Jul 2024 – Present · 1 yr 9 mos

May 2024 – Present · 1 yr 11 mos

Oct 2019 – Present · 6 yrs 6 mos

• Directs strategic planning, fundraising, board relations, program design, and fiscal management for a nonprofit with a $5.3M budget and international reach. Built and leads a team of 11 staff and 10 contractors to deliver scalable programs and partnerships addressing critical workforce challenges.
• Transformed the organization from a single annual event into a global ecosystem builder with 123 year-round programs, signature tiered initiatives and employer-driven research for data-informed decision-making.
• Supported employer partners in addressing workforce challenges by identifying and collecting data, connecting members to training, certifications, mentors, and career pathways.
• Expanded revenue through conference sponsorships, strategic partnerships and a $5.3M revenue funding strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and scalable programming.
• Expanded membership from 2,000 to 11,100 (455%), professional affiliates from 10 to 70 (600%) and student chapters from 68 to 315 (363%).
• Increased strategic partners from 17 to 64 (276%) to reinforce funding and broaden industry engagement.
• Grew annual budget from $1.5M to $5.3M, ensuring responsible stewardship and scalability.
• Expanded global representation from U.S.-based to over 100 countries.
• Built organizational capacity by expanding from a founder-led model into a team supported by improved governance and operational systems.
• Initiated three groundbreaking research studies (Aleria Research, N2K/Skillrex Cyber Talent Study, FourOne Insights)
• Leveraged research findings to design and expand programming that addressed workforce gaps, improved partner employee satisfaction by 64% and strengthened the case for industry and donor investment.
• Led the effort of producing resources on leadership, allyship, mentoring, sponsoring, language, and more.
• Engages international audiences through speaking and thought leadership, driving awareness, partnerships, and community growth.

Sep 2016 – Oct 2019 · 3 yrs 1 mo · Monterey, California

• Leading PR efforts to engage the media leading up to the annual MATE International ROV Competition and media relations onsite. Social media strategist and manager.

Oct 2014 – Jun 2022 · 7 yrs 8 mos · Largo, Maryland

• Leading marketing efforts that include robust campaigns around webinars, bi-monthly newsletters, and new product/services launches. Integrating social media, digital marketing, and PR strategies to capture the audience's attention and keep their brand loyalty consistent.

Aug 2014 – Jun 2021 · 6 yrs 10 mos · Chevy Chase, Maryland

• Leading the marketing efforts and overseeing the implementation of the strategy that includes Spring and Fall Season registrations, Webinars, Coaches Calls, Facebook Lives, Summer Camp and Winter Camp campaigns, PR, and social media management.

Jan 2014 – Jan 2022 · 8 yrs · National Harbor, Maryland

• Leading the tactical committee efforts with logistics and project management. Creates and oversees all digital marketing efforts to grow the 3CS audience and conference participation through marketing campaigns, social media strategy, partner outreach, employer engagement, and PR.

Jan 2012 – Present · 14 yrs 3 mos · Greater Chicago Area

• Nelly Group helps businesses, nonprofits and organizations identify what marketing efforts they need to align with their business goals. Our happy place has always been in developing strategies that infuse the brand’s authentic voice to engage and provide solutions for specific target audiences.
• Since 2012, the Nelly Group's team of experts create an exciting elixir of creative designs, simplified communications, laser-focused content, social media awesomeness, and PR strategies to attain results for our clients.
• You’re the expert, and we’ll let the world know!
• ✅ We are proud that our work is the catalyst for building communities within our client’s target audiences
• ✅ We are proud to grow and strengthen brand awareness
• ✅ We are proud to leverage our clients as thought leaders within their respective industries
• ✅ We are proud to work with some really good people (like you!)
• Together we've got grit, we've got goals, and we achieve results.
• Some of our achievements include:
• ✅ Doubling a client’s list within three months of strategy and implementation
• ✅ Achieving a 9 million reach of hashtag use during an onsite event
• ✅ Exceeding attendee registration to an in-person event by 50%
• ✅ Consistently meeting registration goals for a virtual events by 25% yearly
• ✅ Receiving onsite news attention and recognition within a one-month timeframe of media outreach
• Your potential is limitless. Contact Colleen Huber at chuber@nellygrp.com for a quick strategy session!