Avo Makdessian

Avo Makdessian Vice President and Director, Center for Early Learning San Francisco Bay Area Connect Connect with Avo Makdessian More actions Silicon Valley Community Foundation San Jose State University San Jose State University See contact info See contact info See connections (500+) 500+ connections Experience Silicon Valley Community Foundation Vice President and Director, Center for Early Learning Company NameSilicon Valley Community Foundation Dates EmployedApr 2014 – Present Employment Duration4 yrs 8 mos Directs a team of thought leaders and program professionals who conduct research, convene community leaders, provide strategic grants and advocate for public policies that ensure young children have access to high-quality early learning opportunities and healthy development. This media is a link Center for Early Learning Webpage Center for Early Learning Webpage FIRST 5 Santa Clara County Policy Director Company NameFIRST 5 Santa Clara County Dates EmployedSep 2008 – Apr 2014 Employment Duration5 yrs 8 mos LocationSan Francisco Bay Area • Developed and implemented FIRST 5 Santa Clara County's first public policy agenda in child health and early learning topics including universal preschool, developmental screenings, and community water fluoridation. ... See more Avedis Consulting Group Principal Consultant Company NameAvedis Consulting Group Dates EmployedAug 2006 – Sep 2008 Employment Duration2 yrs 2 mos LocationSan Francisco Bay Area • Represented 10 clients including local school districts, community college districts, non-profits, and affordable housing developers. Consultation duties included communications planning, program planning, advocacy, fundraising, and community relations on behalf of clients. • Procured several government contracts and grant funds for clients through grant writing and legislation. • Implemented strategic public partnerships and business agreements for non-profit clients. • Planned and coordinated events and forums featuring hundreds of elected officials and community leaders. • Conducted needs assessment and best practice study for multi-partner collaborative of school districts and non-profits on childcare and workforce development in San Jose, CA. • Part of a team that successfully guided a 25-acre affordable and transitional housing development in East San Jose through the community outreach and government entitlement processes. See less City of San Jose Director of Education and Neighborhood Services Company NameCity of San Jose Dates EmployedOct 1999 – Aug 2006 Employment Duration6 yrs 11 mos LocationSan Francisco Bay Area • Advised the Mayor on policies, programs, and budgets that affected early education, affordable housing, neighborhoods development and youth programs for the City of San Jose. • Updated and monitored the implementation of San Jose’s Early Care and Education Strategic Plan. • Mayor’s liaison to San Jose’s 19 school districts, 220 schools, childcare centers, after school sites, neighborhood associations, and local non-profits. • Mayor’s liaison to the San Jose Early Care and Education Commission and the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force. • Recommended citywide funding allocations for San Jose Smart Start, San Jose Afterschool, BEST, CDBG, and Weed and Seed grants to local non-profits. • Worked with city staff and community members to implement large-scale, community-driven, Strong Neighborhoods Initiative. See less Education San Jose State University San Jose State University Degree NameBachelor's Degree Field Of StudyPolitical Science