Lori’s Resume

LORI TACK — GRANT WRITER

Download my resume pdf or read it below along with a few references.

QUALIFICATIONS

In my personal and professional life, I am committed to improving lives within communities. Throughout my 25 years in the non-profit sector, I‘ve been guided by strategic problem-solving principles. I’m a self-starter who loves being part of a great team. No matter who I’m working with, I enjoy collaborating with people from diverse perspectives. As an optimistic leader, I prioritize the success of everyone involved by using curiosity, empathy, adaptability and humor to guide my decision-making.

I’m a versatile professional with a wide range of experience in grant writing, public relations, project and program management, and creative directing.

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Creative Director — Seniors Moving Smarter, Grand Rapids MI / April 2021 — May 2023

As Creative Director at Seniors Moving Smarter, a specialty moving company for senior citizens, I used my skills to create a strong brand identity for the organization. One of my significant accomplishments was leading a rebranding effort that included revamping the logo, establishing brand colors, and creating a suite of marketing materials such as brochures, promotional literature, sales folder design, vehicle wraps and staff clothing reflecting the new brand identity.

In addition to designing traditional marketing materials, I was responsible for digital marketing and managing the organization's social media presence and MailChimp campaigns. I’ve created compelling ads and content that resonates with target audiences, improving engagement and interest in our services.

To support the organization's growth, I developed sales literature for partner organizations and marketing materials for potential clients. I have been involved in developing both novel and traditional sales strategies, using my creativity and problem-solving skills to drive business success. Overall, my role as Creative Director has allowed me to mix my passion for design and public relations with improving the lives of seniors and their families.

Program Coordinator — Ozark Greenways, Springfield MO / October 1994 — July 2019

In my 25 years with Ozark Greenways, I played a pivotal role in developing Springfield, Missouri's greenway trail network into a 120-mile network of linear parks. As a versatile team player, I've managed public relations programs, secured millions in grants, and managed relationships with stakeholders at all levels - while staying agile and capable in the face of scarce resources. I've overseen complex projects, repeatedly earning national, state, and local awards and accolades for the organization.

As a key figure at Ozark Greenways, I managed the public image and messaging of the organization across all media. I produced engaging content with website design, ads, PSA’s, news releases, newsletters, videos, billboards, articles, brochures, and educational materials. Using my design thinking skills, I enhanced the trail user experience with interpretive kiosks, wayfinding signage, and mile markers that highlight historical, natural, and cultural content. Routinely presenting at conferences and schools, I actively promoted the organization. I produced annual special events, including fundraisers and the region’s Bike to Work Week.

I developed and maintained strategic relationships with the public, donors, and government agencies. As a part of this work, I confidently managed both positive and negative PR situations for the organization. I collaborated daily with leaders from various sectors, including non-profits, businesses, government officials, and engineers. Additionally, as a fundraiser and grant-writer, I created compelling narratives to secure millions of dollars in grants for trail-building and organizational support. My efforts resulted in four of our greenways receiving National Recreation Trail designations from the National Park Service.

Exterior & Interior Designer — The Vecino Group and Matt Miller Company, Various cities / 2007-2014
As a design consultant for several apartment projects, I was proud to be a part of a forward-thinking team that develops affordable housing while preserving historic buildings in various cities for lower income residents including previously homeless veterans. I collaborated on exterior, interior, and landscape design for developments, ensuring they’re functional, pleasing, and welcoming for their new residents.

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SELECTED VOLUNTEER WORK

Project Manager & Media Liaison — Landmark African-American church relocation and preservation, Springfield MO / March 2014 - December 2019

My proudest accomplishment so far has been playing a key role in saving a gorgeous 1932 African American handmade stone church to spare it from demolition for apartment development by physically moving it to the historic park across the street. Our team raised $240,000 in private donations. I negotiated with the apartment developer to stall the demolition and with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board to take ownership of the building as a public event facility in the park. I project managed the relocation and historic renovation. We reopened the building in June 2019, as Timmons Hall, with the goal of highlighting underrepresented voices who find/found solace inside that building. This four-year project was significant and complicated - involving community and media relations, fundraising, renovation and contracting. The National Trust for Preservation’s “Saving Places” interviewed me for their feature about the project in Preservation Magazine.

Producer & On-Air Host — KSMU Ozarks Public Radio — Selected music and hosted the weekly eclectic music program called Friday Excursions, Springfield MO / June 2010 - January 2014

Lead Press & Industry Liaison — Sundance Film Festival — Point person to assist media, talent and industry members.
Served as the main public relations point person, chaperoning celebrities, media reps from HBO, Getty Images, Voice of America, BBC, PBS—and even QuestLove! Park City UT / January 2010 and January 2011

Big Sister — Big Brothers & Sisters of the Ozarks, Springfield MO / June 2002 - June 2006

International Team Leader — Council for International Educational Exchange, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1838 Lyndhurst Mansion historic greenhouse renovation, Tarrytown NY / September - October 1996

Trail Crew & PR Rep — Council for International Educational Exchange, United Nations Youth Association, Kiosk building and trail surveying, Cardiff, Wales / September - October 1996

Colorado River Ranger — Bureau of Land Management, This is when I realized how important public relations messaging is in protecting the environment, Westwater Canyon, Moab UT / July - October 1994

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EDUCATION

Missouri State University — Springfield MO / May 1994

Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation emphasizing Public Land Management  /  Minors in Fine Art & Psychology