elizabeth isley

* Develop annual trade strategy to include missions, trade shows and other services to benefit North Carolina companies interested in exploring international markets * counsel NC companies on exporting best practices including: international business and economic market conditions * international trade opportunities * marketing, financing, and tariffs * import-export regulation & documentation * etc. * collaborate with other export partners (SBTDC, U.S. Commercial Service, EX-IM Bank, SBA, ARC) to promote services and discuss opportunities of benefit for eligible NC companies * represent EDPNC in domestic and international events as well as on various boards and committees including: Appalachian Regional Commission’s Export Trade Advisory Council * the High Point Market Authority Board of Directors * and manage international trade promotion projects and events.

Developed the Global Appalachia Eye-Opener Workshop Series to effectively promote and market exporting to small businesses in the Appalachian Region of the state as well as educate clients and key stakeholders of the needs, benefits, and outcomes of Global Competitiveness. Managed project operations for Federal grants awarded to the Division of International Trade including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade and Export Program (STEP) as well as the Appalachian Regional Commission's Export Initiative Program. Tracked and analyzed financial statements and operational reporting; made recommendations on allocations and use of program funds and monitored expenditures daily for compliance with State and Federal regulations. Collaborated with senior staff on the development of the NC Passport to Export Program to allow for continued funding to serve NC small businesses that export.

Successfully monitored and managed (from the point of application development through application award) over 110 approved critical need infrastructure grant projects totaling over 31 million in State funding. Worked to establish the application requirements, provided technical assistance to applicants, engineers, consultants, and local governments regarding the application process and contracting post award, reviewed and scored applications, negotiated budgets, worked with other funding sources to complete the contracting process, and tracked project finances to formally approve and close out grant project. Developed various program reports, established contract documentation, and assisted with the completion and formatting of various single & multi-agency documents, reports, and publications. Served as a coach for the Rural Center’s Leadership program, REDI (Rural Economic Development Institute) and as a random reviewer for the Rural Center’s Workforce Development/Community Mobilization Grant program.

* Designed, implemented, and taught music courses including: The Arts and Entertainment Marketplace * Topics in the Arts * Music Business Field Experiences * Financing the Arts * Marketing the Arts * Managing the Arts * and The Art of Music. Worked closely with faculty, staff, students, and Arts and Entertainment Organizations to develop and maintain student experience (internship) programs. Provided key support for successful conflict resolution, training and content development, academic advising, and meeting coordination to students. Served as liaison between university and peer organizations, communicating various issues and troubleshooting and resolving problems. Served on university committees as appointed including: Department of Music Marketing Committee, Chair * and 2017 Department of Music Strategic Plan Programming Committee.

Activities and Societies: Sigma Alpha Iota

The MPA program at ECU is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). Professional Presentations: Greenville North Carolina Fire Rescue Job Analysis Oral Presentation: Greenville City Officials, Special Meeting Citizen Satisfaction Survey Pinetops, North Carolina Invited Presentation: Town Meeting, Open Session The Care and Feeding of Nonprofit Boards Invited Presentation: East Carolina University Adult Education Colloquium An analysis of alternatives for the continuation, expansion, or elimination of the Suzuki Strings Program in Greene County Public Schools, Greene County, North Carolina Oral Presentation: Master of Public Administration Defense, Professional Paper Activities and Societies: Department of Housing & Urban Development Fellow