A Public Servant. Project manager.
Youth advocate and social media coordinator.
CV
Professional Summary
Samantha – Nicole Terry has dedicated her life to public service. A highly motivated human services professional with over twenty years of political, youth development and project management experience. Proven success at leading projects from conception to completion. Trusted team player able to work with all levels of staff. Resourceful, ambitious, and able to work under tight deadlines to ensure project success.
Samantha has a Bachelors in Science in Management; Executive Masters in Public Administration and is currently a candidate for a Doctorate in Human Services in Social and Community Services with a Specialization in Leadership and Organizational Management.
Some of her accomplishments include:
• Researched, planned, and implemented the Department of City Planning's (DCP) Neighborhood Planning Unit, NPU University - a program to increase and strengthen the voices and skills of Atlantans by educating, empowering, and equipping them to serve as effective community representatives and leaders. We do this through hands-on training and instruction from subject matter experts, thought leaders, and City of Atlanta staff, NPU-U helps explore best practices and solutions to challenges neighborhoods may face. Over 12 courses and 900 constituents served to-date.
• Researched, planned, and implemented Department of Public Works (DPW) Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) Constituent Ride Along - an opportunity for the community and agency to partner with solving community infrastructure concerns collectively.
• 2019 Southeast Regional EMMY® nominee for co-production of "Voices Unheard" - DPW PSA
• Served as project lead on City of Atlanta's launch of the STATES first Play Mobile.
• Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Board of Trustee member and presenter at the state conference.
• Researched and implemented after school "supper" program, making the City of Atlanta the first municipality to offer the program to its youth participants.
• Grant recipient of over $200,000 in funding for programs from Wal – Mart Foundation and Coca – Cola Foundation.
• Co-Chaired the 34th Annual Youth Holiday Party in collaboration with the S.C.L.C. W.O.M.E.N.S. Coalition.
• Recipient of City Council Proclamation for Camp Best Friends programming
• Implemented the City of Atlanta's Out of School Time Program K-5; with certified teachers in after-school programs with the use of ALEKS and Study Island Programming.
• Camp Best Friends implemented Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) National Freedom Schools model at 4 sites in 2012, a municipality first.
• Developed the departmental leisure book, volunteer handbook, division handbook, division operational manual, recreation programming plan, various standard operating procedures and all aquatic, Out-Of-School Time program marketing tools including website, posters, videos, and postcards.
• Created leisure guide for the department to receive accreditation from CAPRA.
• Partnered with Grammy Award-winning Clifford “TIP” Harris to host a Men's Leadership Camp for 35 youth in Atlanta at no-cost to parents. Students awarded laptops at the end of summer.
• Partnered with Gulf Youth Action Coalition to host a Teen Camp for 150 youth in Atlanta at no cost to parents.
Skills
Program Development Program Implementation Public Relations
Public Relations Event Planning Event Management Grant Writing
Nonprofits Social Media Development and Management Project Management Program Management
Analysis Non-profits Research Proposal Writing
Marketing Budget Management and Development
Public Policy Research, Implementation, and Development
Marketing Strategy Microsoft Office Adobe Creative Suite
Interpersonal Skills Public Speaking Customer Service Training
Management Community Development Leadership Development
Organizational Development Volunteer Management
Team Management Time Management Executive Management
Youth Development Youth Mentoring Community Engagement
Work Experience
October 2019 – Present
Program Manager | City of Atlanta
As the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) program manager, I evaluate, execute, and manage the various programs that serve the NPU system, including educational and training programs, civic engagement plans, communication, process improvements, and grant administration.
I am responsible for coordinating services and activities at the neighborhood planning unit level and facilitating coordination among City departments and quasi-public agencies.
I am responsible for managing the execution of NPU programs to enhance community outreach and engagement, and increase awareness about the NPU system, including but not limited to:
· NPU Community Impact Grant Program
· Annual Bylaws Review
· Public Participation Plan
· Neighborhood Directory
· NPU University (Community Education & Leadership Training Courses)
· Dashboards/Reporting
· Special Projects
I provide staff support to the Atlanta Planning Advisory Board (APAB). I develop strong, collaborative relationships with NPU officers, councilmembers and other stakeholders. My top priority is to maintain a solid system of community engagement that contributes to the development of thriving neighborhoods with a strong sense of community.
Dec 2017 – September 2019
Community Affairs Coordinator | City of Atlanta
Liaison between the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the City of Atlanta's 25 Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs). Develops and executes messaging and responses to citizen's issues and concerns relating to DPW. Works closely with City Council staff and the Communications Director to develop and execute processes and projects which enhance communication efforts between the public and the Department of Public Works. Effectively conveys the Department of Public Works' mission and key strategies with members of the community, partner organizations, and other key organizations. Carries out the Department of Public Works vision for community engagement meetings and special events through the planning and executing of the day-to-day activities associated with each event/engagement opportunity. Proactively identifies opportunities to build relationships and establish a dialogue with the community. Supports the communications director in developing strategies which cultivate and enhance relationships with local NPU leaders and local associations in an effort to build the DPW brand and messaging. Works closely with ATL311 to create service requests and provide necessary follow-up with the public about those requests. Prepares monthly reports on stakeholder engagement activities and special events
Oct 2007 – Dec 2017
Program Director | City of Atlanta
As the Program Director for the City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation my programs included:
-- Camp Best Friends Summer Program (25 sites)
-- Spring Break and Intercession Camps (4 sites)
-- Atlanta Teen Leaders program (8 sites)
-- Centers of Hope After School programs (15 sites)
-- Play Mobile (Development and Launch)
Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director of the Office of Recreation, I developed, implemented, and administered diverse and dynamic programs in reference to the youth (ages 5 - 18) of Atlanta. During the summer I supervised and monitored all Camp Best Friends program staff (200) and work, ensuring that responsibilities are completed in a timely fashion and adhere to program components. I was responsible for creating, developing, and implementing programs that meet the needs of the members and program participants, as well as the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of all program staff.
I also provided and maintained materials and resources for youth programs and initiatives.
Coordinated special events in collaboration with the Facility Managers. Facilitated and maintained working relationships with schools and offsite staff. Devised and executed recruitment and retention strategies in coordination with stakeholders and other agency-wide programs to ensure the maximum number of children is being served. Facilitated program training and conducted observations of on-site staff. Interviewed candidates for open positions. Provided crisis intervention with onsite participants and make referrals when necessary. Maintained, collected, reported and analyzed data as required by the City of Atlanta and grant funders. Maintained documentation and confidential files as required by the City of Atlanta. Represented the agency in meetings with outside organizations and in various venue. Coordinated partner and vendor relationships for specialty activities within the teen and after school programming .
Sep 2013 – Jan 2014
Recreation Branding Specialist | City of Atlanta
Implemented and designed paraphernalia for re-branding of department promotions and collateral. Designed and executed high-impact visual presentations for internal and external offices for program introductions, reviews, trade shows posters and material utilizing Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Interacted with Executive Director, Recreation Program Supervisors, Communications team and programming team to understand and interpret requirements and copy for executing high-level internal and/or external presentations. Reformatted existing content and the ability to convey key points through illustration for information graphics. Designed media kits for specific programming for ongoing, continuous use for events, meetings with stakeholders, etc. (Camp Best Friends, Seniors, Special Needs Populations, etc.) Produced designs and final artwork for publications and other items such as display posters, banners, T-shirts, and promotional items. Attended PTA meetings, NPU meetings, community events, career fairs, seminars, conferences, etc. on behalf of the Office of Recreation. Coordinated special events for Recreation (Summer Launch / Kick-Off, Fall Launch, Open Houses, etc.) Ordered marketing materials for Office of Recreation (Facilities and Programming). Led team in the development of programming plan and launch of Play Mobile.
Aug 2003 – Sep 2008
Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator | City of Atlanta
Edited proposals provided by 1, Recreation Administrator, 5 Program Directors, and 1 Project Manager. Transferred to design layout in Adobe Creative Suite specifically In Design, Photoshop, Fireworks, and Illustrator. Assembled marketing materials for mailing or personal delivery to prospects. Greeted, directed and provided information to incoming visitors and incoming. Took inbound telephone calls as well as supporting various staff members. Created and maintained Excel Spreadsheets. Used of Powerpoint for updating presentations. Created, analyzed, edited annual budget for division. Designed literature and signage promoting various Campus Recreation events, activities, and programs. Placed literature and signage in designated areas in the City of Atlanta. Represented City of Atlanta at various programs including programming and staffing information tables and providing materials for distribution at the table. Developed and implemented volunteer programs in support of the Office of Recreation City services; Recruited volunteers for support work and recommended assignments that will make the best use of individual talents; Developed training programs for volunteers. Served on task forces and committees related to volunteerism; Wrote requests for individual, corporate or foundation donations in behalf of the City; Developed and implemented fundraising strategies and informational programs to encourage support of City programs; Promoted public awareness of gift-giving to the City, as well as its needs for volunteers, by such means as writing press releases and making public appearances; Designed and coordinated the preparation and printing of publicity materials with the department's Public Information Officer; Determined the most economical and efficient means to print professional-quality publicity materials;
Reviewed proposed legislation and City, departmental, and program policies and procedures for issues related to volunteers; Maintained volunteer time records and applications;
Planned, organized, and implemented volunteer recognition events and activities; Demonstrated continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
Education
2017 - Current
Capella University
Candidate for Doctorate of Human Services :
Social and Community Services with a Specialization in Leadership and Organizational Management
2014 - 2016
Texas - Southern University
Executive Masters of Public Administration
2009 - 2011
University of Phoenix
Bachelors of Science in Management