Chief Operating Officer / Chief Administrative Officer / Executive Director

Summary

William H. Highsmith, Jr.
Blending strategic thought leadership, business and legal acumen and interpersonal skills, consistently furthered growth, productivity and effectiveness of nonprofit, profit and governmental organizations. Teamed effectively with staff and board members to create initiatives that increased funding, reduced costs and ensured quality services. Utilized solid leadership and management capabilities to build membership, develop innovative programs and astutely manage finances. Spearheaded numerous program development projects, built community/business alliances, and managed major property assets.

Timeline

  1. -
    Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR)

    Plan and manage operations and lead executive team for this 10,000+ regional member residential realtor association, servicing Washington, DC and Montgomery County, MD. Head team of 14.

  2. -
    Director of Development, Enterprise Community Partners

    Played pivotal role in providing corporate, individual and philanthropic support to furthering affordable housing initiatives for this organization working to finance, build and advocate for affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families.

  3. -
    Principal Broker / Associate Broker, Keller Williams Capital Properties / Carter-Highsmith Realty

    Negotiated with property purchasers and sellers. Interacted with real estate firms and public / private sector entities. Developed marketing and business development strategies.

  4. -
    Vice President, Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners

    Managed business development, marketing and sales initiatives through mass marketing and community outreach. Directed the drafting and production of all company RFPs, RFQs, RFIs and new business proposals; and headed local Government Relations and Political Action Committees.

  5. -
    Special Assistant to the Mayor, Government of the District of Columbia

    Led team of four in serving as mayor’s liaison to the commercial, retail and residential development communities. Maintained connections for the mayor’s office to the District Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) in managing tax increment financing for city-sponsored development projects. Constructed intragovernmental and government / business interactive model used to this day.

Skills

  • Strategic planning
  • Nonprofits
  • Corporate development
  • Board interface
  • Business development
  • Fundraising
  • Grants
  • Government & Political Affairs
  • P&L
  • Community Relations
  • Compliance
  • staff development

Education Highlights

  • JD,
    Temple University School of Law.
  • Fannie Mae Fellow
    Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University
  • BA, English and Communications
    University of Virginia

Accomplishments

  • Negotiated profitable lease renewal.
  • Boosted stagnant funding $300K to $1.4M.
  • Defied economic trends in driving successful business.
  • Elevated firm’s credibility and stature in market.
  • Increased member participation.
  • Quadrupled GCAAR Cares annual grant awards to $60K
  • Achieved award of sole site approval.