Sam Filkins

Experience

• 

  University of South Florida

  Apr 2008 - May 2010

  I advised students working in the Office of Student Programs. This included the Campus Activities Board, Homecoming Steering Committee, and University Lecture Series. Led low and high ropes activities for college aged students, elementary groups, and corporate groups with a focus on team building, leadership development, and communication.

  • Graduate Advisor

    Jun 2008 - May 2010

  • Challenge Course Facilitator

    Apr 2008 - May 2010
• 

  University of South Carolina Aiken

  Jun 2010 - Dec 2012

  Advised the Greek Life, Volunteerism, and Parent Orientation Programs at University of South Carolina Aiken. Advised Greek Life, Recreation Sports, and Parent Orientation.

  • Assistant Director of Student Involvement

    Jun 2011 - Dec 2012

  • Assistant Director of Student Involvement

    Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
• 

  Kenyon College

  Jan 2013 - Jul 2020

  In cooperation with other Student Affairs staff members, the Director shares an awareness of and concern for all aspects of each student's academic, residential and co-curricular life.The scope of the Director’s responsibilities includes:Staff supervisionStudent Council advisingLeadership Development ProgrammingSocial events policy administrationGreek system oversightStudent organization supportProgramming coordinationGeneral student affairs administrationServes in the Director on Duty "on call" Rotation Show less Student Organizations Administer the student organization recognition and review process to develop an outcomes-focused model.Created an award winning weekly late night alcohol-alternative event series that is an opportunity to showcase organizations.Organize and host the spring involvement fair, which showcases of over 140 student and community organizations.Hold regular meetings with the Student Life Committee and organization presidents to discuss organization goals.Support student organizations as they navigate office policies and processes.Leadership ProgramingImplement a strategic plan for leadership programs based in student development theory, student feedback, and campus needs.Plan and lead a Pre-Orientation leadership program for first-year students with a focus on transitioning to being a leader at college.Facilitate an Emerging Leaders Institute for first- and second-year students empowering them to take on leadership roles.Built a Distinguished Leaders Institute for third-year students focusing on how to maximize their strengths and leverage involvement on campus into future careers.Coordinate a 5-week “Senior Leadership Series,” for senior students to prepare for life after graduation.Created a leadership program on masculine identities based on best practices and campus climate research.Chair the Student Leadership Awards selection committee and host the recognition banquet. Show less

  • Director of Student Engagement

    Jul 2019 - Jul 2020

  • Associate Director of Student Engagement

    Jul 2018 - Jun 2019

  • Assistant Director of Student Engagement

    Jul 2016 - Jul 2018

  • Assistant Director of Student Activities for Leadership

    Jan 2013 - Jul 2016
• 

  Village of Gambier

  Jun 2015 - Aug 2017

  President of Village Council

  I currently serve as the President of Village Council for the Village of Gambier Ohio.Through my council work, I chair the Library and Programming Committee and serve on both the Streets and Utilities Committee and Police and Personnel Committee. As of January 2016 I also serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

• 

  Area Development Foundation of Knox County

  Jul 2020 - now

  Vice President

  The Area Development Foundation of Knox County is an independent non-profit economic development organization serving Knox County, Ohio. Our mission is to help create more jobs of high quality that keep residents financially secure, match good employers to job-ready workers, and advance efforts to support livable communities throughout Knox County.The Area Development Foundation is the primary contact for economic development in Knox County. Our staff encourages the growth and prosperity of local industry by supporting local companies through tax-abatement services, resource connection, workforce solutions, and other services. Knox County is a well-educated and proudly rural community located in the growing Columbus Region, and the ADF is the area representative for companies looking for new business locations.The Vice President leads organizational efforts related to creating vibrant communities through the following activities:- Oversight of the Knox County Land Bank, a quasi-governmental entity focused on strengthening neighborhoods by bringing vacant and abandoned property back to productive use in the county.- Implement strategic plans in collaboration with the four villages of Knox County, Centerburg, Fredricktown, Gambier, and Danville.- Focus on community obstacles that impact economic growth—specifically reducing barriers to growth such as housing and childcare shortages.- Work to execute development finance strategies to eliminate obstacles to economic growth. Show less