Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Frontier/ Verizon Acquisition
Timeline
Generic

Audra Cotton

Minneapolis,MN

Summary

Dynamic Senior Project Specialist at Frontier Communications with a proven track record in project management and process improvement. Expert in conflict resolution and team collaboration, successfully leading multiple projects to completion on time and within budget. Recognized for enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a culture of mentorship and continuous improvement.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Project Specialist

Frontier Communications
Burnsville, MN
03.2020 - 03.2025
  • Utilized problem-solving techniques to resolve complex issues encountered during the course of a project lifecycle.
  • Implemented effective strategies to mitigate risks associated with projects.
  • Facilitated communication between internal staff and external stakeholders regarding changes or updates related to assigned tasks.
  • Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
  • Verified work compliance with applicable regulations, codes and specifications.
  • Analyzed data collected from various sources in order to measure the effectiveness of projects against established objectives.
  • Identified opportunities for process improvements throughout the duration of each project cycle.
  • Developed and updated project plans to document objectives, technologies, schedules, and funding.
  • Assigned tasks to appropriate personnel based on skillset, availability and workloads.
  • Maintained detailed records of all aspects of assigned projects including budgets, timelines, deliverables.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies, procedures and standards related to quality assurance and safety regulations.
  • Developed detailed project plans and timelines, monitored progress and adjusted schedules as needed.
  • Collaborated with other departments to ensure alignment between organizational goals and projects being undertaken.
  • Provided guidance and mentorship for junior level team members working on assigned projects.
  • Provided leadership to ensure successful completion of projects on time and within budget.
  • Conferred with project personnel to identify and resolve problems.
  • Reviewed completed work products prior to submission in order ensure accuracy according to established standards.
  • Coordinated activities among various teams, stakeholders, vendors and other partners to ensure timely delivery of all project components.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high levels of accuracy in all work products.
  • Documented processes related to specific tasks in order to improve efficiency across teams.
  • Identified project needs by reviewing project objectives and schedules.
  • Developed product specifications, negotiated contracts and managed timelines.
  • Resolved any conflicts that arose during the course of a project.
  • Created project status presentations for delivery to customers or project personnel.
  • Conducted regular status meetings with project team members to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and technologies.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
  • Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.

Enterprise Sales Development Representative

Frontier Communications
Burnsville, MN
02.2013 - 03.2020
  • Maintained a high level of customer satisfaction by providing timely response to inquiries.
  • Conferred with management to offer feedback on operations and promotions based on customer preferences and purchasing habits.
  • Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
  • Listened to customer needs to identify and recommend best products and services.
  • Greeted and assisted customers to foster positive experiences.
  • Identified upsell opportunities within existing customers base and worked with Account Executives to close deals.
  • Provided feedback on product features and functionality based on customer interactions.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.

Business Development Support Representative

Frontier Communications
Burnsville, MN
02.2007 - 03.2013
  • Maintained records of customer communications, including emails, phone calls and other correspondence.
  • Addressed customer questions and concerns regarding products and services.
  • Made recommendations to customers to promote brand effectiveness and product benefits.
  • Provided insights and recommendations for improving internal processes and increasing operational efficiency.
  • Evaluated and identified customer needs, preferences and requirements.
  • Provided accurate and detailed quotes for customers to maintain customer satisfaction.
  • Resolved customer issues and offered continual support throughout sales, delivery and processes.
  • Responded promptly to customer inquiries through email or telephone while ensuring satisfaction throughout all communication exchanges.
  • Assisted in the creation of business development policies, processes, and standards.
  • Performed data entry tasks accurately and efficiently within established timelines.

Residential Sales and Support

Frontier Communications
Burnsville, MN
01.1996 - 02.2007
  • Conducted system analysis and testing to identify and resolve technical issues or inefficiencies.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Accounting

Dakota County Technical College
Rosemount, MN

Some College (No Degree) - Business

Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN

Skills

  • Project management
  • Process improvement
  • Team collaboration
  • Task delegation
  • Conflict resolution
  • Leadership
  • Mentorship
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Professional demeanor
  • Resource coordination
  • Change management
  • Multitasking
  • Phone and email etiquette
  • Effective communication
  • Kickoff meetings
  • Meeting facilitation
  • Active listening
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • Analytical thinking
  • Self motivation
  • Idea development and brainstorming
  • Organizational skills
  • Adaptability
  • Customer service
  • Team building
  • Teamwork
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Agile methodologies
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Communication

Frontier/ Verizon Acquisition

  • I was involved in the entire process when Frontier acquired certain Verizon territories from 2015 thru 2016
  • June 2015 thru January 2016 I traveled to Dallas, TX to create test orders an test the orders I created.
  • May 2016 thru September 2016 traveled to Los Angeles, CA to train the former Verizon Enterprise Business reps on Frontiers software, Circuit and Business orders

Timeline

Senior Project Specialist

Frontier Communications
03.2020 - 03.2025

Enterprise Sales Development Representative

Frontier Communications
02.2013 - 03.2020

Business Development Support Representative

Frontier Communications
02.2007 - 03.2013

Residential Sales and Support

Frontier Communications
01.1996 - 02.2007

Some College (No Degree) - Accounting

Dakota County Technical College

Some College (No Degree) - Business

Metropolitan State University
Audra Cotton