Professional Feedback
“I have worked with Andy in a variety of initiatives related to the employment of individuals with disabilities. Andy has provided expert leadership and evaluation experience during the many grant competition peer reviews that he has served, for the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration. He has also written, administered, and managed many successful grants awarded to the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, by the Rehabilitation Services Administration. In addition, his experience, guidance, and participation in grant programs have provided a wealth of knowledge to us during the RSA Directors national conference. Andy is a delightful colleague to work with and has an open and amiable personality, willing to share knowledge, guidance, and experience that are relevant to the topics at hand. His tenacity, perseverance, attention to detail and goal for excellence are assets that will bring success to his next project. With his extensive skills, experience and abilities I recommend Andy, who is a successful leader, in the next step of his professional career.” — Alfreda Reeves Management Analyst, U.S. Department of Education, February 8, 2010
“Andy was my direct supervisor twice. I worked for him under a federal grant targeting the severely mentally ill. He wrote the grant for this peer support program which was unique and provided this population the opportunity to work. His grant writing skills were demonstrated throughout my employment with him as I saw many grants written and awarded to our agency. Andy also provided supervision and mentorship and I worked with the Social Security Administration. He ensured I had the training and tools to be successful at this job which generated revenue for our agency. He was a good manager/supervisor in that he is knowledgeable in federal grant writing, regulations, and state rules and regulations. His contacts at the federal, state, and local level demonstrate his effectiveness of his work.” — Veronica A. De Leon-Dowd, Program Manager, New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, March 16, 2011
“I have had the pleasure of working with Andy as an employee for several years and find that he is a very professional and resourceful individual with proven leadership and technical knowledge. Andy’s extensive knowledge and skills in writing Grants and Proposals is exceptional. I highly recommend Andy; he would be a great asset to the organization.” — Julie Martinez New Mexico Technology Assistance Program, ABLE Device Loan Program Manager, State of New Mexico, February 12, 2010
“As the Executive Director for the New Mexico Business Leadership Network, it is with pleasure that I recommend Andy Winnegar as a business development consultant. Andy is an intelligent and innovative person who has achieved a remarkable reputation for his ability to fund, implement, and oversee a variety of independent projects. I strongly recommend him, without reservation, for any endeavor your organization might be considering.” — Leah Rhule, Executive Director, New Mexico Business Leadership Network, January 11, 2010
“I have found Andy to be a professional of the highest caliber. He is a dedicated champion of causes for individuals who are typically the un-served or underserved of our community. Andy will go above and beyond what is expected of him in order to do the right thing, a rare quality today. He does so with humor and a down-to-earth demeanor that has earned him the respect of his peers, work partners and friends.” — Gary Marsjanik, Director of Volunteer Services, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, January 11, 2010
“I have known and worked with Andy for a number of years. Andy is detail oriented and is always striving to do the best he can for those he is working with or assisting. His knowledge of the non-profit community is extensive. Andy would be an asset to any organization.” — Mike Mykris, Director, Santa Fe Small Business Development Center, January 11, 2010
“I worked for Andy as an employee and as a coworker. i have always found andy to be an excellent thinker and writer. he can look at a question and formulate answers which reflect understanding and knowledge. His grant writing ability substantially increased the agency’s about to fulfill its mandate.” — Jim Crews, owner, Crews Refinishers, January 14, 2010
“I have worked on several projects with Andy Winnegar at both the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) and the US Department of Education. As a program analyst, I worked directly with Andy on the administration of four grant awards funded under the Assistive Technology Act and the Rehabilitation Act. Andy is respected nationally by his peers and funding agencies for his contributions toward enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. He is frequently called upon by the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration to review other state programs and provide peer review.” — Rob Groenendaal, Management, and Program Analyst, US Department of Education, January 13, 2010
“Andy has an excellent record of the development, application, award, and management of grants and contracts, particularly from the federal government. I would highly recommend him for any person or program interested in these type of endeavors or for someone who can assist in the administration of multiple, complex activities.” — Terry Brigance, Owner, Terry Brigance and Associates, January 9, 2010
“Since 1991, Mr. Andy Winnegar has worked with me (as a supervisor and colleague) writing, administrating and conducting federal grants through New Mexico State Government and community programs with assistive technology development through the state. In my experience with Andy, he has worked through the federal and state vocational programs to promote and develop resources for persons with disabilities, of all ages. I don’t have the figures, but I can state easily that he has identified, obtained and conducted millions of federal grants for the NM Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (with NM Public Ed Depat) in his career since the mid-80s. I highly recommend Mr. Winnegar as a successful grant writer and resource development consultant/agent!” — Bill Newroe, Owner, Access Resource Associates, January 7, 2010
“It is without reservation that I make this recommendation for Andy Winnegar. For seven years, I worked as a program manager under Andy Winnegar with two federal programs, one on apprenticeship and on for transportation services. Both of these national demonstration programs were funded directly due to Andy’s efforts in seeking funding. Andy is a highly enthusiastic, high energy professional with a unique ability to provide visionary leadership that resulted in millions of dollars for the New Mexico’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. He is resourceful, knowledgeable and creative. He has an untiring sense of energy and takes thoughts from ideas to action. His leadership over the last 19-20 years with DVR has made significant impacts and resources available to people with disabilities in the State of New Mexico. He follows legislation very closely and responds with ideas relevant to new initiatives and the needs of the population he serves. He is knowledgeable about effective use of data and easily takes that information and utilizes it to make the best use of the dollars. He is respected, not only in the state of New Mexico as a leader, but nationally for his contributions to making the quality of life better for people with disabilities. He is frequently called upon by the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration to give input on the development of new Requests for Proposals format and design and to evaluate and score applications for federal dollars. In addition, New Mexico is known as a leader because of his efforts. We are one of the only states to receive multiple grants from Rehabilitation Services Administration Services on a consistent basis. Andy supervised the professional development services division and reported directly to the Assistant Superintendent of Rehabilitation Services. He was a skilled mediator. He would be an asset in any environment because he has a complex skillset and effectively uses those skills. He is an avid learner and uses the information that he has to create positive changes and phenomenal services and resources. I highly recommend Andy Winnegar.” — Carmen Taylor, Program Manager, TRACE Apprenticeship Program, New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Public Education Department, January 7, 2010
“Andy is detailed and professional in the work he is involved in. He is trustworthy and is consumer oriented as evidenced by the many years of advocacy and accomplishments he has enjoyed. I have worked with Andy for over 25 years in several capacities and consider him one of the top professionals I have worked with. I highly recommend Andy in any capacity he is involved with.” — Mark Johnson CEO Easter Seals Santa Maria El Mirador, January 8, 2010
“It has been my pleasure to work with Mr. Winnegar in both the private and public sector. In the private sector, he secured a grant to establish the first Independent Living Center in New Mexico. In the public sector, he secured multiple grants to establish and maintain a technology assistance program for people with disabilities. Mr. Winnegar has always demonstrated a keen ability to find RFP’s and to respond to them with amazing success. His grant writing skills, in my opinion, have helped him to network with government and non-profit professionals across the country. He also has a fine understanding of laws and policies as they relate to people with disabilities, institutions, and the public at large. When the ‘powers that be’ are negligent about their responsibilities, Mr. Winnegar doesn’t hesitate to ‘hold their feet to the fire.’ I would gladly hire Mr. Winnegar as a consultant on disability or non-profit issues.” — Gene Rodgers, Public Relations Gene R. Rodgers Executive Producer, The Gene And Dave Show” Austin Texas, January 10, 2010
“I have worked with Andy in helping to find employment for disabled individuals and work for non-profit organizations within New Mexico. Andy understands the issues that face these groups and will be an asset to both with respect to understanding RFP’s and writing definitive proposals.” — Ralph Oropello, Chief Operating Officer, New Mexico Abilities, January 8, 2010
“Since Andy came onboard he has helped turn around our program with his extensive knowledge and determination. He has been a great asset and will be sorely missed when he leaves. Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert.” — Larry Reisinger Chair Technology Loan Council New Mexico Seed Loan Program, January 9, 2010
“I have worked with Andy since fall 2008 as the New Mexico Procurement contact for my client New Mexico Abilities, the nonprofit organization responsible for administering contracts under the State Use Act. Andy has been responsive in all of our contacts and professional in his actions on behalf of New Mexico. Top qualities: Personable, On Time, High Integrity.” — Jan Matthew Tamanini Attorney, January 10, 2010
“Andy has a wealth of proven leadership and technical knowledge as well as a strong set of interpersonal skills. This is a rare and valuable combination of knowledge and skills. He knows how to work with all types of people; stay focused on goals in the most challenging situations, and has exceptional communication skills. I rank Andy among the top 3% of fund-raising professionals because of his ability to succeed in writing successful proposals. Andy also brings a strong work ethic to the table on all projects. Overall, he is an outstanding professional!” — Kurt Steinhaus Director, Community Programs Office at Los Alamos National Laboratory, January 8, 2010
“The experience Andy has garnered during his many years working for state government will be put to good use in his new role as a consultant. I will certainly consider him for proposal development and grant writing as the need arises.” — Rick Adesso, Executive Director, El Pueblo Family Healthcare, January 8, 2010
“I have worked for Andy Winnegar for over four years. He managed both grants that I was employed for by the State of New Mexico. Mr. Winnegar is always there to give counsel and guidance as we navigated the waters of implementing and running our programs. Mr. Winnegar possesses great knowledge about Federal Grants and their requirements, State procedures and numerous programs throughout the State of New Mexico. He is is great source of knowledge and always willing to answer any questions. Mr. Winnegar would be a great asset to any organization.” — Shannon Roberson, Program Outreach Coordinator, State of New Mexico, January 7, 2010
“I have worked with Andy on multiple engagements since 1994. Andy has exceptional skills as a project manager. He has that right mix of empathy and grit that builds trust and collaboration in the teams he leads. Andy also brings exceptional abilities as a grant writer, a planner, and as a mentor.” — Bob Grassberger, Principal Investigator – AWATT at New Mexico State University International Economic Development Specialist at New Mexico State University Adjunct at University of New Mexico Principal, i-Nexus, January 10, 2010
“Andy is very good at writing proposals, finding coordinating resources, and expediting grant missions and goals. Andy’s strength is his resourcefulness!” — Karen Courtney-Peterson, Deputy Director, State of New Mexico, January 11, 2010