Work with clients to identify objectives, conduct SWOT analyses, and create and execute strategic plans for the advancement of their corporate prerogatives. Selecting and collaborating with subject matter experts as necessary and appropriate to obtain data or opinions that will inform decisions, negotiating with third parties to secure contracts or mediate disputes, developing and deploying public communications narratives to influence outcomes in both consumer and political arenas. Experience in securing land use approvals, crisis communications, brand development, public relations and mergers and acquisitions.

Acquired 67-year-old leather goods manufacturing company at close of 2019. Revitalized sales, changed operational protocols to incorporate modern technologies and instituted efficient business practices for a heritage brand. Focus remains on the manufacture of saddles and tack for the western equestrian market and expanding the scope into western lifestyle accessories and apparel, maintaining a work force of approximately thirty full time skilled employees. Managed total loss due to tornado April 2024, coordinated with local, state and federal agencies to handle disaster response, rapidly resolved claims with insurance carrier and developed a new 18,000 sqft warehouse to house operations, and a rodeo events center to host promotional events adjacent thereto, in less than one year.

Assist clients across an array of industries on a variety of business law and government relations matters including land use and zoning issues, public policy, negotiations, transactions, strategic development, regulatory compliance, alternative dispute resolution (mediation &arbitration), civil litigation and contract drafting. Delegated work, managed caseloads, led teams and mentored associates while ensuring seamless communication with clients from the time of origination to the resolution of their matter. Established a satellite office in Sulphur, OK in March 2021. Chair of the Equine & Agricultural and the Medical Marijuana & Hemp Law Departments.

Secured approvals for the establishment of a Part 135 helicopter aviation company which conducts air tours and provides charter services in and around the greater New York City area which is among the most restricted airspace in the world.

Formed a partnership to operate the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and led the initiative to draft and submit a competitive proposal to the City of New York in fall 2022. After initial selection, worked with City agencies to finalize the contract. When the award was unexpectedly pulled and given to the incumbent operator of the Heliport in February 2023, filed a bid protest and led a successful advocacy campaign that resulted in the cancellation of that award. Did not prepare a new proposal and rebid when the RFP was reissued in January 2024.

Established industry advocacy group, recruited members entities who operate heliports and helicopter air tour and charter businesses to define industry objectives in the face of an overt threat from the Mayor of New York to eliminate the air tour industry. Directed lobbying activities and public relations efforts. Negotiated directly with government agencies to effectuate intentions and secured terms and continued coordinating and managing all public relations efforts for the industry until the expiration of the agreement.

Consulted with aviation industry operators including fixed base operations and charter companies to manage relationships with government agencies, develop effective public relations strategies and identify and implement efficiencies.

Correspond with staff and citizenry to determine the needs of the community. Drafted ordinances, built consensuses, and set policy to with an emphasis on efficient government operations while maintaining essential services. Collect and analyze data from public safety, planning & zoning, development services and water utility departments to create responsible annual budgets. Drove public relations initiatives, including promoting Cave Creek in the “West’s Most Western Town” challenge against the City of Scottsdale, to boost tourism and strengthen the town’s western
frontier identity.

Provided detailed custom analysis of residential rental properties to develop maximum return on investment and optimize cash flow. Managed closely held income producing rental properties.

Provided detailed custom analysis of residential rental properties to develop maximum return on investment and optimize cash flow. Managed closely held income producing rental properties.

EDUCATION & LICENSES