DETAILED SKILL BREAKDOWN
Crisis Preparedness & Emergency Leadership
IPERS, Iowa Department of Education, Children & Families of Iowa

• Crisis Planning & Mitigation: Served as safety lead, developed and implemented crisis response plans to protect staff, trained teams on protocols for emergencies; Analyzed facility operational risks and deployed corrective measures (e.g., evacuation routes, communication trees), reducing vulnerabilities

• Emergency Response & Adaptability: Led teams during critical incidents; Directed transparent, calm communication with staff, executives, and external partners during crises

• Training & Compliance: Developed and facilitated crisis response trainings for employees, covering incident reporting, threat assessment, and trauma-informed supports

Financial Management
IPERS, Iowa Department of Education, Children & Families of Iowa, Saint Mary’s College, Intercultural Life, Upward Bound

• Oversaw Financial Operations: Monitored large budgets (up to $24 million) and managed financial activities to align with organizational goals, analyzed financial statements and reports to identify trends and make informed decisions

• Managed Operational Funds: Handled budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation to optimize fund utilization, maximize efficiency, and achieve financial objectives

• Developed Strategic Financial Governance: Created and implemented financial strategies to support long-term organizational stability, collaborated with cross-functional teams to align financial policies with overall business goals

• Conducted Internal Audits: Ensured compliance with financial regulations and standards through proficient internal audits. Identified discrepancies and implemented corrective actions to maintain financial integrity.

• Ensured Regulatory Compliance: Maintained knowledge of state and federal financial regulations and compliance requirements. Ensured organizational adherence to regulatory standards to avoid legal and financial penalties.

Organizational Leadership & Workforce Development
Iowa Department of Education, Children & Families of Iowa, Saint Mary’s College, AmeriCorps, Intercultural Life, Upward Bound

• Team Leadership & Performance Management: Directed high-performing teams of up to 20 employees, conducting weekly coaching sessions and growth-focused evaluations, and aligned individual goals with organizational mission; Implemented role-based workflows and segregation of duties to maximize efficiency, ensuring clear accountability in operations

• Talent Development & Training: Designed and delivered scalable training programs (in-person, virtual, asynchronous) for groups up to 125+ participants, enhancing skills in policy compliance, stakeholder engagement, and operational best practices—directly transferable to city staff development; Launched statewide initiative, partnering with AEA Online Learning to create asynchronous training modules, expanding access for 6,000+ constituents; Measured impact rigorously through surveys, focus groups, and pre/post-assessments to refine programs

• Onboarding & Culture Building: Developed comprehensive onboarding programs for staff, volunteers, and subgrantees, reducing ramp-up time and fostering interdepartmental collaboration; Mentored emerging leaders through individualized development plans, preparing them for promotions/internal mobility—aligns with succession planning needs in local government.

Project & Program Leadership
IPERS, Iowa Department of Education, Children & Families of Iowa, Saint Mary’s College, Intercultural Life, Upward Bound

• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Led interdepartmental initiatives to develop and deploy resources (e.g., training programs, community materials) serving up to 400,000 constituents, aligning priorities with organizational and public-sector objectives

• Large-Scale Program Execution: Managed simultaneous projects (community events, professional development, conferences) for groups of 10–600+, ensuring on-time delivery, compliance, and fiscal accountability

• Stakeholder Engagement & Transparency: Fostered trust through clear communication with diverse stakeholders (residents, staff, agencies), integrating feedback to refine programs and ensure equitable service delivery

• Performance Tracking & Reporting: Monitored project timelines, risks, and deliverables using data-driven tools, providing detailed progress reports to leadership and adjusting strategies to meet dynamic needs

• Technology-Driven Outreach: Optimized digital platforms (e.g., social media, LMS) to expand program reach and engagement, enhancing accessibility for underserved populations

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
IPERS, Iowa Department of Education, Children & Families of Iowa, Saint Mary’s College

• Public-Sector Communication: Delivered clear, audience-tailored messaging (presentations, keynotes, and training) to groups of 10–600+, including elected officials, community leaders, and cross-departmental teams, ensuring alignment with municipal priorities and transparency in decision-making

• Interagency Collaboration: Forged partnerships with state agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions to design and implement inclusive programs; Negotiated and managed contracts/MOUs with vendors and partners, ensuring compliance and accountability

• Policy Influence & Governance: Served on strategic planning committees, leveraging data to assess organizational culture and drive improvements; Advised leadership on policy adjustments, ensuring initiatives aligned with long-term goals, budgets, and community needs

• Data-Informed Public Administration: Analyzed organizational performance metrics and industry trends to provide actionable insights for strategic planning. Translated complex data into digestible reports for stakeholders, supporting evidence-based resource allocation