Karl Samp
10769 River Hill Circle
Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone: 218-828-0752; Cell: 281-821-5619
Email: ksamp@charter.net

SENIOR MANAGEMENT PROFILE:

Fifteen years on senior management teams. Experienced in hiring, motivating, managing and evaluating professional level staff. Developed and managed multimillion dollar budgets. Demonstrated effectiveness in new program development, evaluation and improvement. Developed highly regarded new programs from the ground up to address a variety of issues related to community development. Led program evaluation and quality improvement efforts.

Experienced in creating a variety of training programs and curriculum, from college courses to adult learning programs in service learning, asset based community development, and community organizing and coalition building. Experienced and recognized as a leader in assembling topical workshops and training that were, according to Wilder Research Center, “consistently among the highest rated we have seen.” Comfortable in public speaking, either in training, presenting at national conferences, or representing an organization to the public.

Demonstrated effectiveness at strategic planning, both large and small group facilitation, visioning sessions and other public forums. Helps others discover their own answers and create a shared vision. Successful experience with both grants writing and making. In the latter, developed guidelines, conducted reviews, site visits, analysis, write reports for board approval, and follow through on reports and outcomes.

Strong ability to think strategically and find creative solutions to problems or means to achieve goals. Inspires others to try new ways of thinking and strategies. Capacity to identify and bring together varied groups who should be involved in addressing an issue. Ability and experience working with diverse groups of people. Qualified Rule 114 Third Party Neutral (Mediator).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

1998-2007 Initiative Foundation, Little Falls, MN
Vice President for Community Initiatives
Oversaw Grant Making and Leadership Training Programs for community development, non-profit, early childhood and meth coalitions, and lake management planning; established and maintained community partnerships for community development; program development; staff lead on program evaluation; facilitated community planning meetings, established and managed budget; lead and supervise team of up to eleven staff; represented the Foundation on numerous task forces and to the public.

1997-Present Independent Consultant/Contractor
Conducted trainings on Asset Based Community Development/Team Building/Coalitions, etc.; Profiled jobs using SCANS Skills Profiler and created Performance Indicator Manuals for ADVANCE Educational Spectrums. Facilitation of numerous communities, governmental, and organizational strategic planning and visioning sessions. Made presentations on a variety of topics at all levels, including national, professional conferences.

1995-1998 Central Lakes College, Brainerd, MN
Director of Service-Learning
Worked with faculty in blending community and public service into curriculum while building community assets; oversaw off-campus work-study program; served as college resource and liaison to the community.

1997-1998 Coordinator of Human Service Programs
Coordinated two technical programs located at four colleges. Acted as a liaison between colleges and MN Department of Human Services. Scheduled and coordinated advisory and other committee meetings. Marketed the programs.

1991-1995 Instructor
Prepared and taught courses on work readiness and independent living to students with disabilities. Coordinated off-campus work experience training. Prepared and carried out students’ education plans. Marketed the programs.

1980-1990 Kaposia Inc., St. Paul, MN
Director of Marketing
Served on management team to help set direction for strategic transition from center-based to community based employment services. Worked with business partners and persons with disabilities to meet both of their employment needs. Promoted the program to businesses, service agencies, and the public. Hired, managed and evaluated placement staff and oversaw operations under them. Conducted training and presented at state and national conferences.

1983 Trek America, Staten Island, NY
Tour Leader
Planned itinerary and led three-week cross-continental camping tours for foreign travelers from around the world. Drove van and coordinated camp and recreational activities for 13 campers. Led problem solving and conflict resolution as needed.

OTHER:

Recreation Coordinator; Group Home in Coon Rapids; Park Ranger/Naturalist; U.S.F.S.; Army Corps of Engineers; MN DNR (Seasonal)

EDUCATION

Bemidji State University - Graduate level courses and licensure in Industrial-Technical Education – 4.0 G.P.A.

Mankato State University - B.S. in Recreation, Park Administration and Community Education (1978); B.S. in Geography (1978)--graduated Cum Laude

Additional Training - Community Development and Planning, Asset Based Community Development, Experiential Education, Sales and Marketing, Customer Service, Communications, Management and Supervision, Making Presentations MN Rule 114 Qualified Third Party Neutral (Mediation)

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP:

Crow Wing County H.R.A. Commissioner
Board of Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government for nine years, Chair for two years
SCSU, Institute for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Advisory Committee and on roster as a Mediator
Mississippi River Corridor Community Foundation Partnership
Chair, Mississippi River Association for Crow Wing County
Community Development Society member and national conference steering committee
Civic Engagement Steering Committee, Minnesota Campus Compact
Co-Chair, Crow Wing County Community Asset Builders
Steering Committee, Healthy Communities Integrated Community Planning
Board, Crow Wing County C.A.R.E
Board, Children’s Museum
MAPE Meet/Confer Team
Grant Review for Robert Woods Johnson Foundation-Faith in Action, McKnight Foundation, Title 3 Funding on Aging, Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Campus Community Partnership Awards, and U of M CURA CAP program
ABCD-MN/Citizen Centered Community Development Institute at SMIF- planning committee
Blandin Community Leadership Program graduate, Brainerd cohort
Organized two resident associations and provided visioning services for three others
Church in Society board
Named 2002 Service to Mankind Award winner for the Brainerd Lakes area by the Sertoma Club

RERERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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1998-2007	Initiative Foundation, Little Falls, MN Vice President for Community Initiatives Oversaw Grant Making and Leadership Training Programs for community development, non-profit, early childhood and meth coalitions, and lake management planning; established and maintained community partnerships for community development; program development; staff lead on program evaluation; facilitated community planning meetings, established and managed budget; lead and supervise team of up to eleven staff; represented the Foundation on numerous task forces and to the public.
1997-Present	Independent Consultant/Contractor Conducted trainings on Asset Based Community Development/Team Building/Coalitions, etc.; Profiled jobs using SCANS Skills Profiler and created Performance Indicator Manuals for ADVANCE Educational Spectrums. Facilitation of numerous communities, governmental, and organizational strategic planning and visioning sessions. Made presentations on a variety of topics at all levels, including national, professional conferences.
1995-1998	Central Lakes College, Brainerd, MN Director of Service-Learning Worked with faculty in blending community and public service into curriculum while building community assets; oversaw off-campus work-study program; served as college resource and liaison to the community.
1997-1998	Coordinator of Human Service Programs Coordinated two technical programs located at four colleges. Acted as a liaison between colleges and MN Department of Human Services. Scheduled and coordinated advisory and other committee meetings. Marketed the programs.
1991-1995	Instructor Prepared and taught courses on work readiness and independent living to students with disabilities. Coordinated off-campus work experience training. Prepared and carried out students’ education plans. Marketed the programs.
1980-1990	Kaposia Inc., St. Paul, MN Director of Marketing Served on management team to help set direction for strategic transition from center-based to community based employment services. Worked with business partners and persons with disabilities to meet both of their employment needs. Promoted the program to businesses, service agencies, and the public. Hired, managed and evaluated placement staff and oversaw operations under them. Conducted training and presented at state and national conferences.
1983	Trek America, Staten Island, NY Tour Leader Planned itinerary and led three-week cross-continental camping tours for foreign travelers from around the world. Drove van and coordinated camp and recreational activities for 13 campers. Led problem solving and conflict resolution as needed.