GRETCHEN E. FLANLEY
SHERPA 360º
P.O. Box 36
Hellertown, PA 18055
Phone: 484-851-3005
Cell: 301-233-7401
gflanley@sherpa360.com
www.sherpa360.com
Summary of Qualifications
- • Over 14 years experience in international agriculture and technical programs.
- • Expertise in strategic program design, implementation and evaluation.
- • Conduit relating meaningful explanations and practical solutions between technical experts and policy makers and diplomats within bilateral and multilateral negotiations.
- • Executive leadership in industry association communications strategies and tactics.
- • Advisor and counsel to high-level U.S. government representatives.
- • Personnel management experience and formal leadership training.
- • Extensive international travel and familiarity with Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.
Employment History
OWNER & INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
Sherpa 360º • Hellertown, PA
September 2009 – Present
Owner of Sherpa 360˚, an independent consulting company specializing in agriculture and development. Sherpa 360˚ offers a variety of services in agriculture and development, including strategic planning, international negotiations, issues and project management, and organizational development.
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
American Seed Trade Association • Alexandria, VA
January 2008 – August 2009
Served as the liaison for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) in representation of the U.S. seed industry to the various levels of publics, including media, government, industry, customers and general consumers. Developed and maintained ASTA’s communication plan, the intellectual property education outreach program. Directed and improved communication tools such as the newsletter and initial new Web site organization. Provided support to other ASTA strategic goals and initiatives developed by its membership. Supervised Manager of Domestic and International Programs in duties related to the Communications Department.
DIRECTOR OF BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
U.S. Grains Council • Washington, DC
August 2005 – December 2008
Devised and implemented the Council’s biotechnology education programs and assist overseas offices with appropriate resources to support their regional initiatives. Facilitated two-way communication with International Operations Staff and stakeholders on all biotechnology policy issues to reduce trade barriers for grains derived from biotechnology and their products. Served as staff liaison to the Council’s Biotechnology Advisory Team. Represented Council interests in various organizations such as the International Grain Trade Coalition, the Agricultural Biotechnology Planning Committee, the Global AP Coalition and the Biotechnology Working Group of the National Corn Growers Association to advance the technology through dialog with national and international governments. Supervised Biotechnology Department Staff. Managed trade policy teams, missions and symposiums, contracts and consultants in the implementation of biotechnology programs.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service • Beltsville, MD
May 2001 - August 2005
Facilitated, designed and tracked cooperative programs with Latin America in animal, plant, natural resource and value-added research. Represented the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at Consultative Committees on Agriculture with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Uruguay to negotiate, develop and implement cooperative research programs between ARS and the respective countries. Functioned as the ARS lead for LABEX, a renowned cooperative
research program between ARS and Embrapa, the agricultural research arm of the Brazilian Government. Served as the Executive Secretary of the Interagency Working Group on Prion Science from December 2004-August 2005. Supervised administrative support staff.
MANAGER OF INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS, ASIA
U.S. Grains Council • Washington, DC
July 1999 – May 2001
Assisted Director of International Operations in the overall management of market development programs in Asia, including strategic analysis, program planning, development, implementation and evaluation, recruitment of consultants and contracting, budgeting and accounting, administration and communication. Coordinated all consultant and team preparation with appropriate staff. Supervised the Program Assistant.
RESEARCH & EXCHANGES MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service • Washington, DC
October 1996 – July 1999
Supported program managers to plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate research and scientific exchange programs. Prioritized incoming requests from U.S. cooperating scientists and overseas project staff and determined appropriate action to be taken. Planned and coordinated international travel for program areas. Provided general administrative support to the Research and Scientific Exchanges Division.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Bunge Corporation • Washington, DC
October 1995 – October 1996
Performed basic administrative duties to support the Vice-President in the Government Relations Office and assisted in the tracking and outreach efforts regarding legislation and policy relevant to the company’s operations.
Education & Professional Development
BACHELOR OF ARTS, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
West Virginia University • Morgantown, WV
Graduated Cum Laude
August 1991 - May 1995
• International Studies Outstanding Senior
• Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Scholar
• Resident Assistant
• Eisenhower Leadership Fellow President, Sigma Iota Rho, International Studies Honorary
EXECUTIVE COACHING
Gilburg Leadership Institute, Inc.
Teleconference
December 2008 – Present
Monthly individual leadership training aimed at helping executives navigate various issues faced on a daily basis and further develop the many skills necessary to succeed in leading an organization.
PATH TO LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
U.S. Department of Agriculture • Beltsville, MD
Agricultural Research Service
October 2003 – July 2004
A nine-month leadership development program focusing on interpersonal skills to improve communication, workplace diversity and general leadership techniques and practices to build on strengths of character.
Honors & Activities
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AWARD, 1999
For contributions to the Azores Cooperative Initiatives Program in order to meet United States bilateral obligations with Portugal.
FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE CIVIL RIGHTS AWARD, 1999
For contributions to Presidential Initiatives in Africa and the District of Columbia through the implementation of a teacher exchange program to improve scientific and cross-cultural understanding.