Samantha Porter

Samantha Porter Director, Place-Based Initiatives at City of Philadelphia, Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Connect Connect with Samantha Porter City of Philadelphia, Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity University of Pennsylvania See contact info 421 connections With more than 10 years of professional experience, I'm committed to helping build robust, diverse, and engaged communities. It is my goal to aid in the creation of public policy that facilitates an innovative and dynamic approach to community development, specifically in the Philadelphia region. In my current role with the City of Philadelphia's Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity, I focus on place-based community development in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone, a federal designation given in 2014 by President Obama. Prior to coming home to Philadelphia, I worked for ICF Consulting firm in New York as a Technical Specialist. In my role at ICF, I further developed skills gained while serving the State of New Jersey in the Sandy Recovery Division. In New Jersey I assisted residents across the State by leading two newly formed recovery programs in a fast-paced, demanding work environment. I gained unparalleled experience in large scale, multi-million dollar program management. Reporting directly to the Division Director, I took part in programmatic decision making, bringing a responsive, data-driven approach to program design and implementation. I also enthusiatically engaged community partners and non-profits to facilitate this work. Prior to Disaster Recovery, I spent more than 8 years in the administration of basic science and clinical research grants at Thomas Jefferson University. I guided researchers through the rigid and time-sensitive federal request for proposal (rfp) process by using expert attention to detail. Once awarded, I provided post-award administrative services, including financial projections and progress reporting. Disaster recovery, similar to basic science research, relies on federal grant funding. I now have a deep understanding of the federal grant lifecycle. I now bring an expansive skillset to collaborative, results-driven program planning and management in place-based community development. Show less Show less of Samantha’s summary Highlights Reach out to Samantha for... Probono consulting and volunteering, Joining a nonprofit. Message Samantha Experience City of Philadelphia, Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity Director, Place-Based Initiatives Company NameCity of Philadelphia, Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity Dates EmployedOct 2017 – Present Employment Duration1 yr 6 mos LocationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania In this role I will focus on the West Philadelphia Promise Zone, a federal designation that creates opportunities for increased collaboration between community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, institutional partners and Promise Zone residents to address issues such as access to quality affordable housing, education, health and wellness, economic and workforce development. This role also allows me to further the mission of the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity, to support longstanding partnerships while simultaneously building new relationships that seek to strengthen anti-poverty efforts. Power Moves Power Moves ICF Consultant, Disaster Recovery Company NameICF Dates EmployedOct 2015 – Oct 2017 Employment Duration2 yrs 1 mo LocationNew York, New York In this role I provide ICF clients with technical assistance for disaster recovery programs. I also offer experience in federal grants administration, which allows me to provide insight in recovery program design, implementation, compliance, staff development and training. New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Company NameNew Jersey Department of Community Affairs Total Duration2 yrs 2 mos TitleProgram Manager, Low to Moderate Income (LMI) Homeowner Rebuilding Program Dates EmployedJul 2014 – Sep 2015 Employment Duration1 yr 3 mos LocationTrenton, New Jersey My role has been to plan and implement a more than $40 Million dollar CDGB-DR program targeting Low to Moderate Income homeowners who seek to reconstruct or rehabilitate their homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy. My responsibilities include quarterly financial and performance reporting, drafting and editing program policies and procedures, de... See more TitleProgram Specialist Dates EmployedAug 2013 – Sep 2015 Employment Duration2 yrs 2 mos LocationTrenton, New Jersey Thomas Jefferson University Company NameThomas Jefferson University Total Duration8 yrs 10 mos TitleClinical Coordinator Dates EmployedAug 2011 – Jul 2013 Employment Duration2 yrs LocationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania Facilitate the administration of federally-funded research project with grant budget of $1 million over four year resulting in the successful recruitment of 200 randomized study subjects. Prepare bi-weekly reports presented to Principle Investigator and research staff ... See more TitleGrants Administrator Dates EmployedOct 2004 – Aug 2011 Employment Duration6 yrs 11 mos Education University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania Degree NameMPA Field Of StudyPublic Administration Dates attended or expected graduation 2009 – 2012 Temple University Temple University Degree NameBachelor of Arts (BA) Field Of StudyPolitical Science Dates attended or expected graduation 2000 – 2004 Volunteer Experience Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Ronald McDonald Camp Counselor Company NamePhiladelphia Ronald McDonald House Dates volunteeredAug 2011 – Present Volunteer duration7 yrs 8 mos One amazing week per year of playing, smiling, and laughing with fantastic kids who have spent time at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.