Cara Griffith

About Cara Griffith

Forging cultures of engagement, transparency, and retention to deliver value and mission success is my passion. My specialty is creating and launching the strategies that drive positive change while optimizing revenues, containing costs, and improving productivity/processes. Leveraging my expertise in managing not-for-profits that operate in a traditional business revenue model, including c(3)s and c(6)s, I build coalitions and foster consensus to achieve overall organization mission and vision on global platforms. A proactive problem solver and relationship builder, I build agile organizations that uncover new opportunities while quickly responding to today’s market challenges. Noted for:Bottom Line Optimization | Business TurnaroundChallenged, upon becoming CEO, with replacing 40% of total revenue lost when major reseller contract was not renewed, spearheaded multi-faceted initiative to reduce costs and revitalize revenue through fresh marketing and sales strategies. Transformed company from red to black, exceeding projections each year.Teambuilding and LeadershipFostered environment of open and sincere communications to win trust of team, reversing low morale following departure of long-time CEO. Investigated HR and accounting practices, which confirmed suspected fraud, and took appropriate action. Thought Leadership | Public SpeakingSought out as speaker and panel member at worldwide conferences based on expertise in highly technical and emerging taxation matters. Widely acknowledged as an expert on transparency in state government. International /Cross-Cultural ExperienceExpanded operations into international markets; penetrated European market by evaluating licensing partners and establishing foreign office. Entrepreneurial Vision | Technical Expertise and WritingPitched, sourced resources, and developed articles for highly technical tax and hedge funds publications as freelance writer after leaving PwC, which led to offer of re-employment with Tax Analysts in 2011.Outstanding CredentialsCompleted Juris Doctor at George Washington University School of Law. Big Four Experience.Executive Strengths That Deliver Value* P&L Accountability* Revenue Growth* Process Improvements* Strategic Partnerships* Cost Analysis and Control* Nonprofit Management * Board Relations* Teambuilding and Leadership * Operations Management * Budget and Financial Management * Written and Oral Communications* Public Speaking | Presentations* Staff Recruiting, Training and Development* Fundraising

Experience

1. President and CEO

   Tax Analysts

   Aug 2017 — Present · Falls Church, VA, US

   Executive Budget Management Operational Leadership Contract Negotiations Falls Church, VA(2017–Present)Oversee all operations of not-for-profit media (publishing) organization specializing in tax information. Reporting to a Board of Directors, manage $35M operating budget, seven direct reports and staff of 185. Co-manage investment fund; represent organization as thought leader and spokesperson on technical tax issues at global conferences; participate in contract negotiations. IMPACT: Updated mission statement and strategic plan, incorporating feedback from BOD, staff, and external stakeholders; led business development, partnerships and market expansion to achieve goals. Mitigated loss of large contract, representing 40% of total revenue, by instituting cost-saving, efficiency-enhancing process improvements, revamping sales and marketing strategies, and re-negotiating large customer contracts. Reevaluated and revamped channel partnerships; increased market penetration and introduced procedure for development of new products. Established office in the Netherlands. Delivered keynotes or participated on panels. Increased employee engagement and fostered an inclusive culture to elevate team satisfaction. Initiated diversity and equity initiative across the organization. Launched widely viewed monthly webinar series on issues facing tax practitioners and policy makers and serve as moderator.

Education

• University of Evansville

  BA, Political Science

  1994 — 1998

• The George Washington University Law School

  JD

  1998 — 2001

Skills

• Ap Style
• Publications
• Press Releases
• International Tax
• Editing
• Tax
• Speech Writing
• Media Relations
• Writing
• Tax Law
• Leadership
• Politics
• Publishing
• Management
• Newsletters
• Tax Research
• Corporate Tax
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Budgets
• Public Policy
• Legal Writing
• Nonprofits
• Feature Articles
• Online Publishing
• Public Speaking
• Journalism
• Legal Research
• Legislation
• Copy Editing
• Editorial