Sheila Koohpai, Director of Business Development

Professional Overview

Sheila Koohpai is an accomplished communications and business development professional with extensive expertise in strategic advisory roles supporting government, international development, and aerospace initiatives. As the Director of Business Development at Partners for Development and a Senior Strategic Communications Advisor for the NOAA & NASA GOES-R Satellite Program at KBR, Inc., Sheila leverages her diverse background to drive organizational growth, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance knowledge management capabilities.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Director of Business Development at Partners for Development (2023-04-01 to Present)

Responsible for leading the organization's business development strategy, identifying new revenue streams, and expanding the client base.

Spearheads the development of innovative partnerships and collaborations to support the organization's mission and growth objectives.

Oversees the execution of targeted marketing and outreach initiatives to raise the company's profile and attract new business opportunities.

Senior Strategic Communications Advisor | NOAA & NASA GOES-R Satellite Program at KBR, Inc. (2018-12-01 to Present)

Provides strategic communications support for the NOAA and NASA GOES-R Satellite Program, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and knowledge management.

Develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies, including crisis communication plans, to maintain the program's visibility and reputation.

Collaborates cross-functionally to produce high-quality content and materials that effectively convey technical information to diverse audiences.

Communications and Knowledge Management Advisor, LGHS Project at Panagora Group (2024-04-01 to Present)

Responsible for leading the communication and knowledge management efforts for the LGHS Project, a complex international development initiative.

Designs and implements knowledge sharing platforms and processes to capture and disseminate best practices, lessons learned, and subject matter expertise.

Facilitates cross-team collaboration and ensures effective communication between the project's stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries.

Career Progression

Sheila's career trajectory has spanned various roles in strategic communications, knowledge management, and business development within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Prior to her current positions, she held senior advisory roles at the UN Environment Programme and served as the Growth Marketing Partnerships Lead at Premise Data, where she drove revenue growth and leveraged data-driven strategies to expand the company's client base.

Sheila's earlier experience includes stints as a Communications Manager at USAID, a Strategic Communications Consultant, and a Communications and Outreach Specialist at Tetra Tech, where she contributed to high-profile international development and environmental projects.

Academic Background

Sheila holds a Master's degree in Public Diplomacy from the Maxwell School and S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University, where she also served as a Graduate Teacher's Assistant in Business Ethics of Advocacy. Her academic background, combined with her practical experience, has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between communications, stakeholder engagement, and organizational development.

Areas of Expertise

Strategic communications and stakeholder engagement

Knowledge management and information sharing

Business development and revenue growth strategies

Public-private partnerships and collaborative initiatives

International development and environmental project support

Data-driven decision making and marketing strategies

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Sheila has demonstrated a consistent record of driving organizational growth, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and enhancing knowledge management capabilities. Her contributions have been recognized through her involvement in high-profile projects, such as the NOAA & NASA GOES-R Satellite Program and the LGHS Project, where she has played a pivotal role in fostering effective communication, cross-functional collaboration, and the dissemination of industry best practices.

Conclusion

With her diverse background, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of success, Sheila Koohpai is poised to continue making a significant impact in the communications, business development, and international development sectors. As she navigates her current roles, Sheila remains committed to leveraging her expertise to drive organizational growth, foster strategic partnerships, and contribute to the broader social and environmental goals of the organizations she serves.