Heather Zenone

Educate, inspire, learn and aspire.

Education
UC Berkeley
Rhetoric, BA
Boalt Hall
Social Justice, JD

Research
Design
Qualitative
Interdisciplinary
Mixed Methods
Quantitative
Regulatory
Legal

Leadership
Vision
Fundraising
Program Design
Financial Oversight
Professional Development
Meeting Facilitation
Strategic Planning
Team Building
Evaluation

Expertise
Outreach
Governance
Policy & Procedure
Program Management
Workforce Development
Instruction & Training
Social Services
Compliance
Diversity

Technology
Wikis
WordPress
MS Office Suite
Facilitated Design
Development
Photoshop

Available Online
References
Writing Samples
Completed Projects
Presentations

Go As!
HZenone[a]gmail.com
Washington, DC
Datadriven thought leadership for people.

Experience
Program Manager, National Congress of American Indians, Policy Research Center, 2012-Present
Develop and manage issue-based networks of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers producing collec-
tive research and policy agendas to support Indian Country. Facilitate partnerships between diverse stakehold-
ers and assist in identifying stakeholders to participate in issue-based networks addressing a range of critical
policy issues, including: energy, economic development, child welfare, education, and health. Communications
and outreach support for data gathering projects including surveys, listening sessions and summits. Prepare
issue-specific reports and analyses, providing information to policymakers, practitioners, and other research-
ers. Analyze pending policy options and project future scenarios, prepare issue-specific reports and analyses
for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.

Founder-Lead Consultant, Solutions Consulting, 2006 Present
Policy-oriented research, analysis, and interpretation in education, employment, public contracting, social ser-
vices, and economic issues. Talent for developing and driving compliant community-responsive programming.
Training in facilitation, negotiation, and mediation. Bio & Work Product here: http://heatherz.wikispaces.com

Indian Child Welfare Director, Indian Dispute Resolution Services, 2009 2011
Planned and conducted statewide, mixed-methods study of American Indian youth aging out of foster care.
Drafted concept papers, progress and final reports, letters of support, and proposals to support compliance
with the Indian Child Welfare Act. Crafted coordinated policy strategies to improve service delivery. Worked
with Indian foster youth, state, federal and tribal partners to develop advocacy agenda improving conditions for
Indian youth transitioning out of foster care. Designed instruction, organized and implemented Youth Academy
for advocacy and leadership. Hired and supervised contractors.

Founding Executive Director, SV Tribal TANF, 2007 2008
Established and directed activities, programs, and services for federally funded welfare and employment devel-
opment agency serving Native Americans. Managed facilities, coordinated with vendors and consultants, orga-
nized and supervised office functions, controlled expenses against $3M multi-fund state and federal budget.
Conceptualized and articulated vision for agency. Created culturally relevant service delivery model. Led team
to generate a federally compliant Case Management Policy Manual. Built out executive team and personnel
infrastructure. Led executive team to draft Personnel manual; integrating culturally relevant performance model
and evaluation standards. Recruited, trained and mentored ten financial and advocacy staff, ensuring empa-
thetic client service, employee motivation and on-going professional development. Delegated and monitored
team and staff workloads. Selected technology to assure compliance and efficient audit of case files and sup-
porting documentation, track assistance, social services, and client data. Trained staff in case management,
compliance, privacy and HIPAA. Coordinated with government and community representatives developing stra-
tegic partnerships for service delivery and referral.

Co-founder & Chair of Research Committee, Impact209, 2005 2006
Structured organization to grow and direct a statewide coalition of academics, individuals, representatives,
community-based organizations, and activist agencies investigating links between equal opportunity and the
economic and social prosperity of California. Coordinated statewide research team comprised of sector experts
in law and policy, regional and constituent grassroots organizations, academics, and individuals evaluating
economic, individual and social impacts. Hired and supervised full-time professional researchers.

Graduate Diversity Outreach Officer, UC Berkeley, 2002 2007
Primary point of contact for prospective graduate students. Identified goals, strategies and resources maximiz-
ing access, enrollment and success of low-income and underrepresented students in doctoral programs. Ad-
ministered interdisciplinary residential summer program operations from planning and logistics through daily
implementation and evaluation. Planned comprehensive national outreach agenda. Represented University
programs at national events and conferences while developing an extensive network of contacts and re-
sources. Used market knowledge and networks to identify target demographics and in student advising, place-
ment, and financial assistance. Presented series of informational talks and training workshops tailored to tar-
geted demographics. Prepared separate multi-fund project budgets and accelerated payments. Supervised
administrative staff; hired and supervised teaching assistants. Designed course and diversified instruction for
research and writing skills program. Trained in diversity development, leadership, and market management.