Amanda Kennedy Newell
Chapin,SC
Summary
Project management leader with a proven ability to drive strategic initiatives and enhance execution strategies. Delivered 62 MWh of energy systems while significantly improving forecasting accuracy. Expertise in risk mitigation and team development, ensuring compliance and stakeholder confidence through data-driven decisions. Strong background in overseeing complex projects, with demonstrated skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and budget control.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Project Management
Calibrant Energy
Chapin, SC
10.2024 - Current
- Led strategic direction for project management function, supervising national team of Senior Project Managers.
- Directed cross-functional teams to deliver 62 MWh of distributed energy systems, ensuring client alignment and regulatory compliance.
- Currently developing a 200+ MWh portfolio, optimizing execution strategies across various U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions.
- Designed and implemented standardized PM framework, enhancing forecasting accuracy and sales conversion rates.
- Instituted phase-gate controls and risk mitigation strategies, boosting project predictability and stakeholder confidence.
- Championed cultural shift towards data-driven performance metrics and continuous process improvement.
Senior Project Manager
Enel X North America
Chapin, SC
05.2021 - 10.2024
- Directed high-impact renewable energy projects from conception through commissioning, ensuring technical integrity, financial performance, and regulatory compliance.
- Delivered a flagship 1.1 MW battery and 7.1 MW solar microgrid in Puerto Rico, enhancing grid reliability and cutting energy costs for the client.
- Managed 15+ MW of battery storage installations in Canada, consistently meeting performance KPIs, and delivery milestones.
- Developed and scaled Utility Bill Management (UBM) processes across Europe, South America, North America, Australia, and Asia, enhancing team productivity and service quality.
Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives
Office of the State Auditor
Columbia, SC
09.2017 - 05.2021
- Directed enterprise-wide efficiency programs and audits for statewide infrastructure and operational units. Led Lean Six Sigma training and drove systemic process changes across government agencies.
- Reduced time-to-contract for professional services by 39%, accelerating project timelines across the state.
- Optimized equipment procurement and hiring workflows, significantly reducing delays and vacancy rates.
- Built a framework for strategic reviews that influenced policy and funding decisions at the state level.
Director of Operations & Quality Assurance
SC Department of Administration, Continuum of Care
Columbia, SC
03.2015 - 09.2017
- Oversaw daily operations and compliance for a multi-disciplinary agency. Coordinated cross-agency initiatives to improve statewide child welfare services.
- Improved Medicaid billing accuracy by 10% through staff development and workflow automation.
- Served as a strategic liaison across public and private entities, shaping service delivery for vulnerable populations.
Project Manager
SC Dept. of Health and Human Services
04.2012 - 03.2015
Assistant Director of Quality Assurance
Wildwood Programs
Latham, NY
11.2007 - 12.2011
Education
M.S. - Professional Studies
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY05-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Media
State University of New York At New Paltz
New Paltz, NYSkills
- Project portfolio management
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Strategic planning and execution
- Agile methodologies
- Waterfall project management
- Hybrid delivery approaches
- Team development and coaching
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Regulatory compliance
- Lean Six Sigma principles
- Process improvement techniques
- Executive stakeholder engagement
- Salesforce proficiency
- Power BI analytics
- Site Tracker
- MS Project expertise
- Smartsheet utilization
- Procore knowledge
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI, 11/15/19 - 11/15/25
- Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB), ASQ, 01/11/19 - 6/30/2028
- COBIT 2019 Foundations, ISACA, 01/01/20
- Certified Public Manager, State of South Carolina, 01/01/18
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Project Management
Calibrant Energy
10.2024 - Current
Senior Project Manager
Enel X North America
05.2021 - 10.2024
Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives
Office of the State Auditor
09.2017 - 05.2021
Director of Operations & Quality Assurance
SC Department of Administration, Continuum of Care
03.2015 - 09.2017
Project Manager
SC Dept. of Health and Human Services
04.2012 - 03.2015
Assistant Director of Quality Assurance
Wildwood Programs
11.2007 - 12.2011
M.S. - Professional Studies
Rochester Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Media
State University of New York At New Paltz
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