Ms. Ward is the President and founder of Dovetail Business Advisors  She is an accomplished entrepreneur and businesswoman with 30 years experience in corporate management, mergers and acquisitions and non-profit fundraising. 

Prior to founding Dovetail Business Advisors, Ms. Ward began her career at Hallmark Cards, Inc. in the areas of graphic arts, printing, manufacturing, quality control, procurement, marketing and merchandising. At Hallmark, she developed and implemented a key supplier program; was responsible for negotiating contracts resulting in $7 million in annual savings for the company; facilitated and implemented a strategic plan that resulted in $5 million annual savings in the Merchandising Division and was awarded Hallmark's prestigious Minority Supplier Partnership Award in recognition of her efforts to develop and grow the Minority Supplier Program. 

After a successful 16 year career at Hallmark Cards, Inc., Ms. Ward spent 7 years in leadership roles for several non-profit organizations.  In 2002, Ms. Ward joined a nationwide mergers & acquisitions firm as a Managing Director.  She represented sellers of privately-owned middle market companies and corporate, private equity or entrepreneurial buyers throughout the United States.  

Ms. Ward's value-added services have included strategic and tactical planning, management development, facilitation, project management, business process analysis and implementation, cost containment programs, new product development, business valuations and mergers and acquisitions.  This experience has given Ms. Ward a practical, insider's understanding of many industries and many different types of companies, both large and small.

Ms. Ward's corporate, entrepreneurial and mergers and acquisitions experience provides her with the experience needed to help prepare business owners for a successful transition.  She knows what factors create value so that the business is ready to go to market.  She and the Dovetail team always strive to create a win-win for everyone.

Ms. Ward earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Rochester Institute of Technology Degree, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.  She is a Certified Business Intermediary, a Certified Business Coach, a Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser, a Licensed Real Estate Broker-Officer and has earned a number of assessment certifications.