Background

Marketing and Executive Management

2016-date Executive Director, LandWatch Monterey County
Founded in 1997, LandWatch Monterey County’s mission is to protect Monterey County’s future by addressing climate change, community health, and social inequities in housing and infrastructure. LandWatch’s accomplishments include the adoption of public policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support urban infill, encourage affordable housing, and protect drinking water and agricultural lands. By encouraging greater public participation in planning, LandWatch connects people to government, addresses human needs and inspires conservation of natural resources. LandWatch has served as a model for other community-based advocacy organizations throughout California and the West. As Executive Director, I manage an annual budget of approximately $425,000, lead fundraising efforts, oversee public policy research, and manage grassroots advocacy and litigation.

2004-date Principal, DeLapa Consulting
DeLapa Consulting:

  • Advises organizations on strategy, marketing, operations, and general management issues.
  • Executes marketing campaigns and special projects.
  • Identifies, develops, and negotiates new business opportunities on behalf of its clients.
  • Coaches CEOs and other senior managers.
  • Leads executive assignments, including interim C- and VP-level positions and special projects.

Past assignments include market research on new technology applications for Artificial Muscle; product development for Mal Warwick Associates/Donordigital; business strategy and negotiation for Frans Lanting; promotion of the feature film Otter 501 for Sea Studios; merger and acquisition strategies for the sale of GetActive Software to Convio; marketing of LIFE: A Journey Through Time, an international media collaboration of Frans Lanting and Philip Glass; and development of business plans for The Nature Conservancy.

2011-2016 Consulting Vice President, Marketing and Strategy, FotoNotes
FotoNotes (founded originally as Fotobabble in 2009) provides mobile solutions for mobile work and workers that improve workforce productivity, streamline operations, and enhance customer service. I oversaw all marketing activities, including outbound and inbound marketing, website, direct marketing, and business partnerships.

2016 Interim Executive Director, California Ocean Science Trust
The California Ocean Science Trust provides California policy-makers the best available science to maintain healthy, resilient, and productive coastal and ocean ecosystems. As Interim Executive Director, I managed an annual budget of approximately $2.2 million, supervised 10 technical staff, and oversaw scientific research and communication programs related to marine protected areas, ocean acidification, water quality, fisheries, and climate change.

2009-10 Consulting (Interim) Vice President, Marketing, The Cleantech Group
I led the company’s marketing operations, including a staff of three, a public relations firm, and various outside consultants. quadrupled the number of “hot” leads over six months; redesigned the company’s website to significantly improve lead generation; rebranded the company to reflect a new strategic direction; and defined and monitored marketing metrics.

2009-10 Consulting (Interim) Chief Operating Officer, New Leaf Paper
I  worked closely with the CEO and board of directors to restructure the business; led efforts to hire a permanent president/COO; drove the company’s profitability through cost reductions and more efficient operations; and mentored the CEO on leadership.

2007-09 Managing Director, California Fisheries Fund, Environmental Defense Fund
The California Fisheries Fund is a $5 million revolving loan fund established by Environmental Defense Fund to support sustainable fishing and fisheries reform. I launched the start-up fund, from concept to loans.

2000-04 Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Arena Solutions (acquired by PTC)
Arena Solutions is the leading provider of online product lifecycle management (PLM) software. Along with two other founders, I raised $14+ million in funding during one of the most challenging capital markets in history. I led marketing, operations, and finance.

1999-00 Vice President of Website Publishing, Beyond.com
Beyond.com was one of the ten most visited retail sites on the Internet and the largest online software store. I managed a team of 50 website professionals, including producers, information and graphic designers, writers, and developers.

1989-99 General Manager, Sea Studios
Sea Studios is a world-renown, full service production company that specializes in natural history television programs and multimedia exhibits for zoos, aquariums, museums, education and consumer markets. I pitched projects, hired creative teams, and managed the company’s operations.

1986-87 Vice-President, Finance and Operations, Manzana MicroSystems
I was the financial manager and a key strategist for this start-up computer peripherals manufacturer.