Mrs. Veronica ‘Roni’ Allen

Director of Development & Marketing

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Hometown: Thorndale, Texas

Alumni: Hawai’i Pacific University

BA Psychology, Minor Public Relations

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My Why

Organizations

• Dolphin Quest – Oahu, HI
• Miami Seaquarium- Miami, FL
• Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network- Galveston, TX
• Sea Turtle Inc. – South Padre Island, TX
• Ocean Rescue Swimmer - South Padre Island, TX
• Dolphin Explorer- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Sea World Discovery Cove- Orlando, FL
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park- Tampa, FL

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Resume Highlights

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• Successfully implemented a new donor management system, enhancing efficiency and tracking of donor interactions. Increased donor retention rates by 15%
• Developed and executed a series of successful fundraising events that collectively raised over $11M in my tenure
• Established a comprehensive training program for staff to improve donor relations and service delivery.
• Lead Marketing teams to create compelling donor communications, resulting in improved outreach and engagement

• Certified Interpretive Guide
• Echelon Front Leadership course attendee
• Academy Leadership: Leadership Excellence & Executive Coaching graduate
• Extreme Ownership Academy- Women’s Assembly Leadership Course attendee
• Member Animal Behavior Management Alliance- 9 years
• Member Association of Zoo’s and Aquariums- 12 years
• National Geographic Secrets of the Zoo : Tampa Season 1-4

Certifications

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Interests/Hobbies:

Leadership Philosophy

• I believe as a leader I should be loyal to our mission. In doing this I will create exceptional and personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife, wild places and each other in fun, immersive ways. Explore and Dive into the NATURAL World often, taking nothing but memories. I will have belief in the purpose. I will strive to have everyone I connect with, act for conservation. I will lead by example and show grace. I will be optimistic but also realistic. I will value other’s opinions and have confidence in my own. I expect an open mind when faced with adversity. I expect everyone to assume good intent. My team should expect me to be humble and take ownership in success and in faults. I expect for people to have the best interest of Florida Oceanographic at the foundation of their decision making. People should expect me to have a deep affinity for the ocean, our waterways and the animals that call those ecosystems home and why I strive to give them my best. I will not tolerate racism, sexism or disrespect from donors or team members.
• God first, family second and everything else will follow.
• “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
• We are all working towards a common goal, or we should be. Everyone has a somewhat different way of working. An effective worker is the best worker; how ever, you get there is up to you. I am always willing to discuss and listen....in a respectful environment.

How YOU, as a Board, can help Florida Oceanographic through Development and Marketing

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Questions, Comments, Concerns?