RUSS HADDAD‍‍‍‍‍‍

This account has o‍‍nline ‍reference‍‍‍s

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r‍‍ecent posts

passions

‍‍‍Lead development and implementation of InnovatEC, a collaborative public, private, and community effort to build a northeast North Carolina innovation center with emphasis on entrepreneurship and participation of traditionally under-represented communities. Facilitate networking between public and private community leaders and stakeholders to create a sustainable culture of regional innov‍‍‍ation.  Implement and manage the ECSU organizational culture shift to use the Agile/Scrum management framework in university operations, with primary focus on the university’s community engagement, economic development, student experience, and student success.  Lead and contribute to projects that harness the energy, vision, and capacity of university people and resources to achieve sustainable growth and excellence.  Lead and contribute to projects and programs credited with increasing applications and awards for grant funding to sponsored programs.

Established and oversee the very successful Viking Volunteer, Community on Campus, and ECSU Student Success Network initiatives. Revivedthe Sustainability and Resilience Advisory Board, whichincludedestablishingan institutional resiliency policy, and updating campus sustainability and recycling policies.‍‍‍

Represent the university and participate in planning Board of Trustees’ meetings, conferences, fundraising and hosted community events.

Member of regional team working on pilot for last-mile broadband project fornortheastern North Carolina (ECSU, NC Broadband Office, AlbemarleCommission).

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DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ‍‍‍& BUSINESS OUTREACH
U.S. Representative G.K. Butterfield, North Carolina’s First Congressional District, Wilson, NC

May 2010 - July 2012

Leveraged long-term expertise supporting business and economic programs to foster district-wide improvement‍‍‍s.

Served as leading force to foster business and economic development throughout the district. Coordinated with local communities, non-profits, and local, state, and federal funding sources to build a knowledge base and communicate with local and regional officials about potential funding sources and capacity development.   As Rep. Butterfield’s liaison for emergency response, communicated with FEMA, SBA, and other agencies during emergency events and recovery. Represented Congressman to media, constituents, and organizations.

Org‍‍‍anized and launched district events highlighting policy issues vital to Congressman’s agenda.

Contributed to securing a $900K federal grant for water and sewer improvements in Gates County, NC.

Mitigated food insecurity and deprivation across the community by developing policy approaches focusing on a local food economy plan for the district.

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Driving force on numerous policy, program, and operational developments in support of municipal agency providi‍‍‍ng infrastructure for advancing tourism, business development, and recreation in local region.

DIRECTOR
Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Elizabeth City, NC

July 2005 - September 2008

Oversaw program development, communications, operations, revenue generation strategies, budget development, event planning, and overall agency management. Handled data and policy analysis, consulted with city and county officials, and delivered recommendations to facilitate policy and program acceptance by constituencies.

Collaborated with allied organizations to plan and create Port Discover, a regional science museum.

Led passage of occupancy tax legislation to create Tourism Development Authority (Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County Area Visitors’ Bureau) and increase occupancy tax revenues. Following establishment of Tourism Development Authority, created independent agency and served as Chief Financial Officer overseeing staff including volunteers and interns.

Developed and launched first official destination tourism website integrating a cooperative community advertising program featuring local businesses and attractions.

Secured sponsor support and vendor participation in large-scale events--two major bass fishing tournaments. Key player on winning funds to develop a city/county Parks & Recreation Master Plan, resulting in construction of a major sports complex.  

Coordinated on initiatives including the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, NC Civil War Trail.

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my car‍‍‍eer

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT
Elizabeth City ‍‍‍State University, NC

June 2018 - Present

Design and execute programs to increase university community engagement and boost innovation capacity, activity, and connectivity with public/private community leaders in support of increasing‍‍‍ entrepreneurship and participation of traditionally underrepresented communities.

‍‍‍· Masters of Professional Studies in Community & Economic Development  

  Pennsylvania State University

· Bachelor of Arts-Media, English Minor

  Worcester State University

· Strategic Program Planning and Communication

· Government & Media Relations

· Project Management & Coordination

· Process Redesign / Change Management    

· Economic Growth & Sustainability

· Business & Revenue Development

· Community Development Initiatives

· Process & Policy Optimization

· Organizational Development

Educatio‍‍‍n

Other‍‍‍ Experience

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