R&D lab for publishers experimenting with generative AI

Authentic and enthusiastic product leader with a proven track record of taking products from idea stage to millions in sales.

Currently in discovery mode, looking for my next adventure in ML/AI. Feeling blessed to be an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at my hometown university, where I can give back to the local startup community.

Previously co-founded a B2B SaaS company, where I envisioned and built a marketing technology product from mock-up to its first million in revenue in less than 12 months. I grew that startup until it was acquired by a strategic buyer, where I led product development for its ABM division.

My success stems from these principles:
* Persistently focus on ambitious goals. 
* Be a doer and inspire others into action by leading from the front. 
* Deplore and trim inefficiency in all things. 
* Communicate persuasively. 
* Prepare for interactions, never "wing it."
* Be calm in turbulent environments.

Rodrigo Fuentes

Cherokee Nation Businesses

Part of a talented team of Tier 1 Proposal Managers (RFPs $20M and up) supporting 30+ companies within Cherokee Nation Businesses Federal Solutions. Approximately $700M in contract win contributions in each of the last two fiscal years. Collaborate with Business Development teams to apply Capture and Proposal Management best practices.

Proposal Manager

Break Trail Strategies

Reporting directly to company president and leading teams as consultant for small business and nonprofits to build strategies and boards for robust growth; governmental relations and legislative strategies; bid, capture, and proposal management; facilitation / training for better bids; and strategic communications approaches for crafting compelling messaging.

Principal Consultant

MELE Associates

Corporate-wide lead for MELE Associates as well as any affiliates and teaming partners for business development opportunities with the government and private sectors including: capture management, proposal management, customer relations management, communications strategy, facilitation, oral/written presentations. As Proposal Director developed proposal team, best practices, SOPs, and templates. Won competitive federal bids worth as much as $274M. Facilitated proposal kickoffs and color review teams. Trained and managed up to six staff. Report directly to COO and CEO.

V.P. Corporate Affairs

Served as consultant to MELE Associates clients including USAF, DOT, VA, HUD, DOD, DOE and EPA. Performed research, analysis, project management, strategic communications assessment, writing and facilitation.

Senior Management Consultant

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of HUD. Served Deputy Secretary directly as management reform advisor, communications coordinator, White House liaison, and senior staff.

Senior Advisor for Management Reform

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region

Headed New York State BBBS affiliate - directed management, programs, community relations, grants, board development and daily operations. Successfully led merger of three agencies into one agency to serve youth in Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs and Rensselaer counties.

Executive Director

New York State Governor's Office

Coordinated / directed logistics, security and  communications strategy for all public appearances for the Governor of New York.  Managed staff of more than a dozen, coordinated with all Governor's program leads, reported to Governor and Chief of Staff.

Director of Scheduling

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

Managed 30 - 40 proposals each legislative session. Advised Tax Commissioner on all other tax proposals. Liaison to Governor’s Office, NY State Legislature and NY Congressional Delegation, taxpayers and industry / issue groups on tax legislation.

Director, Legislative Affairs

Twenty years management experience in leadership, public/private partnerships, reinventing government, management reform, intergovernmental relations, legislative affairs, communications strategy, proposal management and business development.  

Nonprofit management experience in program development, mergers, board development, strategic partnerships, community outreach, facilitation skills and public speaking.

Specialties: Management leadership, critical analysis, organizational change management, government relations, facilitation skills, public speaking, writing, and proposal/capture management.

taplio

The Battle

Rodrigo Fuentes

Jack Melito, CF APMP

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