Alison Crawford
Sandwich
Summary
Accomplished executive with extensive experience at the Marine Biological Laboratory, recognized for significantly improving organizational effectiveness and governance. Proficient in strategic planning and analytical problem-solving, leading initiatives to successful execution. Exceptional leadership and communication skills facilitating the alignment of strategic goals with team capabilities. Committed to fostering innovation and driving continuous improvement across all operations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Staff and Director of Board Engagement
Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL)
Woods Hole
01.2018 - Current
- Functions as a strategic partner to the Director on high-level organizational priorities.
- Optimizes the director's time management.
- Enhanced top team effectiveness through the preparation of meeting agendas, regular performance reviews, and solution-focused sessions.
- Working with the Secretary of the Corporation supports the organization of Board activities, ensuring governance efficiency and engagement.
- Assist Chief Advancement Officer to bolster Director's philanthropic impact.
- In 2024-2025, raised $12M in earmark funds from the State of MA for the launch of a new center; and an additional $3.45 million in state funds and private gifts.
- Collaborated with administrators and scientific faculty to spearhead the development of a new high school program (~250 students annually).
- Craft presentations, memos, communications, and executive briefings for senior leadership.
- Serves as an organizational liaison for government relations.
- Coordinates and drives key projects, as directed by top executives.
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Marine Biological Laboratory
Woods Hole
03.2017 - 01.2018
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals and strategies to advance academic strategic initiatives.
- Collaborated with Chief Advancement Officer to align strategic initiatives with philanthropic and public funding opportunities.
- Facilitated communication between different departments regarding strategy initiatives.
Managing Producer
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Washington
06.2014 - 03.2017
- Directed efforts of the organization's digital department to highlight publications and news within the Science journal portfolio.
- Managed production schedules, adjusting timelines and resources as necessary.
- Established and mentored a digital production and social media team, driving a 60% boost in page views.
- Used data-driven tools to assess audience engagement metrics and readership data for performance optimization across multiple social channels.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop effective marketing campaigns for special projects.
Executive Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief of Science Journals
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Washington
02.2010 - 06.2014
- Facilitated executive-level support duties for editorial leaders in the Science family of journals.
- Facilitated collaboration and communication among the Editorial, News, and Business Departments.
- Provided summaries and follow-up actions from interdepartmental meetings.
- Streamlined workflows across editorial departments to enhance operational efficiency.
- Contributed to analysis tasks for manuscripts alongside Science's deputy editors.
- Developed and introduced an editorial board newsletter for Science.
- Created and managed a SharePoint webpage for over 100 employees spanning multiple departments.
- Oversaw calendar management for editorial leaders.
- Managed and tracked expenses to meet company budget requirements.
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director
Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society
Rockville
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Assisted in advancing organizational initiatives by supporting strategy development and project rollout.
- Delivered governance support to Board of Trustees.
- Directed initiation of innovative projects, encompassing digital and in-person formats.
- Coordinated program content and logistics for the company’s leading global conference, with approximately 2,000 attendees.
- Collaborated on the development and implementation of a new organizational Balanced Scorecard strategy map.
- Collaborated with the Executive Director to design an international Scope of Practice and Compensation Study for regulatory professionals.
- Created and optimized a system facilitating the involvement of more than 600 yearly volunteers.
- Managed and tracked expenses to meet company budget requirements.
- Prepared reports, presentations, agendas, minutes, and other documents as needed by the executive staff.
- Acted as liaison with key external industry and government stakeholders.
Executive Assistant to the Director and Deputy Director
Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum
Washington
05.2003 - 06.2005
- Served as the Director's Office liaison to museum leadership and executive stakeholders.
- Oversaw calendar management while allocating tasks to the administrative support team for a smooth operational flow.
- Investigated philanthropic prospects for corporations and individuals.
- Edited acknowledgment letters and grant proposals for NASM's major donors.
- Prepared and evaluated correspondence addressed to the Director and Deputy Director.
Education
Master of Science - Nonprofit and Association Management
University of Maryland University College
Adelphi, MD01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - English
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA01.2003
Skills
- Goal-Driven
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement
- Team-Oriented Approach
- Evaluative thinking
- Visionary Decision Making
- Efficient Task Prioritization
- Effective Multitasking Ability
- Analytical Problem-Solving
- Process Improvement Mindset
- Demonstrates Professionalism
- Strong Written and Verbal Communication
Recent Accomplishments
- Served as lead support to launch a new Marine Biological Laboratory program for high school students. The program has received nearly $1M in philanthropic support and provides unique hands-on lab training for nearly 200 students annually.
- Lead the development of a new scientific production studio based at the Marine Biological Laboratory in partnership with an Emmy-winning production company.
- Served as lead support to the Chief Operating Officer in the development of new policies and procedures required to successfully and safely operate the Marine Biological Laboratory throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Affiliations
- Passion for athletics as a previous collegiate athlete and current marathon runner.
- Family oriented spending most of my free time with family near and afar.
- Enjoys working with my hands in the garden and doing yard work.
Timeline
Chief of Staff and Director of Board Engagement
Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL)
01.2018 - Current
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Marine Biological Laboratory
03.2017 - 01.2018
Managing Producer
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
06.2014 - 03.2017
Executive Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief of Science Journals
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
02.2010 - 06.2014
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director
Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society
01.2005 - 01.2010
Executive Assistant to the Director and Deputy Director
Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum
05.2003 - 06.2005
Master of Science - Nonprofit and Association Management
University of Maryland University College
Bachelor of Arts - English
Merrimack College
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