Walking Through a New Door with an Open Heart and Curious Mind
If you read my last article, you may be wondering why I would leave my former position as Senior Manager at Prometheus Federal Services (PFS), a company I notably respect and value. Allow me to explain:
The Year of the Pandemic
Back in 2020, during the pandemic that swept across the nation, like many others, I found myself unexpectedly without a job. At the time, I was serving as the Marketing & Membership Director for a YMCA Association in Indiana. Due to the recommendations and restrictions imposed by the World Health Organization and the Federal Government, the Y had to shut its doors, resulting in the layoff of 95% of its staff.
Even before COVID-19, my husband and I had been eyeing Columbus, Ohio as a relocation destination. Positioned as a midpoint between our families and boasting a notable demand for marketing talent, it seemed like the perfect fit. Armed with a belief in the power of networking and self-promotion, I began reaching out to connections on LinkedIn in search of opportunities.
A Chamber of Hope
Hope Cotter, from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, graciously responded to my outreach and facilitated an introduction to Keith Stevens, a prominent entrepreneur, and at that point in time, Chamber Board President. Through Keith, I was connected with his Chief of Staff, Kristine Long, who interviewed me for a part-time consultant position to assist with marketing for Keith’s companies, UpRys and PSI (Proteam Solutions).
What started as a simple partnership soon blossomed into something more. I eventually assumed the role of Marketing Director for UpRys and its affiliated clients, serving nonprofits and small businesses in the community. Keith, Kriss, and their esteemed colleague, UpRys President and COO Anthony McIntosh, opened the door to consulting for me, and true to form, I ran through and never looked back.
It is by their trust and faith in my abilities that I gained the skills and confidence to take on large-scale projects, including my work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I am deeply grateful for their support in my abilities to get shit done. You have been incredible partners and mentors over the years. I look forward to continuing to build relationships and make positive change in our community, together.
Connecting with Central Point Partners
When I left UpRys in 2022 to join the team at PFS, Kriss, Keith and I continued to stay in touch. I provided ad hoc support as needed while UpRys grew and further cemented its presence in Columbus. Then, in the fall of 2023, opportunity knocked - Kriss was invited to join Pam Stanczewski at the helm of Central Point Partners (CPP) as they embarked on the next phase of their journey to expand CPP's footprint in the professional staffing industry. Sad to leave her post at UpRys, but excited for the opportunity to advance her career, Kriss accepted the offer and immediately began orchestrating operations and steering the talented team forward.
In January of this year, Kriss extended an invitation for me to join her efforts at CPP and spearhead the establishment of the marketing practice. Flattered and enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to a promising enterprise, I eagerly accepted. I am thrilled to join Kriss and the team at CPP as we build upon the foundation of excellence laid down by Pam.
Connecting a Career of Passion
What drew me to CPP, aside from the opportunity to cultivate a culture of service and excellence and serve my local community, was the Operation Mobile Spouse (OMS) program. OMS is dedicated to employing, equipping, and empowering talented military spouses with meaningful remote career opportunities, fostering flexibility, collaboration, and community.
Military spouses make significant sacrifices in support of our country's Service Members. While we can never fully repay them for their dedication, we can strive to provide them with meaningful career opportunities. That's where OMS comes in. By training military spouses to excel and meeting them where they are, we aim to harness their talents and address the underemployment they often face. With remote work becoming increasingly prevalent, we are committed to filling these positions with qualified military spouses, showcasing their skills and expertise to potential employers.
Inspired by my work with VA, I am eager to continue advancing opportunities for our Service Members and their families. As I embark on this new chapter with CPP, I am excited to leverage my expertise and passion to shape the organization's future.
I take this next step in my career through the doors of CPP with an open heart and curious mind. I am filled with optimism for the journey ahead. Together with Kriss, Pam, and the incredible team at CPP, I am confident that we will achieve great things and leave a lasting legacy in the professional staffing industry. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey, and here's to the exciting adventures that lie ahead!