April Chastain
Plano,TX
Summary
Results-driven professional with expertise in presentation, analysis, and problem-solving. Proven ability to enhance customer satisfaction through proactive issue resolution and strong organizational skills. Highly adaptable and motivated, with a track record of quickly mastering new skills and working effectively in independent settings.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Domestic Events Manager
NickV Ministries
Plano, TX
05.2022 - Current
- Direct and coordinate NVM USA Outreach digital and in-person events for evangelist Nick Vujicic.
- Domestic events reached 85K people in-person and 12.6M online from 2022-2025.
- Build and nurture relationships with staff, volunteers, clients, and vendors.
- Create Standard Operating Procedures for event protocols, volunteers and programs.
- Maintain ministry-wide metrics, travel and budget analysis.
- Develop Strategic initiatives for future growth opportunities and financial stewardship.
Operations & Events Manager
The Hope Center
Plano, TX
05.2017 - 04.2022
- Assistant Property Manager responsible for maintaining the 185,000 sqft facility and 60+ tenants.
- Managed day-to-day operations, Accounts Payable, Vendor Relations, Tenant Relations, Guest Services and onsite Catering Staff.
- Provided training and collaborative opportunities to onsite tenant event managers.
- Maintained multiple event spaces and generated revenue through external non-tenant events.
Sourcing Manager
JCPenney
Plano, TX
04.2014 - 04.2017
- Managed $53M business in Mens Casual Apparel.
- Achieved a competitive bidding environment within a narrow supplier matrix.
- Managed the day-to-day tactical and long-term strategic activities within the business.
- Continued to drive sales by developing business strategies that support moving nominated fabrics closer to needle, supplier technological investments, leveraging duty free production, cost negotiation, reduced lead-times, product re engineering with Design and Supplier partners.
Product Development Manager
JCPenney
Plano, TX
04.2013 - 04.2014
- Managed Product Development for Private Brand Hard Window and Sheets to provide top quality products at an affordable cost.
- Researched market trends and competitive analysis of like items, identified white space.
- Actively suggested operational improvements to enhance quality, improve production times and reduce costs.
- Facilitated development meetings and timelines across Design, Sourcing and the Merchant teams in order to achieve specific floor set dates.
Project Manager
JCPenney
Plano, TX
07.2007 - 04.2013
- Contributed to the implementation of Cycle Time Reduction to position JCP as an industry leader in Speed to Market.
- Coached and trained over 500 cross-divisional team members on multiple development processes.
- Created, maintained and communicated time and action calendars to all divisions company-wide.
- Successfully led key projects which resulted in reduced lead-times, better efficiencies and lower overall costs.
- Planned and executed team building events for 30-100 team members.
Purchasing Manager
Probity Electronics
Plano, TX
09.2001 - 07.2007
- Utilized SAP and MS Office to manage customer RFQ system, Production Planning, PO system, Inventory analysis and monitor Supplier Performance.
- Trained team members on process improvement and new systems.
- Worked with key team members to achieve ISO 9000 certification and internal audit reviews.
Buyer/Planner II
ADC Telecommunications
Richardson, TX
07.2000 - 07.2001
- Sourced, procured and managed MRO, R&D and Facilities inventory.
- Negotiated software licenses and capital equipment to support customers' needs.
- Assisted in office closure following telecom industry crash.
Country Planner
Fossil
Richardson, TX
10.1999 - 07.2000
- Analyzed market trends, maintained Open to Buy and managed inventory for the Asia-Pacific region.
Senior Assistant Buyer
Sally Beauty Company
Denton, TX
07.1997 - 10.1999
- Sourced new vendors for purchasing needs.
- Determined recurring business needs and maintained necessary inventory levels.
- Organized marketing layouts to maximize sales.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of North Texas
Denton, TXSkills
- Problem solving
- Data analysis
- Critical thinking
- Operations oversight
- Project management
- Budget management
- Strategic initiatives
- Effective communication
- DiSC assessment: iS
- CliftonStrengths assessment: Developer, Positivity, Empathy, Belief, Individualization
Training
- Textile Academy 1
- Garment Processing
- Business Presentation Skills
- Dealing with Difficult People
- Time Management
- Excel - Intermediate
- Retail Math
- Conflict Resolution
Timeline
Domestic Events Manager
NickV Ministries
05.2022 - Current
Operations & Events Manager
The Hope Center
05.2017 - 04.2022
Sourcing Manager
JCPenney
04.2014 - 04.2017
Product Development Manager
JCPenney
04.2013 - 04.2014
Project Manager
JCPenney
07.2007 - 04.2013
Purchasing Manager
Probity Electronics
09.2001 - 07.2007
Buyer/Planner II
ADC Telecommunications
07.2000 - 07.2001
Country Planner
Fossil
10.1999 - 07.2000
Senior Assistant Buyer
Sally Beauty Company
07.1997 - 10.1999
Bachelor of Arts -
University of North Texas