ABOUT

Croix-Ronald Coppáge, PhD, MBA, CIS

Researcher • Author • Consultant • Systems Developer • Funding Developer

CREDENTIALS

PHD

Business Administration (Non-profit Management), 2020. Rushmore University, British Columbia.

Metamorphosis: Caterpillar to Butterfly, an instructional book to assist entrepreneurs on the how-to’s of starting a new business, as well as an instructional guide to help nonprofit organizations better prepare for federal funding opportunities, focusing on five critical capacity building areas—leadership, organization, programming, revenue development, and community engagement.

MBA

Business Administration (Non-profit Management), 2004. Rushmore University, British Columbia.

Political Science (Pre-Law), 1989. Herbert H. Lehman College of the City University of New York, The Bronx, New York. (Pi Sigma Alpha/Magna Cum Laude).

English Literature (Writing Specialization), 1989. Herbert H. Lehman College of the City University of New York, The Bronx, New York.
Minor: Psychology; and earned a Distinguished Writer Certification.

AAS

Computer Science and Accounting, 1983. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical Education College, Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Professional Courses

Certifications

Certified Information Systems—Analytics and Database Development and Administration (1993)
Certified Microsoft Professional Trainer (1988)
Series 7 (1992)
Certified ASL Interpreter Level 1 (1993)
Project Management Certified (2002)
IRB: Principal Research Investigator (2010, 2012-2015, 2019)

Dr. Croix-Ronald Coppáge has nearly 30 years of professional experience providing both direct and indirect consulting services to Fortune 500 companies in the areas of marketing development, sales planning, information systems; project management; training and development; investigative analysis, business development, business analytics, organizational/infrastructure development, human resources development, along with business planning, and research.

Dr. Coppáge has facilitated various seminars and workshops throughout the country in leadership development, nonprofit management, digital research, assessment and evaluation; funding development, as well as a host of other business training forums geared towards improving the viability of small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Dr. Coppáge is a certified Principal Research Investigator (10 years) and has been the Principal Investigator / Research on over 12 federal funded projects since 2002. In 2012, the Office of Minority Health under the Department of Health and Human Services, cited the EYES Research Project as a “Best Practice” program. This project evaluated the impact of mentors on the academic development of minority youth in Brooklyn, New York.

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In 2005, as CEO of EYES Inc., Croix was responsible for establishing the first long-term safe haven for battered women and their children (SafeSpaces), in the largest county of South Carolina—Orangeburg. He augmented this success with establishing the first emergency shelter for runaways (YES!) in the same year, in the same county.

Since 1993, Croix successfully has founded four businesses and implemented nearly 20 new community-based programs, including the highly acclaimed research projects—PAW and MUMP—which evaluated the impact of physical fitness on youth academic development; and the longitudinal impact of trained mentors on the overall success of youth, respectively.

Since 2002 (2002-2019), Dr. Coppáge has acquired over $68M in federal, state, city, and private funding for small businesses (profit and nonprofit organizations)—nationwide. Of this $68M, he was responsible for the management of $17M. He has been an instrumental, and a driving force in the design, implementation and management of several Federal and State funded communitybased
programs and initiatives.

As Executive Director of EYES INC, Dr. Coppáge leads a team of technology professionals in the development of technical tools specific to improving the viability of SMEs in their communities across the country, which includes, BEAT911, the first online tool that assists SMEs with evaluating their programs, services, and assessing the overall business health of their enterprise; and RADICS CMS, a universal, online application that functions as a comprehensive tool for data collection and reporting on SMEs and their community-based programs and services. Further, Dr. Coppáge provides consulting services to community-based organizations, helping to set standard protocols and procedures for data collection and reporting.

PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

“Market Intelligence Generation, Social Capital and Firm Creation: A Focus on Nascent Entrepreneurs.” Knox, Edwin. L., PhD; Egbe, Emmanuel. C., PhD, and Coppage, Croix-Ronald (2014, March 6). Eastern Economic Association.
“Black History and the Entrepreneurial Path: A timeline of the past, present and future Black Entrepreneurs”, presented at the February 16, 2012 Black History Symposium at Medgar Evers College—City University of New York. Researcher: Croix-Ronald Coppáge.
Secrets of the Down-low Brother! AdC Publishing, 2008, ISBN: 978-0-615-25886-7. An HIV prevention tool, this 80-page book focuses on empowering young women (14 and older) of color to know they have choices in life, particularly choices to protect themselves from HIV infection. Candidly written in a vernacular easily understood in the African-American culture by women of all ages, this book talks to both the inexperienced and the experienced woman about male bisexuality (the down-low brother) and the health risks these men pose to women of color who unwittingly engage them in relationships. Using mythology, history, current facts, anecdotes, and humor, buttressed by the mantra you have a choice, the book educates young women to the fact although they may be powerless to control the sexual behaviors of their men, they are empowered with choices of protecting themselves when intimate with men, or with the word 'no'. The book is currently being used as a HIV prevention tool for young women of color at several community-based organizations, including several located in New York City.
Metamorphosis: Caterpillar to Butterfly, an instructional book to assist entrepreneurs on the how-to’s of starting a new business, as well as an instructional guide to help nonprofit organizations better prepare for federal funding opportunities, focusing on five critical capacity building areas—leadership, organization, programming, revenue development, and community engagement. (Electronic download: Summer 2013)
Transportation Job Access Study, Medgar Evers College: Lead Technical Writer and Editor. Funded and published in October 2003 by the New York City Department of Transportation. Prepared this three-volume research project, from inception to publication, which included administering, collecting and processing over 5,000 Borough-wide community surveys; as well as prepublication editing, including the creation of data dictionaries, layout of charts, tables and graphs; and cover design.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR ROLES

As Principal Investigator, manage and oversee a $3M research project to provide substance abuse recovery services for young
mothers suffering from post-partum, with a substance abuse disorder. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). Provide leadership and direction to a project staff to ensure research integrity. (2019-2024)

YES!—Youth Empowered to Succeed! is a BASIC Centers project to reduce homelessness among youth 13-18, in Essex County, New Jersey. Funded by the U.S. Administration for Children and Families for $600K, this 3-year grant (2017-2020) will be used to setup an intricate network of service providers to ensure safe transition of youths from the streets to a home. Lead applicant—Isaiah House, East Orange, New Jersey. Funded 2020-2023 for $600K.

This new project was funded for $600K by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under its Street Outreach initiative. This is the first Federal grant received by this agency, and it is focused on providing shelter and supportive services for homeless LGQBTA youths in Essex County, New Jersey.

As Principal Investigator, manage and oversee a budget of $500K to implement a female homeless veterans’ program (HVRP), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Provide leadership and direction to a staff of three to include a Program Coordinator, Case Manager, and a Job Developer; to facilitate comprehensive program services to homeless female veterans residing within the north region New Jersey.

As Principal Investigator, manage and oversee a budget of $300K to implement a sexual assault program for women in Essex County, New Jersey. Funded by the NJ Office of Attorney General, Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA).

Served as the Interim Project Director for this New York City Department of Probation-funded mentoring program to serve 80 juvenile ex-offenders each year, for the next five years. As the designer and developer of the approved program infrastructure, my interim role is to implement the project to include hiring and training all initial staff, including Program Coordinator and twenty paid mentors. Detail the internal processes, and develop the online data collection system and tools to process and manage the confidential data flow between the program and the NYC Department of Probation, including but not limited to client in-take, client referrals from Department of Probation, client progress updates, mentor feedback, as well as program analytics relating to real-time outcome measures and evaluations.

Served as Project Director (February 2010 – September 2010) on the Empowering Youths to Excel and Succeed (EYES) Research Initiative funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services: Youth Empowerment Program to Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York. This research project was developed and created solely by EYES INC to be implemented in partnership with Medgar Evers College. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of mentoring on at-risk youths in the Crown Heights Brooklyn community.

Served as a technical advisor to the E.Y.E.S. Research Project to ensure Federal compliance as it relates to study activities. Responsible for project assessment and evaluation, as well as creating and developing the infrastructure to capture and analyze research data, including pre- and post-assessment and surveys. Leading the development and creation of all data evaluators, including tables, charts, and graphs to present research data; as well as serving as the lead technical writer for all Federal interim and final project reports.

Sole creator and developer of this research-based project that garnered Medgar Evers College—School of Business $900K in Federal funding (Department of Health and Human Services: Youth Empowerment Program) for three years. Combining evidenced-based, Federally funded projects created, developed and implemented while leading EYES, Inc., EYES is a combination of both the PAW (Physical and Academic Wellness) project and M.U.M.P. (Multi-state Urban Mentoring Project) which uses mentoring as a vehicle to deliver a youth-based intervention curriculum designed to provide youths the necessary tools to make healthier and more positive lifestyle choices. (2009-2012)

The first long-term transitional living facilities for female victims of domestic violence and their children to serve the county of Orangeburg in South Carolina. (2003- 2007)

Outreach program targeting and providing multi-tier services for runaway youths in the State of South Carolina. (2003-2007)

A multi-state research project structured to evaluate the long-term impact of physical fitness and health education had on academic achievement of youth (8-14). Orangeburg, South Carolina, and Jersey City, New Jersey—2003-2004, and 2004-2007. In 2008, the PAW program was adopted and implemented by the Urban League of Hudson County, New Jersey, under a three-year funding award bestowed by the state of New Jersey under its NJ After-3 initiative.

Led this multi-state research project to study the long-term impact of trained mentors on the overall development of urban youth of Brooklyn, New York and Jersey City, New Jersey. (2004-2007)

Sole creator and developer of this urban-based computer technology training program to address the information technology training needs of impoverished youths in Jersey City, New Jersey. (2001-2004)

Sole creator and developer of Sole creator and developer of this City-funded training and apprenticeship program to work in tandem with G.O.L.C.O.N.D.A., to serve working-age young adults in the impoverished Hudson County of Jersey City, New Jersey. (2001-2004)

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Systems Development

Mental Health Assessments System (2014) – Implemented by iPsyche, LLC to manage a national network of licensed clinicians responsible for administering mental health assessments. System uses DSM-V tools to capture and score client responses to questions under the MMS and Mississippi Veterans tools.
Electronic Reference Information Collection (ERIC) system (2014) – Commercial system used by staffing and recruiting agencies to streamline and enhance the vetting process of candidates seeking employment within various industries.
Research Analytics, Data Interchange Collection System (RADICS) Network (2013) – Commercial system designed to streamline and enhance the data collection and reporting processes of nonprofit organizations implementing grant-funded community-based programs.
BEAT (Business Enterprise Assessment Tool) (2010) — First online system to assess comprehensively the structural integrity and business health of nonprofit organizations prior to seeking external funding opportunities.

Developed Research Studies, Programs, and Curriculums

CCEP—Community Creche Expansion Project (CCEP) is a research project funded by SAMHSA. The purpose is to provide comprehensive recovery and supportive services to young women with postpartum and suffering with substance abuse issues. Lead applicant—Isaiah House, Inc. (February 2019: Approved for $3M—5-year award.)
BRAVE—Banding Residents Against Violence and Exploitation (BRAVE) is a domestic violence program funded by New Jersey Office of the Attorney—Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA). The purpose is to provide comprehensive supportive services to African-American women who are survivors of criminal sexual violence. Lead applicant—Real House Recovery, Inc. (December 2017: Approved for $300K—20-month award.)
VAST—Veterans Achieving Success through Training (VAST) is a workforce development program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The purpose is to engage and train homeless veterans in vocations aligned with New Jersey high demand industries; with the ultimate goal of securing this population with high-paying employment. Lead applicant—Real House Recovery, Inc. (July 2017: Approved for $500K—one-year grant.)
PEPP—Parolee Employee Placement Program (PEPP) is a workforce development program funded by the New Jersey Department of Parole. The purpose is to engage and train returning citizens in vocations aligned with New Jersey high demand industries; with the ultimate goal of securing this population with high-paying employment. Lead applicant—BMI, Inc. (September 2016: Approved for $750K—one-year grant.)
YES!—Youth Empowered to Succeed! is a BASIC Centers project to reduce homelessness among youth 13-18, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Funded by the U.S. Administration for Children and Families for $600K, this 3-year grant (2015-2018) will be used to setup an intricate network of service providers to ensure safe transition of youths from the streets to a home. Lead applicant—The Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth, New Jersey.
BROWNS—Bridging Reentry Opportunities for Workforce Navigation to Success is an education and employment training initiative focused on empowerment, career training and family strengthening activities. It is funded for $1M by the U.S. Department of Education (2015-2018), and will target over 400 low-income, young men of color (African-American and Latino) age 16-35, as well as their families. Lead applicant—Essex Community College.
PACT—Providing Avenues of Choices for Teens a 3-year synergistic youth mentoring and empowerment initiative that will provide a host of developmental programs and support services to target, track, and reduce at-risk behaviors of 150 African- American male youth (13-17) over a three-year period in the target area of Newark, New Jersey. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Minority Health. (September 2014: Approved for $1.5M in funding.)
REAP—Rapid Employment Advancement Program a 5-year, $5M project is to provide comprehensive, interlocking services, ensuring eligible participants (SNAP recipients) receive the necessary job skills training and certification, to enhance their competitive edge in the job market. (August 2014: Funded by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development, through a grant supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
TEAM—Training to Empower, Advance and Maintain a 3-year Training to Work Adult Re-entry program, provides mentoring, job training, and job placement opportunities for returning citizens in Essex County, New Jersey. The project was funded for $1M by the U.S. Department of Labor, and will serve 125 returning citizens over a course of three years. (Funded June 2014).
ARCHES—A five-year juvenile ex-offender mentoring project sponsored by New York City Department of Probation. This $1.64M funded project will serve upwards of 400 juvenile ex-offenders between the ages of 14 and 21. (Funded May 2012).
HELP—A five-year HIV/AIDS outreach and preventive research study focused on young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Approved for $3M in funding (September 2011) by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC Division.
YES-HELP—A basic center and community outreach program to assist homeless youths with returning back home, or finding an alternate safe haven.
UBAD—Uniting Brothers Against Domestic Violence, a program designed to galvanize young minority men in support of speaking and taking action against domestic violence.
LIFESPAN—A five-year research project focused on reducing cortisol levels (toxic stress) in children for low socio-economic communities attending head start programs.
KnowledgeReady—A community-based program focused on assisting high school youth with overcoming various hurdles of starting higher education, including financial aid, completing college application, and increasing SAT scores.
PATHWAYS—A training and mentoring program dedicated to preparing young minority men in becoming more responsible as fathers.
EYES—Mentor research study to evaluate the impact of mentors on at-risk youth in Brooklyn, New York. (Funded February 2009—September 2012)
AMP^UP!: —Dual Adult Mentoring and Gang Prevention through Mentoring Program § COPE—
COPE— Mentoring Program for children with incarcerated parents
SAVE—Business Development and Mentoring program for small businesses
IMRP—Interstate Mentoring Research Project
APT—Alternative Paths for Teens Mentoring Program (focused on reducing recidivism of delinquent youths)
YES!—Youth Entrepreneurial Services (mentoring curriculum designed to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of youths 16-21.)

OTHER LEADERSHIP ROLES

EYES, INC | Executive Director | 2001 - Present

As Executive Director, created and developed a series of community-based programs and project designs which garnered over $68M in Federal and State funds between 2001 and 2020. Developed teams of professionals between two states (New Jersey and South Carolina) which included managers, educators, counselors, consultants, and interns.) Other responsibilities include developing comprehensive analytical reports to assess the success of all implemented programs; overseeing all fiduciary responsibilities; developing and implementing new marketing and outreach strategic plans; and facilitating workshops and seminars for community based leaders in such areas as recruitment and retention; staff development, business health; and best practices for small businesses.

In June 2010, led the development of iBASS3, the first online small business assessment system, which provided small business enterprises an overview of the health of their organizations in five critical areas: leadership, organization, finance, services and marketing/community engagement. The system was launched in January 2011.

Since 2011, led the development of the EHR-certified RADICS (Research Analytics Data Interchange and Collaboration System) that is a comprehensive data collection, data analytic, and reporting system structured to increase the capacity of community-based organizations to be more sfficacious in their service delivery, as well as to assist with capacity-building relating to performance metrics. RADICS was launched 1Q14. (https://radicsnet.net)

In 2006, led a team of technology professionals to create the first online budget and purchase order management system—EZ-Sum—
which allows leaders of small enterprises to easily, and securely manage multiple projects, and multiple funding/budgets from
anywhere in the world.

OTHER BUSINESS PROJECTS

Verticom, Inc. — commissioned (May, 2002) to research, develop and deliver an Action Plan for the CEO of Verticom, Inc. who was recently appointed CEO of Standard Trust Bank, LTD. of Nigeria. The action plan included new direction for human resources, reorganization, enhancement of current banking services (sales and marketing), and new financial objectives.

Verticom, Inc. — commissioned (May, 2002) to research, develop and deliver business plan and presentation for a $1B international acquisition deal for the CEO of Verticom, Inc. The business plan focused on the financial viability of the acquisition for the investment board. It detailed ROI’s, P&Ls, marketing and sales strategies; and a comprehensive action plan.

Edison O. Jackson Single Fathers Program (Medgar Evers College) — developed a fundraising and interim marketing plan to launch the expansion and introduction of the EOJ Single Fathers Program to the general public. The fundraising event was planned for 500 potential guests in a two-month timeframe. Our “Rapid Funds” sponsorship plan was instrumental in securing corporate donations and future support for the program from such corporations as Coca Cola Company, JPMorganChase and Mary Kay Cosmetics. Successful defrayment of associated costs by an estimated $10,000 is attributed to these corporate participants.

Verticom, Inc. — developed the business plan that acquired this Nigerian-based spin-off company $3.5 million in start-up capital. Subsequently retained to develop and deploy a $250,000 strategic marketing and sales plan to facilitate brand marketing and increase revenue acquisition.

The Pit, Inc.— developed strategic marketing and sales plans to increase market visibility along the southeast coast and expand
territory sales for this Atlanta-based condiment company. The executed plan was expected to generate new profit revenues from $50K to over $1.5M for 2002.

SECURED FUNDING SOURCES

Since 2002, secured over $68M in funding from the following sources, as well as others. (For recent funding secured, please visit EYESINC website.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
U. S. Department of Education (various divisions)
U. S. Department of Justice (various divisions, including Office of Violence Against Women)
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (various divisions)
U. S. Department of Labor (various divisions)
JPMorgan Chase
Hudson County of New Jersey
New York City Department of Probation / Various Corporate Funders and Charitable Foundations

Metamorphosis—Caterpillar to Butterfly is a reference guide for small to medium nonprofits and entrepreneurs who seek to expand their organizational capacity, as well as strengthen their success through external funding.

Metamorphosis—Caterpillar to Butterfly provides guidance and resources on starting a small enterprise…the steps needed to be successful, and the pitfalls for which to be careful. For nonprofit agencies, it provides comprehensive guidance on the mechanics of proposal writing, and secrets to enhancing their chances to secure Federal and State grants.