ROBERT T.PURIFICO 703 Barton Run Blvd. Marlton, NJ 08053 Office: 856-986-6090 Home: 856-396-0528
[email protected] CE O P RESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EDUCATOR YOUTH ADVOCATE Visionary, results-proven president/executive director/educational administrator documented success propelling expansion, funding/volunteer support, in addition to 22 years of similarly commended performance as a school administrator and educator. Expert developer of high-performance teams and organizations, educational programs, learning communities, lasting sponsorships and partnerships, and enduring support. Dedicated educator who is respected throughout the corporate and educational communities as a strong organizational leader, and is deeply committed to lifelong learning and maximizing the potential of organizations. Comprehensive qualifications in fiscal/operational management, teambuilding and supervision, strategic planning, marketing and public relations, event coordination, education and instructional delivery, community outreach, and program/curriculum development. Dynamic public speaker, with excellent written/verbal communication skills and extensive experience delivering small and large group. Internationally traveled, culturally sensitive, and solidly credentialed (with a master’s degree in education administration). PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE CEO/President: We R 3C, Inc. – 2011 - Current One of the most pressing issues of our time is the topic of character education and its relationship to bullying. People of all ages have experienced it; many have died because of it. We R 3C, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that presents a holistic approach to dealing with topic of Character Education and bullying in a manner quite different than others. As a processed-based sequential learning curriculum, it speaks to the responsibility of community in dealing with the topic in a manner that articulates kindness, compassion and respect. The holistic approach of the We R 3C™ ends up becoming intrinsically motivated behavior demonstrated and practice by participants. The We R 3C Program materials are presented through a series of five processed-based sequential learning Themes that enable program participants to gain a meaningful understanding of relationships and how they develop within varying communities on a daily basis. Key Results: Organizational/Managerial Development: Guided the birth of a new nonprofit 501 (c)(3) dealing in Character Education and Development. Conceptualization of the curricular content and development Built a collaborative team of educational experts consisting of over 100 years of educational expertise Brought the concept through the development process into a marketable product Filed for both incorporation as a nonprofit and 501 (c)3 status Facilitated the development of organizational brand and logo Coordinated the development of organizational website and Facebook page Developed marketing and fiscal plans Created a strategic plan for solicitation of grant and foundation funds Solicited and identified a founding Board of Trustees Solicited and identified an Advisory Board whose expertise and background vary Begun the identification of a volunteer base to help promote the vision and mission of the organization Developed and delivered professional development sessions Developed a strategy to solicit partnerships within the business community Met with and sought help and assistance from Congressional and State legislators Worked to expand curricular materials so they spiral K-12 Developed an assessment strategy and instructional rubric for use within schools 1 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED) President/ Potential Impact, LLC – Marlton, NJ – 2008- Current A consulting company devoted to assisting organizations in the successful identification of creative problem solving preference styles in an effort to help build effective and collaborative teams that become critical thinkers and leaders of innovation. Literacy Reviewer: - 2010-2012 Conducted literacy reviews in low-income urban schools in Georgia and Massachusetts Development Laboratory Initiative – 2008-2013 An initiative of the Center for Creative Learning, Inc. that creates learning materials in the areas of creativity and problem solving; Problem Solving Style and Talent Development. DESTINATION IMAGINATION, INC. President / Executive Director, 1995 to 2007 Cherry Hill, NJ World’s leading nonprofit corporation in providing a community of globally branded creative problem solving programs focused on teamwork and the creative learning process for youth and adults. Provided strategic direction, fiscal management, and operational oversight of worldwide 501(c) (3) organization, guiding the mission, vision, and daily functions/activities of DI to achieve organizational objectives in accordance with strategic plan, policies, directives, by-laws, and charter. Administered $6M budget, and supervised an executive/ management team as well as the organization’s remaining work force comprised of 20 employees and 45,000+ volunteers worldwide. In charge of organizational, program, and staff development; all business/financial control systems; corporate, community, school, and media relations/outreach; marketing, fundraising, and public relations; sponsorship/alumni programs; and the coordination and delivery of DI-branded learning programs, tournaments, and events throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and South Africa. Key Results: Organizational Development: Propelled organizational growth and international expansion to reach new level of programming excellence, elevating DI to become recognized globally as the leading nonprofit creative problem solving (CPS) and experiential learning organization in the world. Expanded operations to offer programs in all 50 U.S. states, and launched DI programs in 20 new countries to reach present total of 43 countries and Canadian provinces throughout four continents. Grew volunteer base and program alumni by 20% and 30%, respectively, to reach all-time high of 45,000+ volunteers serving 350,000+ participants each year. Increased revenues and funding support by over 90% to benchmark goal-surpassing performance-to-plan for 12 consecutive years. Enhanced organizational credibility throughout the global education community by embracing a researched pedagogy (CPS v.6.1™) supported by five decades of creativity and problem solving research by noted scholars. Built a leading corporate-based innovation program among Fortune 500 companies emphasizing the identification of problem solving preference styles and the tools associated with the generation and focusing of ideas. Teambuilding: Built a cohesive management team and hired key positions (e.g., marketing/programming VPs, corporate consulting VP, controller, IT director, and training coordinator) that allowed DI to expand internationally. Vision Instilment & Strategic Planning: Enabled organization to plot a definitive course for future growth and collaborative partnerships by developing and communicating a clear, cohesive vision, mission, and strategic plan. Fiscal Management: Established quarterly audits by outside accounting firm, implemented accounting systems/best-practices to monitor corporate spending, and provided accurate and ongoing reporting of finances through monthly and annual reports. Strategic Partnership Building: Cultivated partner alliances with corporate sponsors and like-minded nonprofit associations. Secured fiscal/program support, sponsorships totaling $8.5M, and VIK (value-in-kind) donations from companies and organizations including: — 3M — Bank of America — Philips Consumer Electronics — Eastman Kodak — NASA — Avid Technology — AEM (Association of Equipment — Smuckers — Best Buy — Chick-fil-A Manufacturers) — Staples — Velcro USA — National Dairy Council — Saputo Cheese — SciFi 2 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED) Program Development: Spearheaded the development and global delivery of a series of innovative new programs that diversified corporate portfolio; catapulted organizational exposure, visibility, and reputation; generated new revenue streams; and expanded program reach to encompass all levels (Pre-K through adults). New programs included: — Destination ImagiNation® Flagship Program — Rising Stars!® — ImagiNation-4-Life® — DIcor® Corporate Consulting — LoveLife® Project — DI Summer Enrichment Program — International Creativity Conference — DI eXtreme® — DI Dissertation Awards Program — DI Model School Program® — Project Outreach® — AEM Construction Challenge Event Planning & Management: Supported 500+ tournaments, competitions, and events worldwide each year, including DI’s annual Global Finals (elevating this culminating event to become the largest of its kind in the world). Staff/Volunteer Training: Created modular training program and in-service workshops that increased awareness, programmatic consistency, volunteerism, and “same-page” mindset among all paid/volunteer staff worldwide. Legal Affairs: Protected intellectual property (IP) through copyrights and other means, leveraged in-depth legal experience to develop and implement all personnel and partnership contracts (saving DI untold thousands of dollars), communicated with all staff and volunteers organization-wide regarding the appropriate use of corporate IP, and guided successful negotiations and acquisitions of additional programs under the DI corporate umbrella. Marketing & Media Relations Strategy: Led team in creating organization’s first-ever marketing plan and programmatic strategies to promote DI and its varied programs. Oversaw development of branded, multimedia collateral materials (including websites, videos, CDs, brochures, logos, and press kits) that won various awards and proved highly successful in awareness, fundraising, media, sponsorship, and grassroots campaigns. Public Speaking & Media Appearances: Personally promoted organization through numerous television/print interviews and public speaking engagements to groups as large as 18,000 across three continents. Board & Alumni Relations: Fostered collaborative relationships with each group of trustees, and founded and grew alumni organization to nearly seven million members. Efforts increased volunteer pool, provided rewarding leadership opportunities, and cemented a strong base of ongoing support. Government Relations: Worked to develop lobbying strategy; hired Washington, D.C. lobbyist; conducted personal visits with Congressional representatives (including a Capitol Hill presentation to Congressional subcommittee); and launched effective programs instructing affiliate/regional directors on ways to best involve their local political leaders. EARLY EDUCATIONAL CAREER FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS — Bridgeton, NJ Principal, Fairfield Middle School, 1984 to 1986: (On a leave of absence from Cherry Hill Schools) Administered all aspects of middle school with 500 students and 45 staff members. Commended by superintendent and school board for leadership that fostered an engaging and enriching environment conducive to learning and optimizing student, teacher, and school success. Launched new programs (e.g., after-school intramural program, community program for children of migrant workers, peer mediation program); increased parent participation/ involvement in daily school activities and operations; and supported teachers in the development of innovative, integrated curriculum. CHERRY HILL SCHOOLS — Cherry Hill, NJ Twelfth largest school district in the state of New Jersey with current enrollment of 11,800+ students. Assistant Principal, Carusi Jr. School, 1986 to 1995 Served as “right hand” to principal in running all aspects of daily operations for middle school with 1,000 enrolled students. Responsible for $1M annual budget; facility management/maintenance; hiring/supervision and performance appraisals of 25 faculty/staff; coordination of school busing system and all athletic, intramural, and after-school extracurricular programming; direction of Guidance Department; and purchasing of all textbooks and operational supplies. Managed assorted disciplinary issues, tirelessly advocated for student needs, and actively promoted collaborative learning and critical/creative thinking. Effectively communicated with parents in matters of discipline and instructional materials, and coordinated activities of school PTA. Enjoyed active participation in the National Education Association, the Association of Secondary School Principals, and the New Jersey Education Association. 3 EARLY EDUCATIONAL CAREER (CONTINUED) CHERRY HILL SCHOOLS — Cherry Hill, NJ 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Brainerd Jr. High School, 1973 to 1984 Received annual “commendable” performance reviews for teaching excellence throughout tenure. In addition to teaching 7th grade social studies curriculum, also served as head wrestling coach, student council advisor, and in-service chair, and founded a series of successful programs (including school-business partnerships, academic motivation programs, gifted and talented workshops, peer mediation program, and tutorial program for special-needs students). PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED) PHILADELPHIA SCHOOLS - Philadelphia, PA, 1973 High School American History Teacher, Edison High School Taught American History and Political Science to Juniors and Seniors as a long-term substitute EDUCATION RUTGERS UNIVERSITY — Camden, NJ Master of Education (M Ed.), Major in Administration VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY — Villanova, PA Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education AFFILIATIONS & ACTIVITIES Chair, Panuska College of Professional Studies Board of Visitors, University of Scranton: 1995 to 2013 Leadership Team Member, Center for Creative Learning, Inc., Sarasota, Florida - Current VIEW Facilitator, Center for Creative Learning, Inc., Sarasota, Florida, 2001 to Present Vice Chair, Destination Imagination, Inc. Board of Trustee (Glassboro, NJ), 1986 to 1995 OF NOTE Authored and delivered dynamic, engaging, educational keynote workshops and presentations to a variety of prominent audiences including a Congressional Subcommittee on Health and Education, Faculties, School Districts and Enrichment Programs. • • • • • Recent Publication: Leading Education with Style. Working with colleagues on the challenges of educational leadership and change, school improvement, curriculum planning, or similar tasks can be frustrating or rewarding. This booklet illustrates the importance and benefits of understanding style among educational leaders-- from classroom teachers to superintendents and School Board members Development of a student mentor program for the Panuska College of Professional Studies, University of Scranton Delivered numerous presentations through a thirty plus year career to audiences ranging from 25 to 18,000 US and International events – Italy, France, Germany, Canada, Brazil Publications, Public Speaking and Presentations available upon request See Robert Purifico You Tube presentation to Congressional Sub Committee on Labor and Education made in April of 2007 @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aRzbqKdPe0 See Robert Purifico YouTube PSA introducing We R 3C, Inc. 2012 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0ZZaZ52XAM 4