ROBERT T.

PURIFICO
703 Barton Run Blvd.
Marlton, NJ 08053
Office: 856-986-6090
Home: 856-396-0528
bpurifico@wer3c.org

CE O
P RESIDENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EDUCATOR
YOUTH ADVOCATE



Visionary, results-proven president/executive director/educational administrator documented success

propelling expansion, funding/volunteer support, in addition to 22 years of similarly commended performance as
a school administrator and educator.

Expert developer of high-performance teams and organizations, educational programs, learning

communities, lasting sponsorships and partnerships, and enduring support. Dedicated educator who is respected
throughout the corporate and educational communities as a strong organizational leader, and is deeply
committed to lifelong learning and maximizing the potential of organizations.

Comprehensive qualifications in fiscal/operational management, teambuilding and supervision, strategic

planning, marketing and public relations, event coordination, education and instructional delivery, community
outreach, and program/curriculum development.

Dynamic public speaker, with excellent written/verbal communication skills and extensive experience
delivering small and large group. Internationally traveled, culturally sensitive, and solidly credentialed (with a
masters degree in education administration).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CEO/President: We R 3C, Inc. 2011 - Current
One of the most pressing issues of our time is the topic of character education and its relationship to bullying. People
of all ages have experienced it; many have died because of it. We R 3C, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that presents
a holistic approach to dealing with topic of Character Education and bullying in a manner quite different than others.
As a processed-based sequential learning curriculum, it speaks to the responsibility of community in dealing with the
topic in a manner that articulates kindness, compassion and respect. The holistic approach of the We R 3C ends up
becoming intrinsically motivated behavior demonstrated and practice by participants.
The We R 3C Program materials are presented through a series of five processed-based sequential learning Themes
that enable program participants to gain a meaningful understanding of relationships and how they develop within
varying communities on a daily basis.

Key Results:


Organizational/Managerial Development: Guided the birth of a new nonprofit 501 (c)(3) dealing in
Character Education and Development.

Conceptualization of the curricular content and development

Built a collaborative team of educational experts consisting of over 100 years of educational expertise

Brought the concept through the development process into a marketable product

Filed for both incorporation as a nonprofit and 501 (c)3 status

Facilitated the development of organizational brand and logo

Coordinated the development of organizational website and Facebook page

Developed marketing and fiscal plans

Created a strategic plan for solicitation of grant and foundation funds

Solicited and identified a founding Board of Trustees

Solicited and identified an Advisory Board whose expertise and background vary

Begun the identification of a volunteer base to help promote the vision and mission of the organization

Developed and delivered professional development sessions

Developed a strategy to solicit partnerships within the business community

Met with and sought help and assistance from Congressional and State legislators

Worked to expand curricular materials so they spiral K-12

Developed an assessment strategy and instructional rubric for use within schools

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)

President/ Potential Impact, LLC Marlton, NJ 2008- Current
A consulting company devoted to assisting organizations in the successful identification of creative problem solving
preference styles in an effort to help build effective and collaborative teams that become critical thinkers and leaders
of innovation.
Literacy Reviewer: - 2010-2012 Conducted literacy reviews in low-income urban schools in Georgia and
Massachusetts
Development Laboratory Initiative 2008-2013
An initiative of the Center for Creative Learning, Inc. that creates learning materials in the areas of creativity and
problem solving; Problem Solving Style and Talent Development.
DESTINATION IMAGINATION, INC. President / Executive Director, 1995 to 2007 Cherry Hill, NJ

Worlds leading nonprofit corporation in providing a community of globally branded creative problem solving programs
focused on teamwork and the creative learning process for youth and adults.
Provided strategic direction, fiscal management, and operational oversight of worldwide 501(c) (3) organization, guiding
the mission, vision, and daily functions/activities of DI to achieve organizational objectives in accordance with strategic
plan, policies, directives, by-laws, and charter. Administered $6M budget, and supervised an executive/ management
team as well as the organizations remaining work force comprised of 20 employees and 45,000+ volunteers worldwide.
In charge of organizational, program, and staff development; all business/financial control systems; corporate,
community, school, and media relations/outreach; marketing, fundraising, and public relations; sponsorship/alumni
programs; and the coordination and delivery of DI-branded learning programs, tournaments, and events throughout
North and South America, Europe, Asia, and South Africa.

Key Results:


Organizational Development: Propelled organizational growth and international expansion to reach new level
of programming excellence, elevating DI to become recognized globally as the leading nonprofit creative problem
solving (CPS) and experiential learning organization in the world.

Expanded operations to offer programs in all 50 U.S. states, and launched DI programs in 20 new countries
to reach present total of 43 countries and Canadian provinces throughout four continents.

Grew volunteer base and program alumni by 20% and 30%, respectively, to reach all-time high of 45,000+
volunteers serving 350,000+ participants each year.

Increased revenues and funding support by over 90% to benchmark goal-surpassing performance-to-plan
for 12 consecutive years.


Enhanced organizational credibility throughout the global education community by embracing a researched
pedagogy (CPS v.6.1) supported by five decades of creativity and problem solving research by noted scholars.
Built a leading corporate-based innovation program among Fortune 500 companies emphasizing the identification
of problem solving preference styles and the tools associated with the generation and focusing of ideas.

Teambuilding: Built a cohesive management team and hired key positions (e.g., marketing/programming VPs,
corporate consulting VP, controller, IT director, and training coordinator) that allowed DI to expand internationally.

Vision Instilment & Strategic Planning: Enabled organization to plot a definitive course for future growth and
collaborative partnerships by developing and communicating a clear, cohesive vision, mission, and strategic plan.

Fiscal Management: Established quarterly audits by outside accounting firm, implemented accounting
systems/best-practices to monitor corporate spending, and provided accurate and ongoing reporting of finances
through monthly and annual reports.

Strategic Partnership Building: Cultivated partner alliances with corporate sponsors and like-minded nonprofit
associations. Secured fiscal/program support, sponsorships totaling $8.5M, and VIK (value-in-kind) donations
from companies and organizations including:
3M
Bank of America
Philips Consumer Electronics
Eastman Kodak
NASA
Avid Technology
AEM (Association of Equipment
Smuckers
Best Buy
Chick-fil-A
Manufacturers)
Staples
Velcro USA
National Dairy Council
Saputo Cheese
SciFi

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)



Program Development: Spearheaded the development and global delivery of a series of innovative new
programs that diversified corporate portfolio; catapulted organizational exposure, visibility, and reputation;
generated new revenue streams; and expanded program reach to encompass all levels (Pre-K through adults).
New programs included:
Destination ImagiNation Flagship Program
Rising Stars!
ImagiNation-4-Life
DIcor Corporate Consulting
LoveLife Project
DI Summer Enrichment Program
International Creativity Conference
DI eXtreme
DI Dissertation Awards Program
DI Model School Program
Project Outreach
AEM Construction Challenge

Event Planning & Management: Supported 500+ tournaments, competitions, and events worldwide each year,
including DIs annual Global Finals (elevating this culminating event to become the largest of its kind in the world).

Staff/Volunteer Training: Created modular training program and in-service workshops that increased awareness,
programmatic consistency, volunteerism, and same-page mindset among all paid/volunteer staff worldwide.

Legal Affairs: Protected intellectual property (IP) through copyrights and other means, leveraged in-depth legal
experience to develop and implement all personnel and partnership contracts (saving DI untold thousands of
dollars), communicated with all staff and volunteers organization-wide regarding the appropriate use of corporate
IP, and guided successful negotiations and acquisitions of additional programs under the DI corporate umbrella.

Marketing & Media Relations Strategy: Led team in creating organizations first-ever marketing plan and
programmatic strategies to promote DI and its varied programs. Oversaw development of branded, multimedia
collateral materials (including websites, videos, CDs, brochures, logos, and press kits) that won various awards and
proved highly successful in awareness, fundraising, media, sponsorship, and grassroots campaigns.

Public Speaking & Media Appearances: Personally promoted organization through numerous television/print
interviews and public speaking engagements to groups as large as 18,000 across three continents.

Board & Alumni Relations: Fostered collaborative relationships with each group of trustees, and founded and
grew alumni organization to nearly seven million members. Efforts increased volunteer pool, provided rewarding
leadership opportunities, and cemented a strong base of ongoing support.

Government Relations: Worked to develop lobbying strategy; hired Washington, D.C. lobbyist; conducted personal
visits with Congressional representatives (including a Capitol Hill presentation to Congressional subcommittee); and
launched effective programs instructing affiliate/regional directors on ways to best involve their local political leaders.

EARLY EDUCATIONAL CAREER

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS Bridgeton, NJ
Principal, Fairfield Middle School, 1984 to 1986: (On a leave of absence from Cherry Hill Schools)
Administered all aspects of middle school with 500 students and 45 staff members. Commended by superintendent
and school board for leadership that fostered an engaging and enriching environment conducive to learning and
optimizing student, teacher, and school success. Launched new programs (e.g., after-school intramural program,
community program for children of migrant workers, peer mediation program); increased parent participation/
involvement in daily school activities and operations; and supported teachers in the development of innovative,
integrated curriculum.
CHERRY HILL SCHOOLS Cherry Hill, NJ

Twelfth largest school district in the state of New Jersey with current enrollment of 11,800+ students.
Assistant Principal, Carusi Jr. School, 1986 to 1995
Served as right hand to principal in running all aspects of daily operations for middle school with 1,000 enrolled
students. Responsible for $1M annual budget; facility management/maintenance; hiring/supervision and performance
appraisals of 25 faculty/staff; coordination of school busing system and all athletic, intramural, and after-school
extracurricular programming; direction of Guidance Department; and purchasing of all textbooks and operational
supplies. Managed assorted disciplinary issues, tirelessly advocated for student needs, and actively promoted
collaborative learning and critical/creative thinking. Effectively communicated with parents in matters of discipline and
instructional materials, and coordinated activities of school PTA. Enjoyed active participation in the National Education
Association, the Association of Secondary School Principals, and the New Jersey Education Association.

EARLY EDUCATIONAL CAREER (CONTINUED)

CHERRY HILL SCHOOLS Cherry Hill, NJ
7th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Brainerd Jr. High School, 1973 to 1984
Received annual commendable performance reviews for teaching excellence throughout tenure. In addition to teaching
7th grade social studies curriculum, also served as head wrestling coach, student council advisor, and in-service chair, and
founded a series of successful programs (including school-business partnerships, academic motivation programs, gifted
and talented workshops, peer mediation program, and tutorial program for special-needs students).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)

PHILADELPHIA SCHOOLS - Philadelphia, PA, 1973

High School American History Teacher, Edison High School

Taught American History and Political Science to Juniors and Seniors as a long-term substitute

EDUCATION
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY Camden, NJ
Master of Education (M Ed.), Major in Administration
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY Villanova, PA
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education

AFFILIATIONS & ACTIVITIES






Chair, Panuska College of Professional Studies Board of Visitors, University of Scranton: 1995 to 2013
Leadership Team Member, Center for Creative Learning, Inc., Sarasota, Florida - Current
VIEW Facilitator, Center for Creative Learning, Inc., Sarasota, Florida, 2001 to Present
Vice Chair, Destination Imagination, Inc. Board of Trustee (Glassboro, NJ), 1986 to 1995

OF NOTE
Authored and delivered dynamic, engaging, educational keynote workshops and presentations to a variety of
prominent audiences including a Congressional Subcommittee on Health and Education, Faculties, School Districts and
Enrichment Programs.

Recent Publication: Leading Education with Style. Working with colleagues on the challenges of educational
leadership and change, school improvement, curriculum planning, or similar tasks can be frustrating or rewarding.
This booklet illustrates the importance and benefits of understanding style among educational leaders-- from
classroom teachers to superintendents and School Board members
Development of a student mentor program for the Panuska College of Professional Studies, University of Scranton
Delivered numerous presentations through a thirty plus year career to audiences ranging from 25 to 18,000
US and International events Italy, France, Germany, Canada, Brazil
Publications, Public Speaking and Presentations available upon request

See Robert Purifico You Tube presentation to Congressional Sub Committee on Labor and
Education made in April of 2007 @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aRzbqKdPe0
See Robert Purifico YouTube PSA introducing We R 3C, Inc. 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0ZZaZ52XAM