Marlo Alston
Centennial,CO
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Community Relations and Development Manager with extensive experience driving organizational growth through strategic partnerships, fundraising, and community engagement. Adept at fostering relationships, leading collaborative initiatives, and managing complex programs to achieve organizational goals. Recognized for enhancing visibility, securing funding, and implementing innovative solutions to support underserved populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness and reentry challenges. A collaborative leader committed to advancing equity, empowering teams, and building sustainable community impact.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Relations and Development Manager
Bridge House Ready to Work Aurora
05.2021 - Current
- Lead project planning sessions to ensure initiatives meet deadlines and objectives.
- Manage relationships with stakeholders and diverse teams, improving processes and identifying growth opportunities for clients.
- Represent organization at community meetings and build partnerships, aligning with Ready to Work Aurora branding and messaging.
- Coordinate volunteers and strategic partnerships, fostering program enhancements through donations and collaborative efforts.
- Collaborate with the Leadership and Development Teams in concert with the Board of Directors to increase funding, maintain and expand community relationships, and develop new grant opportunities through thought leadership, coalition building, strategic partnerships, and participation in community activities.
- Advocate for local, state and federal funding to expand Ready to Work Aurora’s impact and ensure program longevity.
- Spearhead initiatives to strengthen anti-racism and DEI efforts, including staff training and organizational policy updates.
- Assist in the hiring process by participating in recruitment efforts, candidate evaluations, and onboarding new hires.
Council Member
City of Centennial
11.2017 - Current
- Elected to represent 110,000 constituents, addressing key city issues, advocating for community needs, and fostering civic engagement.
- Serve on various mayor-appointed committees and act as liaison to external boards.
- Represent the City on the Colorado Municipal League (CML), collaborating with municipal leaders statewide to address policy, legislative, and community development priorities.
- Engage in federal advocacy and municipal leadership initiatives through the National League of Cities (NLC), promoting innovation and policy solutions for local governments.
- Oversee the city’s $100M+ budget, ensuring alignment with fiscal priorities and community needs.
- Evaluate and advocate for economic development opportunities to promote sustainable growth and enhance quality of life.
- Initiated and championed the behavioral health Co-Responder Program in partnership with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department, securing a $1M+ budget to improve crisis response services.
- Collaborate with the City Attorney’s Office and City Manager to assess legal, operational, and business processes to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Claims Adjuster
CorVel
05.2015 - 01.2019
- Submitted compensability status and outlined next steps for 20 clients and over 200 injured workers.
- Utilized email, phone, and written correspondence to maintain clear communication with stakeholders, including clients, injured workers, and healthcare providers.
- Documented all case activities, updates, and decisions in compliance with company standards and legal requirements, ensuring accurate and thorough record-keeping.
- Analyzed claims to determine compensability and implemented efficient case management strategies.
- Ensured timely resolution of claims while adhering to regulatory guidelines and maintaining client satisfaction.
Education
BBA - Business Administration
University of Denver
Denver, COAssociate of Arts -
Community College of Aurora
Aurora, COSkills
- Community Engagement & Outreach: Building strategic partnerships, fostering relationships, and expanding organizational visibility
- Fundraising & Development: Securing grants, organizing successful events, and cultivating corporate, individual, and foundation donors
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI): Leading anti-racism initiatives, coordinating DEI training, and aligning organizational values with equity goals
- Program Management: Overseeing social enterprises, coordinating volunteers, and managing contracts to enhance program effectiveness
- Strategic Planning: Collaborating with leadership and board members to identify funding opportunities and advocate for policy changes
- Public Speaking & Advocacy: Representing organizations at conferences, community meetings, and public forums
- Training & Development: Organizing professional growth sessions for staff to promote effectiveness and team cohesion
- Government & Grant Advocacy: Navigating local, state and federal funding opportunities to sustain program operations
- Administrative Proficiency: Skilled in event coordination, donor management, and program reporting
- Technical Skills: Proficient in Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
Certification
- Aurora Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the Year – 2024
- Colorado Municipal League Graduate Level Achievement Award – 2024
- National League of Cities Recognition for homelessness and housing contributions – 2024
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Community Relations and Development Manager
Bridge House Ready to Work Aurora
05.2021 - Current
Council Member
City of Centennial
11.2017 - Current
Claims Adjuster
CorVel
05.2015 - 01.2019
- Aurora Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian of the Year – 2024
- Colorado Municipal League Graduate Level Achievement Award – 2024
- National League of Cities Recognition for homelessness and housing contributions – 2024
BBA - Business Administration
University of Denver
Associate of Arts -
Community College of Aurora
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