Centre Region Down Syndrome Society

Executive Director     

March 2022 to January 2024               

Lead the organization’s mission of providing individuals with Down syndrome and their families the tools, resources and support necessary to participate in, contribute to and achieve personal fulfillment.

 

Lauren Smith, Development & Project Fundraising

Owner

May 2019 to present                         

Using the tools, talents and passions I've honed in my 40+ years of experience in organizational development, event planning & nonprofit fundraising, I work to make the world a better place. Clients to date: Community Partnerships, Penns Valley Conservation Association,

Penn State University Women’s Agricultural Network, Walnut Acres Foundation,

Centre Region Down Syndrome Society's 2020 Buddy Walk, Centre County United Way.

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Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA)

Director of Development

Jan 1996 - Mar 2019                          

Throughout my 23-year PASA career, I developed and executed multiple membership, development & sponsorship programs, designing a full spectrum of special event fundraisers, including benefit auctions, brand merchandising and local food dinners. I grew the membership from 480 to 3,000+, at which time a coordinator was hired. Managing the annual conference operations for 15-years established its national reputation. After initiating the first annual fund in 2003, our team grew it to $350K which prepared us to launch a major gift program which led to a successful $3M campaign.​

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Penns Woods Organics

Sales Manager

Aug 1994 to Dec 1995 

At this independent organic produce wholesale company, I was responsible for all sales and new account acquisitions as well as sales/buying projections. I managed relationships with regional organic farmers and oversaw shipment traffic and dispatch.

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Seams Perfect

Owner/Operator, Custom Seamstress

June 1992 to July 1994

My custom sewing business specialized in custom bridal, formal and casual attire, home décor, and alterations.

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Greenpeace USA

National Merchandise Director, Retail Location Developer

Sept 1981 to May 1992 

I oversaw all US merchandising, including mail order catalog & brick and mortar retail. I was the head buyer, product developer, and formalized the branded merchandise program. Launched retail stores in Provincetown MA, Key West FL, Santa Cruz & San Francisco CA.

                                                   

Wiz Kids, Originators of the Videoshirt©

Director of Product Development & Wholesale Strategy

Sept 1979 to Aug 1981 

My team obtained the exclusive licensed rights in the US for video game image merchandising, including Space Invaders, Asteroids and Pac-Man. I served as lead product developer and managed the national wholesale distribution program.

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Seven Seas Trading Company

Design Team Lead, Sales Manager

May 1977 to Aug 1979 

At this women’s fashion import company from Nepal and Afghanistan, I led the custom design line process through manufacture and oversaw the trade show and catalog sales program. Transitioned the company to retail sales brick and mortar establishments, opening shops in Martha's Vineyard and Hyannis Massachusetts.