
Professional Information
With a degree in English, who'd have thought I'd end up in business?
The critical thinking and communication skills I learned as a student of language and literature have afforded me keen advantages in the business of negotiation, analysis, and management.
(Thanks Shakespeare!)
Experience
Executive Vice President Wynn & Associates LLC 1998 - present
Played pivotal role in accelerated growth to 58 million in assets, manage all aspects of a 6 million + annual budget. Create and manage day to day operations for 14 diverse businesses located throughout the United States.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT - Pilot rapid change, conceptualize and launch new products and procedures to increase revenues and fit evolving business direction, responsible for marketing, development, financial oversight, operations, allocating resources and product placement across all sectors. Identify & analyze opportunities to purchase business assets, create emerging products, and develop new markets.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT - Direct million dollar + business re-development projects to include business start-up, commercial real estate development, and construction of infrastructure assets, lead multi-team projects in multiple locations with oversight of over 500K sq. ft. of commercial & industrial real estate. Manage ongoing maintenance and improvements of/for complex mechanicals, technology, and business systems.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - Develop & implement 6mil + annual budget, manage all accounting (AR & AP, loan administration, P&L) functions for multiple businesses, design systems and procedures streamline financial operations resulting in a 30% decrease in controllable expenses with an ongoing goal of -.2% variance annually.
TECH & DATA MANAGEMENT - Implement Strategy for BI data delivery and reporting platforms to drive growth and business improvement, facilitate communication, sell product/services, and improve accountability. Create workflow and process around use of technologies for sales, inventory management, human resource management, & creating new business segments. Manage networks, websites, and security.
MARKETING & SALES MANAGEMENT - Direct multi-level marketing campaigns, managing all aspects of complex branding initiatives to include oversight of online presence, social media presence, community outreach, and financial donor/ partner development. Develop and manage sales staff, exceeding sales goals and revenue projections.
PEOPLE & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Hire, train, develop, and coach a diverse professional staff at numerous locations, provide leadership and vision to retain good employees on a limited budget with ever changing challenges and job requirements. Write, produce, and present all programs and materials related to HR, change management, and process management. Manage payroll, commissions, group health and other benefits.
COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT - Oversee preparation of financial documents, taxes, governmental compliance, and risk assessment. Manage complex insurance program, tax reporting, manage city, state, & federal permits & licenses, and obtain certifications.
President | L. Karno & Company | 1996-1998
National wholesaler, sales and distribution of children’s clothing and accessories, shoe findings, and leather accessories.
Commanded all operations; finance, purchasing, marketing/sales, product development, production, and deliverables.
Account Executive for high profile accounts including Kmart, & Carson Pirie Scott. Orchestrated purchasing and distribution of over 7K inventory items, innovated new marketing strategies and product lines to keep pace with customer needs. Successfully guided organization through major transition from manual to computerized operations, spearheaded adoption of emerging technologies in marketing (internet), increasing sales and efficiency by over 35%.
Marketing Director | Glavin Security Specialists | 1996
Chicago’s largest provider of security hardware, security solutions, and related services.
Spearheaded marketing and retail for multiple locations. Established product lines, created layered/integrated marketing campaigns, and initiated sales goals for the company. Collaborated with hardware specialists and industrial suppliers to develop solutions for major clients such as Chicago Public Schools, Fermilab, Northwestern Hospitals, etc. Personally managed high profile accounts and cultivated relationships with C-Level Executives and decision makers. Served as company representative and team leader for all marketing functions, trade shows, events, and community relations. Delivered operational improvements to better meet customer needs and expand market share.
Store Team Leader | Target Stores, Inc. | 1990-1996
Second largest national retailer, general merchandise.
Store Executive role as team leader for all POS, cash, food-service and customer care operations. Directed several successful new store openings in Chicago area which entailed managing the process from construction phase, to hiring and training new team members, merchandising, setting up operations, and events and promotions related to “grand opening”. Commanded all store functions with an emphasis on “front end” operations, cash accountability, asset protection, and policy and procedure compliance. Garnered extensive experience in retail merchandising and inventory control. Achieved certification in numerous management training programs leading to rapid promotion.
Education
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis,MN 1989
-Bachelor’s Degree in English Language/Literature, Minor in Spanish
Affiliations
West Town Chamber - Board President
Women in Planning and Development - Member
Chicago Arts & Business Council - Volunteer Business Consultant
Allamakee County Economic & Tourism - Member
Languages
SPANISH
FRENCH (still learning)
ENTREPRENUER
Core Competencies
LEADERSHIP
DECISIVENESS
CREATIVITY
PROBLEM SOLVING
STRATEGIC THINKING
ADAPTABILITY
INTEGRITY
Skills
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
INFLUENCING/ NEGOTIATION
EXECUTION
COMMUNICATION
NEW TECHNOLOGY
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
CHANGE MANAGEMENT
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
2010 - present
2010 - present