Zachary Waters

ZACHARY M. WATERS 556 1st Street, Pasadena, MD 21122 Home:- – Cell:- – Email:-PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Visionary and grounded leader, blending trauma-informed insight with entrepreneurial drive and executive experience to create systems that foster connection, growth, and lasting impact. Proven success in co-founding a mission-driven business, managing large-scale operations, and championing youth and families through strategic, heart-centered leadership. CORE COMPETENCIES ●​Build strong teams ●​Stimulate community dialogue and growth ●​Create collaborative learning cultures ●​Think critically from a systems perspective ●​Develop scalable solutions for systemic challenges ●​Mediate conflicts to foster constructive dialogue ●​Align projects with organizational goals ●​Manage projects effectively ●​Motivate others ●​Inspire positive change ●​Solve complex problems efficiently ●​Effect positive change in family dynamics ●​Implement change management strategies effectively ●​Promote lifelong learning and professional growth ●​ EDUCATION May 2017​ ​ ​ Bachelor of Arts: Biological Sciences Areas of Focus: Pre-Medical Studies and Psychology University of Maryland, Baltimore County - Baltimore, Maryland CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING In Process​ Expected 05/2025​ In Process​ Expected 05/2025​ 12/2024​​ Supporting Social Emotional Wellness in Early Childhood University of Maryland School of Medicine Youth Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) Training University of Maryland School of Medicine 03/2023​​ ​ ​ Life Coach Practitioner Certification The Academy of Applied Modern Psychology ​ Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification National Council for Mental Wellbeing 02/2023​​ ​ ​ Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in Schools Training University of Maryland School of Medicine 01/2021​​ ​ ​ Early Intervention Program (EIP) Training University of Maryland School of Medicine 05/2019​​ ​ ​ Flightline Operations Training National Warplane Museum 08/2018​​ ​ ​ Introduction to National Response Framework Training (IS-00800.c) Emergency Management Institute (FEMA), US Department of Homeland Security ZACHARY M. WATERS 556 1st Street, Pasadena, MD 21122 Home:- – Cell:- – Email:-07/2018​​ ​ ​ Introduction to the National Incident Management System Training (IS-00700.b) Emergency Management Institute (FEMA), US Department of Homeland Security 07/2018​​ ​ ​ ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incident Training, ICS-200 (IS-00200.b) Emergency Management Institute (FEMA), US Department of Homeland Security 07/2018​​ ​ ​ Introduction to Incident Command System Training, ICS-100 (IS-00100.b) Emergency Management Institute (FEMA), US Department of Homeland Security 10/2013​​ ​ ​ Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Certification Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management WORK HISTORY 02/2023 to Current​ ​ ​ ​ Co-Founder The Next Right Thing, LLC - Pasadena, Maryland ●​Co-founded a mission-driven business focused on supporting families, youth, and community wellness through personalized services and strategic interventions. ●​Leads visioning, strategic planning, and operations with a trauma-informed, collaborative approach. ●​Designs programming, resources, and systems centered on healing, personal responsibility, and long-term growth. 10/2019 to 10/2023​ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program Counselor Leading By Example, LLC - Baltimore, Maryland ●​Provided trauma-informed, individualized support to clients navigating behavioral health challenges, with a focus on emotional regulation, daily functioning, and community engagement. ●​Developed strengths-based service plans and partnered with interdisciplinary teams to align care with client goals. 12/2021 to 02/2023​ ​ ​ ​ Employee Engagement and Resources Manager Leading By Example, LLC - Baltimore, Maryland ●​Directed human resources operations, including recruitment, compliance, onboarding, and staff development. ●​Oversaw payroll processing and internal quality assurance systems to ensure fidelity, efficiency, and alignment with organizational values. ●​Designed and led employee wellness programs, peer recognition initiatives, and strategic communication efforts. ●​Acted as a bridge between leadership and staff to increase morale, collaboration, and retention. 02/2020 to 12/2021​ ​ ​ ​ Human Resources Coordinator Leading By Example, LLC - Baltimore, Maryland ●​Managed recruiting, hiring, and onboarding procedures in alignment with organizational values and compliance standards. ●​Supported the development of HR infrastructure and collaborated on policy creation to formalize internal processes. ZACHARY M. WATERS 556 1st Street, Pasadena, MD 21122 Home:- – Cell:- – Email:- 10/2019 to 02/2020​ ​ ​ ​ ●​Facilitated professional development opportunities and contributed to a culture of growth and accountability. Therapeutic Behavioral Services Manager Leading By Example, LLC - Baltimore, Maryland ●​Oversaw behavioral support programming, including staff supervision, training, and service delivery for children and families. ●​Monitored treatment fidelity and worked closely with counselors to address barriers to client progress. ●​Produced service delivery reports for leadership and advocated for client-centered care with the insurance carrier. ●​Tracked hours of service provided to ensure alignment with treatment plans and expectations. 06/2019 to 10/2019​ ​ ​ ​ Behavioral Health Aide Leading By Example, LLC - Baltimore, Maryland ●​ Maintained a caseload of 15–25 families, providing direct support in homes and community settings to address behavioral and emotional needs. ●​ Facilitated therapeutic sessions aligned with individualized treatment plans, focusing on progress toward client-centered goals. ●​ Partnered with multidisciplinary teams and families to promote emotional stability, behavior management, and continuity of care. ●​ Built trust-based relationships with youth and caregivers to reinforce consistency, safety, and long-term engagement in services. 6/2015 to 5/2019​​ ​ ​ ​ STEM Senior Support Specialist Anne Arundel County Public Schools – Annapolis, Maryland ●​ Mentored and coached an evolving caseload of students, empowering them to navigate educational systems and life challenges with confidence. ●​ Collaborated with STEM faculty to enhance curriculum design, learning environments, and the long-term vision of STEM programming. ●​ Supported students and families through mediation and guidance to resolve relational and academic barriers. ●​ Promoted creative, project-based learning and contributed to the creation of STEM Values and vision development. 5/2014 to 8/2015​​ ​ ​ ​ STEM Support Specialist Anne Arundel County Public Schools – Annapolis, Maryland ●​ Fostered meaningful relationships with students, families, and administrators through mentorship, STEM events, and student-centered career experiences. ●​ Developed and implemented comprehensive, strengths-based programs to foster emotional resilience, promote well-being, and cultivate a culture of empathy and growth within the school community. ●​ Facilitated and managed STEM Summer Programs for 1,500+ students in grades 6–11, ensuring program quality and alignment with programmatic goals. ●​ Developed dynamic communication tools, including websites, data systems, and collaborative documents to improve division-wide integration. 10/2012 to 4/2014​ ​ ​ ​ STEM Administrative Liaison Officer Anne Arundel County Public Schools – Annapolis, Maryland ZACHARY M. WATERS 556 1st Street, Pasadena, MD 21122 Home:- – Cell:- – Email:-●​ Maintained and organized student records, attendance data, and emergency contact systems to support efficient summer program implementation. ●​ Served as a primary liaison between families, students, and the STEM Office to ensure clear, consistent communication. ●​ Conducted ongoing reviews of academic and behavioral records to monitor student progress and maintain program eligibility. COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT 2024 to Current​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Deputy Executive Director National Warplane Museum Geneseo Airshow ●​ Oversees all aspects of event operations, logistics, and volunteer coordination for a nationally recognized airshow. ●​ Partners with community stakeholders, sponsors, and veteran organizations to honor military service and promote aviation education. ●​ Provides strategic leadership and long-term planning to enhance the reach and impact of the annual event. 2021 to 2023​ ​ ​ Second Assistant Director National Warplane Museum Geneseo Airshow ●​ Supported operational planning, day-of-event execution, and safety coordination for a multi-day airshow event. ●​ Led and trained volunteers, collaborated with municipal agencies, and ensured compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines. ●​ Managed ground-based operations, including public traffic flow, emergency response coordination, and infrastructure setup. ​ ​ 10/2013 to 10/2019​ ​ ​ ​ Eastern Police District Team Leader – Community Emergency Response Team Anne Arundel County & City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management ●​ Participated in yearly training exercises to maintain proficiency in techniques related to search & rescue, traffic management, first aid response, and community awareness. ●​ Increased community awareness of disaster preparedness strategies through outreach events. ●​ Maintained effective inter-agency communication and operational knowledge of the National Incident Command System. ●​ Knowledge of and accurate execution of the National Incident Command Structure in specific situations. ●​ Supported OEM and police department operations when activated during emergencies or large-scale events. 07/2015 to 12/2017​ ​ ​ ​ Mentor for At-Risk Youth Family Preservation, Department of Social Services for Anne Arundel County ●​ Mentored adolescents in high-risk environments to support positive decision-making and reduce involvement with the juvenile justice system. ●​ Facilitated academic tutoring, employment readiness, and socio-emotional development through consistent mentorship. ●​ Collaborated with families and social workers to promote youth stability, growth, and long-term goal setting. ZACHARY M. WATERS 556 1st Street, Pasadena, MD 21122 Home:- – Cell:- – Email:- REFERENCES Kristina Gillmeister, Ph. D. Coordinator of STEM Programs Office of STEM Initiatives Anne Arundel County Public Schools-Preferred Phone: - ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Laura Pinto ​ STEM Middle School Teacher Specialist ​ Office of STEM Initiatives ​ Anne Arundel County Public Schools ​-​ Preferred Phone: - Vipin Thekk Senior Director Ashoka, https://www.ashoka.org/en-Preferred Phone: - Eric Banks ​ Community-Based Field Supervisor ​ Leading By Example, www.lbemd.org ​-​ Preferred Phone: - ​