Catherine George

About Catherine George

As an accomplished Economic Development Specialist, I am dedicated to driving transformative initiatives and fostering small business growth at North River Commission (NRC). With adept budget management skills, I strategically allocate resources, ensuring the success of diverse programs that benefit the community. Notably, I have orchestrated successful events, including the acclaimed Northwest Brewfest and the impactful Flavors of Albany Park, raising significant funds for community development. I take immense pride in my role as an intern manager, guiding and supporting enthusiastic interns, ensuring valuable learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers. I prioritize a collaborative and inclusive environment, encouraging open communication and teamwork among interns. During my time with the Peace Corps, I conducted an in-depth organizational analysis and collaborated with a microloan foundation, streamlining financial data and ensuring effective loan management. As an intern at The Marine Mammal Center, I undertook a 6-month research project, creating a specialized 9-lesson economic curriculum that seamlessly supplements the marine biology curriculum provided to local schools, fostering an engaging learning experience for students. In my role as a Manager on Duty, Bartender, and Server at Rí Rá Irish Pub, I thrived in supervising a team, cultivating a positive work culture, and optimizing front-of-house operations at a high-revenue restaurant. I skillfully organized weekly promotional events, resulting in a remarkable 105% increase in year-to-date net sales. My commitment to customer service and staff training ensured a safe and satisfying environment for both guests and employees, well-versed in state laws, regulations, and COVID-related protocols. My extensive skill set includes proficient oral communication, public speaking, critical thinking, research, and time management abilities, further enhanced by my proficiency in Spanish. Additionally, I excel in administration, program management, event planning, and social media management, utilizing these strengths to advance community development initiatives. I am driven by my passion for creating meaningful change and empowering communities. With a proven track record of success, strong leadership, and dedication to excellence, I eagerly seek new challenges to leverage my diverse expertise in economic development and community engagement roles.

Experience

1. Special Service Area Manager

   North River Commission Nrc

   Mar 2023 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   I take pride in my role as the manager of Special Service Area #60 (SSA #60), where I drive transformative initiatives to support the growth of small businesses and foster community development. In this capacity, I skillfully oversee a $1 million budget, strategically allocating resources to diverse programs and services. My responsibilities encompass the composition and evaluation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) while diligently managing contractors, ensuring strict adherence to contract standards, and maintaining the highest level of service delivery. As part of my responsibilities, I also conduct monthly meetings for SSA Commissioners, fostering open communication and collaborative efforts to achieve our shared objectives. Moreover, I take great pride in orchestrating a series of successful events that have made a significant impact on our community. Notably, I spearheaded the successful Northwest Brewfest, bringing together 15 breweries, local vendors, and community sponsors to create an unforgettable experience. With my dedicated efforts, we sold 401 tickets for two tasting sessions, and the event raised approximately showcasing my ability to excel in event planning, ticket sales, and compelling social media campaigns. I have the additional responsibility of intern manager, where I provide effective guidance and support to our group of enthusiastic interns. I oversee their daily tasks, ensuring they align with the organization\'s goals while also creating valuable learning opportunities for each individual. By offering mentorship and constructive feedback, I foster their personal and professional growth throughout their internship. I strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment, encouraging open communication and teamwork among the interns. Ultimately, my aim is to ensure that our interns have a rewarding and enriching experience, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their future careers.

Education

• University of Colorado Colorado Springs

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General

  2012 — 2017

• University of Colorado Colorado Springs

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Economics

  2012 — 2017