Member Highlight

How did you end up in grants management?

My background in finance and compliance naturally led me into grants management, where I found a strong connection between financial accountability and mission-driven work. Over time, I became increasingly interested in helping organizations navigate complex federal and state funding requirements while improving operational effectiveness and compliance practices. I enjoy working in an environment where strong financial stewardship directly supports programs that serve communities and public interests.

What is your favorite or most impactful grant program you have been a part of and why?

One of the most impactful areas I have worked in involved supporting organizations managing complex funding portfolios that included federal, state, and foundation grants. I found it especially meaningful to help strengthen compliance processes, subrecipient monitoring, and financial oversight practices that improve accountability and support long-term program sustainability. Effective grants management plays an important role in ensuring that funded programs can continue delivering meaningful services to communities while maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.

What is your biggest work challenge and how do you manage it?

One of the biggest challenges in grants management is balancing evolving regulatory requirements with operational realities and limited organizational resources. I manage this by focusing on proactive communication, continuous learning, process improvement, and collaboration across finance, program, and compliance teams. Building strong internal controls and maintaining organized documentation also helps reduce risk and improve efficiency.

What NGMA member benefit has been most useful to you?

NGMA’s educational resources, training opportunities, and professional networking community have been especially valuable to me. The organization provides practical insight into evolving compliance requirements, federal regulations, and industry best practices while also creating opportunities to learn from experienced grants professionals across the country. I also appreciate the collaborative environment that encourages ongoing professional development and knowledge sharing.

How do you recharge after a long week at work?

I enjoy spending time with my family, staying active outdoors, and continuing professional learning through industry articles, webinars, and discussions with colleagues in the grants community. I also value quiet time to reflect, recharge, and explore new ideas related to compliance, process improvement, and organizational effectiveness.