Leadership in government agencies and nonprofit organizations for 35 years
Laura M. Velez is a recognized leader, facilitator, and public speaker with over 35 years of progressive leadership experience including 20 years in executive level child welfare positions in state and local government. She has a strong knowledge and passion for child welfare practice and programs, and experience coaching new managers and leaders.
She has extensive experience in policy, practice, and program design. In addition, she leads development and implementation of innovations through strategic planning; with expertise in group facilitation and interagency collaborations.
Background and Experience:
Laura holds a Masters in Social Work and has extensive leadership and management experience in state and local government and nonprofits. Additionally, she is certified in Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) administration.
Served as the New York State Deputy Commissioner for Child Welfare and Community for over 10 years. Developed the NYS Child Welfare Practice Model; lead numerous initiatives related to system improvements in child safety, permanency and well-being. Highly skilled in crisis management and proactive planning; and moving the “conceptual idea” to “operational change”.
Recent Engagements:
NYC Administration for Children’s Services
Northern Rivers Family of Services, Albany, NY
William George Agency, Freeville, NY
Private individual leadership coaching and development
More about me:
In my spare time I travel and have hiked Hadrian’s Way in Northern England, hiked through Tuscany and Perugia in Italy, and taken long distance motorcycle and bicycle trips through Canada and the United States. I am also a Certified Spiritual Director.
Contact
➤ LOCATION
Schenectady, NY
☎ CONTACT
lauravelez93@yahoo.com
(518) 527-9885
Areas of Expertise
Strategic Planning
In the ever changing and complex environment of Human Services, government and non-profits must be nimble and efficient while addressing the challenges of greater needs with shrinking resources. We can help develop a strategic vision and actionable plans for sustainable operations.
Strengthening leaders
New and experienced leaders often need opportunities for professional growth and feedback to achieve their goals. We offer tailored mentoring with a commitment to individualized guidance to build competence and confidence.
Testimonials
program assessment and evaluation
What’s been done before doesn’t necessarily work in the present. Programs and practices need to be refreshed and adapted to meet the challenges and needs of vulnerable children and families in the Human Service systems. This is where we come in — to assess, evaluate, and recommend new directions.
“Laura has provided strategic planning consulting services for the William George Agency over the past year. Laura has been incredibly helpful in assisting the senior management team our strategic planning process. Her knowledge of the child welfare system including her ability to forecast statewide trends which impact voluntary foster care agencies has been invaluable. In addition to her obvious expertise in the area of child welfare, Laura is an incredibly honest, genuine, and gracious individual who has been a pleasure to work with. ”
“Laura has a keen and deep understanding of the child welfare and human services policy framework and drivers that impact providers, local and state government. This expertise allows for the analysis of complex problems and issues coupled with pragmatic skills in identifying solution.”
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