rican Youth Development Center, Rochester, NY
Chief program developer, fund raiser and staff leader for agency providing advocacy and services to disadvantaged migrant/immigrant children and their families. Services included case management, prevention education, leadership development and academic enrichment.
INVESTMENT SPECIALIST 5/81-5/84
Citibank, NA, New York, NY
Bought and sold government securities for select institutions and individual customers.
EDUCATIONMasters in Political Management - Graduate School of Political Management,
SUNY/George Washington University - research, strategy, fund raising, issues management
BA - SUNY at Albany (Sociology/Community Service/Graduate Level Counseling Courses)
CertificatesNonprofit Management, St. John Fisher College
Nonprofit Financial Management, New School University
Campaign Management, Kent State University
Hispanic Leadership Development, United Way of Rochester
Documentary Filmmaking; Global Village Center, New School University, Young Filmmakers, Third World Newsreel
AffiliationsNonprofit Board Forum, Media Bloggers Association, National Institute for Latino Policy. Past Member: NY Regional Association of Grantmakers, Hispanics in Philanthropy, Public Education Network.
BloggerPublisher of the American Taíno series of weblogs offering commentary on current events from a Latino perspective. Recognized by New York Times (City Room), Media Bloggers Association, Latino Netroots, America’s Voice, PBS, El Diario-La Prensa, Newsday and City Limits.