EDUCATION: B.A. (English and Comparative Literature), Columbia University, 1973
A.A.S. (Forest Technology), SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1988
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE:
2009-2016 Academic Tutor. Pittsfield Public Schools, Pittsfield, MA.
Provided individual and classroom instruction in all subjects including middle school
and high school mathematics through algebra I & II, geometry and trigonometry,
science through biology, physics and chemistry, English literature and composition,
and world and American history and social studies, prepared students for MCAS
examinations and submitted quarterly grades.
1999-pres. Executive Director. Sheffield Land Trust, Sheffield, MA.
Reorganized and managed local conservation organization, designed strategic planning
and board policy development process, developed financial management systems,
facilitated meetings and developed management systems for staff and volunteers,
managed annual and major gifts campaigns and developed solicitation and public
relations materials, prepared grant applications, designed web site and assisted with
development of educational programs. Increased annual membership income by 100%
and developed and coordinated over $10M in funding and major gifts for 20
conservation projects.
1997-1999 Executive Director. Law, Order and Justice Center, Schenectady, NY.
Reorganized and managed criminal justice and human service agency providing dispute
mediation, conflict resolution education, alternative sentencing and family support
services for over 2,000 clients annually. Responsibilities included program development
and policy advocacy, fund raising, grant writing and contract management, human
resource management and training, budget preparation and financial management,
marketing and community relations. Received NYS Senate citation for distinguished
service.
1989-1997 Executive Director. Family Life Support Center, North Adams, MA.
Developed and organized innovative homelessness prevention, emergency shelter,
family literacy, early childhood and parenting education programs serving nearly 700
households annually. Responsibilities included staff recruitment, supervision and
training, program design, policy advocacy, budget preparation and financial
management, fund raising and grant writing, resource development, marketing and
community relations. Wrote program manual Few Sheep, Little Corn: Preventing
Homelessness & Stabilizing Communities. Accomplishments included 75% reduction in
homelessness and emergency shelter requirements contributing to economic and
cultural revitalization of community.
1983-1987 Program Director. Stanley Isaacs Center, New York, NY.
Developed and organized employment counseling and job referral program serving
over 700 youths and young adults annually in the Yorkville and East Harlem area.
Counseled and assisted clients with job search activities and education planning,
recruited, trained and supervised staff, developed and maintained business and
community employment and training contacts, designed employability skills training
program, prepared statistical reports and funding proposals, developed and
implemented new program initiatives.
1980-1983 Employment Coordinator. Covenant House, New York, NY.
Developed employment counseling and job search assistance program in large,
residential crisis intervention facility for homeless youths and young adults, counseled
youths directly and trained staff, developed and taught employability skills
curriculum, consulted with social workers and other staff to develop appropriate
service plans, prepared statistical reports.
1978-1980 Legislative Coordinator. New York City Council, New York, NY.
Researched and wrote legislation, press releases and reports, managed office and
staff, represented councilman at agency and community meetings.
1976-1978 Youth Advocate. DARE, Inc., Cambridge, MA
Counseled and supervised teen-agers awaiting adjudication or placement, assessed
youths' needs and obtained appropriate services, advocated for them in court and
worked with families and caseworkers.
OTHER EXPERIENCE:
Excellent writing, mathematics, public speaking and meeting facilitation skills; extensive
computer and Internet experience including word processing, spreadsheet, database,
desktop publishing, web site design and accounting programs.
Publications: Communicating the Bird (Broken Publications, 2012); New & Selected
Poems: 1975-2005 (Barnwood Press, 2007); web site: www.ronnowpoetry.com.
Jazz trumpet player: The Good Life Jazz Entertainment, 2010-pres.; Berkshire Community
College Jazz Ensemble, 2003-2007; Williams College Jazz Band, 2004-2006; City Dance
Theater, Boston, 1976-77.
Two years forestry experience: U.S. Forest Service; NY State Department of
Environmental Conservation; Chair, Hancock Conservation Commission, 2001-2006.