Ryan Lazo

Experience

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  Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute

  Aug 2013 - Jul 2014

  Watershed and Nature Center Steward, AmeriCorps State and National

  • Participated in extensive environmental restoration projects spanning northern Idaho and Eastern Washington, demonstrating a commitment to compliance with federal and state land management. These initiatives effectively revitalized the landscape, preserving natural habitats and ensuring sustainable, ecologically responsible practices.• Successfully obtained and managed grants to enhance the development and growth of the Lena Whitmore Elementary School Outdoor Classroom. These efforts ensured the availability of enhanced educational experiences, benefitting countless elementary-aged students and community members.• Planned and executed engaging volunteer and community events, creating place-based experiences for over 1,500 college students, community members, and families. These efforts enhanced community bonds, promoted meaningful connections, and improved the environment. Show less

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  Washington State University

  Aug 2014 - Sept 2021

  • Cultivated relationships with 1,300+ organizations. These efforts fostered substantial year-over-year growth in our network of partnered organizations, significantly amplifying our collective impact and expanding our outreach. • Oversaw the full spectrum of staff management, from recruitment, hiring, and comprehensive training to daily supervision and performance evaluations, fostering a cohesive, high-performing team that consistently exceeded expectations.• Conceptualized, orchestrated, and evaluated a diverse range of campus and community events. These initiatives contributed to the department's growth and improved staff training programs.• Led the implementation of a comprehensive biennial community partner survey, guided data collection, and analysis to craft insightful reports that drove program enhancement and community collaboration.• Fostered the active participation of over 30,000 students in immersive, place-based programs, boosting student retention and fostering a vibrant, connected campus community.• Curated and maintained a dynamic community partner database and interactive map, facilitating strategic engagement and fostering valuable connections with partner organizations, ultimately amplifying the impact of collaborative initiatives. • Remained current with evolving university policies, actively contributing to developing and assessing office policies and handbooks to ensure alignment with best practices, fostering an environment of excellence and compliance.• Pioneered comprehensive technical training sessions for a diverse cohort of partners, equipping them with the skills to engage directly with students, foster collaboration among themselves, and collect vital data, resulting in a more informed, connected, and data-driven campus community.• Drafted reports for The Corporation for National and Community Service, ensuring program alignment with grant objectives and bolstering the success of future grant applications. Show less • Coordinated the recruitment, training, and placement of 800+ WSU students, resulting in over 2,200 direct-service hours dedicated to local organizations, emphasizing food security. This endeavor bolstered student community involvement in Whitman County, Washington food security initiatives. • Pioneered the WSU Food Recovery Program through strategic partnerships with WSU Dining, Environmental Health and Safety, and the Pullman Community Action Center. This program reduced food waste and increased the availability of food and resources for underserved communities in eastern Washington and northern Idaho.• Established the Whitman County Food Coalition as a founding partner, fostering a collaborative force to combat food insecurity.• Executed program evaluations in alignment with Corporation for National and Community Service standards, ensuring transparent and data-driven reporting. Show less

  • Community Partnerships Coordinator

    Sept 2014 - Sept 2021

  • Palouse Fresh Food Project Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA

    Aug 2014 - Aug 2015
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  Fort Lewis College

  Sept 2021 - Oct 2023

  Director of Alumni Engagement

  • Spearheaded innovative initiatives to enhance alumni participation and engagement through carefully curated events and programs, leading to a notable year-over-year increase in alumni involvement and enthusiasm while helping propel the institution's fundraising initiatives to record years in FY22 and FY23. • Managed the FLC Alumni Scholarship program, which involved a comprehensive process of evaluating applications and awarding $98,000 in scholarships. These funds were sourced from private donations and federal Title III funds, effectively supporting underserved students.• Actively participated in and chaired numerous high-level event committees, professional search committees, and FLC Staff Council. This multifaceted engagement contributed to the organization's overarching goals and operational excellence. • Revitalized the FLC Native American Alumni Chapter, offering strategic direction and leadership. This transformative approach led to year-over-year growth in membership and heightened engagement among Native American alumni.• Ensured fiscal responsibility by overseeing budgets totaling over $400,000 in College, Foundation, and grant funds, achieving transparent financial reporting and heightened accountability.• Championed the successful department-level implementation of multiple technological advances, leading comprehensive training initiatives. These strategic efforts upheld compliance with state and College policies, streamlined operations, and increased office efficiencies.• Supervised the Alumni Engagement Officer and student team.• Maximized donor relationships and data management by strategically utilizing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, resulting in improved donor engagement and increased contributions to our mission. Show less

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  Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing - HCPF

  Jul 2024 - now

  Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator