Kimberly (Bodine) Gomes

Selected IPA Alumni Profile

MPA 2004
Analytical Paper Title: “Learner-Centered Assessment and Determining Program Effectiveness: A Case Study”
chair: Maria Aristigueta; committee member: Kathryn Denhardt

e-mail: kim.gomes@byrdgroupllc.com

current position:
Vice President
The Byrd Group, LLC
Wilmington, Del.

Introduction

I completed the MPA program, with a specialization in Organizational Leadership, in December 2003. Shortly thereafter, I was hired by Wood, Byrd & Associates, a Government Relations firm specializing in state lobbying. The organizational leadership skills obtained from my degree work have proven helpful in managing client needs.

Since then, the company has changed from a small contract lobbying firm to a subsidiary of a large law firm and has been renamed Wolf Block Public Strategies. We service about 40-50 clients in multiple disciplines and having varying degrees of need. Although we do have contact with the state's Congressional Delegation, we specialize in servicing our clients’ needs from a state and local perspective.

Education

MPA , University of Delaware 2004, Organizational Leadership

BS, University of Delaware 1996, Fitness Management

Experience

April 2009 – present
Lobbyist, The Byrd Group, LLC, a subsidiary of Drinker, Biddle and Reath (Wilmington, Del.)
Participate in all aspects firm activities relating to Government Relations.

January 2004 – March 2009
Lobbyist, Wood, Bryd & Associates, Inc. (Wilmington, Del.)
Participate in all aspects firm activities relating to Government Relations.

September 2001 – December 2003
Research Assistant, Institute for Public Administration, University of Delaware (Newark, Del.)
Assisted program Director with re-accreditation self–study. Assisted Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office with a statewide craft-based program.

2001
Assistant, Charles Schwab (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Assisted equity traders with day-to-day operations.

1996 – 2000
Fitness Coordinator, University of Delaware (Newark, Del.)
Maintained and managed the fitness class program as well as five campus fitness sites. Also managed approximately 70 fitness staff employees.

1997
Assistant, Arnhold & Bleischroeder Brokerage Firm (New York, N.Y.)
Assisted equity traders with trade confirmations.

Qualifications

Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ACT and Outlook (proficient)

Proficient teacher in Ballroom Dance and the Nia Technique

Memberships

Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay committee member for Career Council

Board member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware

First Vice-President for the Delaware Association for Public Administration

Conferences

Attendee, National Intramural and Recreation Sports Association (NIRSA) National Conference, Louisville, Ken., 1997

Attendee, NIRSA National Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1998

Attendee, NIRSA National Conference, Milwaukee, Wis., 1999

Attendee, East Coast Alliance Fitness Conference, Miami, Fla., 1999

serving the public good,
shaping tomorrow’s leaders