CARA R. ELANDER
Hugo,MN
Summary
Dynamic safety management professional with extensive experience at Metro Transit, excelling in regulatory compliance and risk analysis. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and developing strategic safety programs, enhancing operational efficiency and safety culture. Adept at stakeholder negotiation and data-driven decision-making, ensuring robust safety protocols across diverse operations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Manager, Safety Management Systems
Metro Transit
Minneapolis, Minnesota
01.2025 - Current
- Manage Metro Transit Safety Management System (SMS) programs to enhance operational compliance.
- Oversee Risk Analysis and Accident/Injury Reduction Programs within Safety Management Systems.
- Direct development and implementation of safety training programs for annual compliance.
- Chair safety committees and manage labor union relationships to promote safety culture.
- Ensure regulatory compliance for all programs associated with Safety Management Systems (Bus and Rail).
- Collaborate with department leadership and front-line employees to ensure SMS program understanding.
- Serve as subject matter expert on safety programs, regulations, and change management based on data analysis.
DIRECTOR SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
4mativ Technologies
05.2021 - 01.2025
- Directed Operations Team in daily operations for 30 charter schools across the nation.
- Led development and oversight of annual transportation budget exceeding $5 million for Minneapolis accounts.
- Established robust vendor relationships to ensure safe operations and compliance with state regulations.
- Onboarded new vendors and finalized contracts, balancing interests of school and 4Mativ.
- Served as strategic partner in development of SASS platform to enhance operational capabilities.
- Maintained customer relationships with schools and vendors to reinforce trust in 4Mativ's services.
- Created metrics to monitor routing projects across four regions while adhering to budget constraints.
- Designed and implemented transportation programs for 13 charter schools in Minneapolis.
MANAGER OF SAFETY, ASAP
Endeavor Air
Minneapolis
01.2016 - 10.2020
- Oversaw Aviation Safety Action Program and Fatigue Risk Management Program, providing monthly training recommendations.
- Negotiated with stakeholders, FAA, and management to strengthen safety protocols.
- Managed safety programs across Flight Operations, Inflight, Tech Ops, and Dispatch.
- Assisted with FAA regulatory compliance, including voluntary disclosure reporting.
- Reviewed safety reports and KPIs to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
- Collected and evaluated safety data from SMS programs for ongoing improvement.
CURRICULUM DEVELOPER
Endeavor Air
Minneapolis
07.2013 - 01.2016
- Developed and deployed the training of procedures used by the Flight Operations Department, ensuring that they were current and coordinated with other departments, Company policy and FAA regulatory requirements
- Improved efficiency by developing tracking documentation to proactively meet deadlines and successfully deployed training material to appropriate departments
- Ensured that training programs maintained currency and consistency with company and regulatory standards in operational process and procedures
- Coordinated with Safety/Security Department for incorporation of appropriate curriculum changes under the direction of the Manager of Flight Operations Ground Training.
SENIOR CREW PAY ANALYST
Endeavor Air
Minneapolis
04.2013 - 07.2013
- Established and maintained positive working relations with Crew Members while ensuring adherence to joint collective bargaining agreement for accurate and timely pay
- Developed and ensured effective, consistent, and proper application of Crew Pay processes and procedures
- Active participant in the Transition to Delta HR and pay system project
- Conducted base visits and New Hire briefs to aid crew members in understanding Rainmaker pay system
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
Signature Flight Support
Minneapolis
11.2005 - 10.2006
- Developed and maintained positive relations with new and based customers through marketing Signature's MSP Fixed Base Operator services
- Interviewed, hired, trained, and scheduled customer service staff; provided feedback regarding performance
- Directed and coordinated customer service events with Government officials and Professional Sports Teams
AIRCREW TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
Northwest Airlines
Minneapolis
08.2004 - 11.2005
- Monitored student progress through direct observation and critique; mentored new ATI's emphasizing safety as the objective though proper training and qualification
- Coordinated meetings and produced Flight Operations Manual language documentation for Least Risk Bomb Location Procedures working group
- Created classroom and distance learning material for currency and accuracy through Power Point and Flash
- Participated as a line operations observer domestically and internationally
- Converted Recurrent Training Ground School (RTGS) curriculum to Distance Learning (online)
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Technology, Professional Pilot, Organizational Communications
Metropolitan University of Denver
Denver, Colorado01.2002
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Arizona State University
AZSome College (No Degree) -
Valencia Community College
Orlando, FLSkills
- Team leadership and staff development
- Project management and operations
- Budgeting and finance
- Strategic planning and risk analysis
- Regulatory compliance and safety management
- Data analysis and decision-making
- Stakeholder negotiation and task delegation
- Cross-functional team management
Certification
Airplane Single Engine Land
Affiliations
Met Culture Ambassador
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Manager, Safety Management Systems
Metro Transit
01.2025 - Current
DIRECTOR SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
4mativ Technologies
05.2021 - 01.2025
MANAGER OF SAFETY, ASAP
Endeavor Air
01.2016 - 10.2020
CURRICULUM DEVELOPER
Endeavor Air
07.2013 - 01.2016
SENIOR CREW PAY ANALYST
Endeavor Air
04.2013 - 07.2013
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
Signature Flight Support
11.2005 - 10.2006
AIRCREW TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
Northwest Airlines
08.2004 - 11.2005
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Technology, Professional Pilot, Organizational Communications
Metropolitan University of Denver
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Arizona State University
Some College (No Degree) -
Valencia Community College