BROOKE LOVELACE

CAREER SUMMARY

Professional with eleven years of progressive organizational leadership and communication skills deployed implementing programs and services to Iowa social service agencies.

Demonstrated skills in:
• analytical thinking • personnel management • financial management
• strategic planning • program implementation • creative problem solving

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2003 To Center for Disabilities and Development,
Present Des Moines, IA
Program Manager
Responsible for analyzing, planning, coordinating, implementing and promoting
public policies, programs and policy-related activities that develop systems change and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.
• Manage and support implementation of the Money Follows the Person Program
• Supervise program staff
• Manage and support implementation of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Cash and Counseling Grant.
• Conduct policy analysis and research for state and federal programs.
• Create and sustain working relationships with education entities, state departments, federal agencies, consumers with disabilities and the private sector.
• Provide technical assistance, education and training to facilitate systems and policy improvement specifically for individuals with disabilities.
• Develop and prepare grant applications.

1995 TO EASTER SEALS IOWA, DES MOINES, IA
05/2003 Director, Employment and Job Training 10/02 to 05/03
Senior Director, Program Services 04/01 to 10/02
Director, Easter Seals Center 10/97 to 04/01
Responsible for administration of vocational, case management, managed care, recreation, respite, and community living programs for persons with disabilities.
Manage Section Eight housing complex as well as the integrated Child Development Center.
• Develop, implement and monitor efficiency and expected standards in all areas.
• Develop and assist with the implementation of long-range goals.
• Prepare and make recommendations on annual budgets ranging from $500,000 to
• $2 million and analyze financial performance.
• Oversee implementation of many programmatic changes.
• Develop and implement new services and programs.
• Deliver American with Disabilities Act training and disability awareness education to businesses.
• Member of senior management team involved in strategic planning, goal setting, and measurement of outcomes.
• Managed $350,000 in capital improvements (parking lot, roof, restrooms, apartment balconies, etc.) for Easter Seals Center and housing complex.

Program Coordinator, Employment Services 08/96 to 10/97
Administered employment services program. Responsible for staff employment, training, and supervision. Provided program evaluation and oversight. Communicated with funding sources, community agencies and family members. Developed and monitored departmental budgets.

Employment Consultant 04/95 to 08/96
Located employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Developed business contacts with the community and educated the community about various disabilities and our clients' abilities to perform various jobs.

01/94 TO IOWA HOMELESS YOUTH CENTER, DES MOINES, IA
04/95 Youth Specialist

05/92 TO AMERICAN RED CROSS, DES MOINES, IA
12/95 Community Telephone Counselor

08/92 TO MAINSTREAM LIVING, DES MOINES, IA
08/93 Mental Health Technician II

EDUCATION

M.S., 2000, Rehabilitation Administration, DRAKE UNIVERSITY, DES MOINES, IA
Courses included: Marketing Policies and Problems, Public Budget and Finance, Personnel Management, Counseling Diverse Populations, Public and Nonprofit Administration, Education Research and an 80 hour field work experience in Human Resources. GPA: 3.9/4.00 (completed degree while fully employed)

B.S., 1992, Sociology, IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, AMES, IA
Emphasis in Criminal Justice and Psychology. GPA: 3.1/4.00

Numerous job-related conferences including Cash and Counseling, Spitfire Communication Strategies, Federal System Change and National Easter Seals. On-the-job personal development opportunities including training on sexual harassment, effective supervision, facilitation, leadership, communication, DiSC, team building, understanding financial statements, etc.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficient in Microsoft Office products, and, industry-specific software application

PROFESSIONAL and COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Iowa Association of Community Providers, Member, 1997 To Present
• Greater Des Moines Cyclone Club, Board Member, 2000 To Present
• Annual Cyclone Golf Challenge, Chair, 2002 To Present
• YMCA, Walnut Creek, Part-time Personal Trainer, 2000 To Present
• Avid runner in 10k and 5k events
• Season ticket holder for Iowa State Football and Basketball