Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Catherine McKinley

Hudson

Summary

Proactive and goal-oriented professional photographer with strong understanding of digital photography equipment and techniques. Experienced in capturing compelling images that engage audiences and tell a story. Proficient in using advanced editing software and lighting techniques to enhance image quality and visual appeal. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Proven success in leading projects from start to finish and contributing to organizational growth and success. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects successfully and surpass client expectations through creative vision and technical skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth. Seeking a full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner/Photographer

Catherine McKinley Photography
01.2006 - Current
  • Served a diverse range of industries, including weddings, corporate and non-profit events, commercial shoots and family portraits.
  • Traveled nationally and internationally to photograph weddings
  • Adapted quickly and effectively to rapidly changing environmental situations and event schedules
  • Photographed large and small scale events while directing contracted employees
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
  • Elevated brand awareness with targeted marketing campaigns, leveraging social media and digital platforms.
  • Delivered high-quality images under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong time management skills.
  • Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Collaborated with clients to understand their vision, ensuring the final product met or exceeded expectations.
  • Optimized workflow efficiency by implementing photo editing software tools like Lightroom and Photoshop.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing deadlines and maintaining excellent organization.
  • Continuously improved technical skills by staying updated on industry trends and new equipment.
  • Maintained photography equipment, ensuring gear was in optimal condition for all shoots
  • Implemented backup strategies for photo shoots, ensuring no critical moments were missed due to equipment failure.
  • Developed structured archiving system for photo storage, ensuring easy access and organization of thousands of images.
  • Achieved consistent quality in challenging lighting conditions, utilizing expert knowledge of natural light and artificial lighting equipment and techniques.
  • Networked with other companies to broaden customer base and expand reach

Board Member

Stewart's Caring Place
01.2024 - Current
  • Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
  • Reviewed financial reports, budgets, and audit results to monitor the organization''s fiscal health.
  • Provided guidance and leadership on strategic planning initiatives and organizational development.

Enrollment Representative

Stark State College
08.2022 - Current
  • Advised students individually and in groups on academic programs.
  • Increased graduation rates by closely monitoring student progress through the Destination Degree Program and implementing targeted intervention strategies when necessary.
  • Managed caseloads efficiently while maintaining strong relationships with each advisee through regular communication and checkins.
  • Created a welcoming and inclusive environment where students felt comfortable seeking assistance, fostering trust and open communication.
  • Mentored at-risk students in developing effective study habits, time management skills, and stress reduction techniques, resulting in improved academic performance.
  • Provided support during course selection periods by guiding students through program requirements and aligning their choices with future goals.
  • Advocated for students to access available resources.
  • Educated high-school students on college programs, admissions process and scholarship requirements during high-school recruitment visits and College Fairs.
  • Managed the Destination Degree program intended to increase positive outcomes for at-risk students
  • Oversaw the Talent Ready and Work Ready grants to identify qualified recipients
  • Represented the college at numerous events to promote awareness and drive enrollment
  • Managed a high volume of inbound inquiries from prospective students, providing timely and accurate information on program offerings and admission requirements.
  • Enhanced student enrollment by effectively managing relationships with prospective students and guiding them through the application process.
  • Coordinated with academic departments to ensure availability of classes and resources for incoming students.
  • Developed strong relationships with local high schools, promoting our institution''s programs to graduating seniors seeking post-secondary education opportunities.
  • Conducted informative presentations at various events to attract new students to the institution.
  • Improved retention rates by implementing proactive follow-up strategies with enrolled students throughout their educational journey.
  • Organized campus tours and presentations for prospective students, showcasing campus facilities and highlighting unique program benefits.
  • Designed a comprehensive new student orientation to ensure new students had a better transition to college

Student Gateway Assistant

Stark State College
01.2018 - 08.2022
  • Assisted students with completing College Admission and Financial Aid Applications
  • Safeguarded sensitive information through proper documentation handling, data entry, and record maintenance procedures.
  • Improved organizational culture by planning and executing engaging team-building events.
  • Participated in the Caring Campus Initiative
  • Advised students on policies and procedures
  • Proctored entrance exams
  • Evaluated and processed High-School transcripts
  • Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and a proactive teamwork attitude.
  • Ensured smooth day-to-day operations by managing email correspondence and promptly addressing inquiries.
  • Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
  • Drafted common document templates to reduce time spent creating documents from scratch.
  • Remained solutions-oriented in face of complex problems to assist management and overall business direction.
  • Answered incoming phone calls to process requests, transfer calls, or relay messages to appropriate personnel.

Senior Sales Associate

Coach
01.2015 - 01.2018
  • Effectively adapted communication style to engage a variety of audiences
  • Researched trends to aid in effective selling and styling
  • Represented the brand appropriately at all times by adhering to strict dress code standards
  • Resolved customer concerns and needs in a timely manner through solution oriented and straightforward thinking
  • Engaged in an ongoing process of clientelling to proactively develop lasting relationships, create customer loyalty and drive sales
  • Interpreted daily sales reports
  • Received and processed new shipment ensuring the correct products were received and undamaged
  • Replenished product on the sales floor to maintain store standards
  • Ensured sales floor was kept clean and product was displayed correctly at all times
  • Worked as a team player to ensure the client's experience was seamless and engaging

Sales Associate

Coach
01.2013 - 01.2015
  • Actively engaging, listening and responding appropriately to each individual customer's needs
  • Responsible for enrolling customers in the Ann Taylor Credit Card to meet store goals
  • Replenished product on the sales floor to maintain store standards
  • Ensured sales floor was kept clean and product was displayed correctly at all times
  • Educated client on fashion trends and appropriate styling for their body type or event
  • Fulfilled store orders for online purchased including packaging and shipping
  • Ensured proper pricing of products on the sales floor at all times
  • Consistently engaged in loss prevention behaviors to protect merchandise from theft
  • Worked as a team player to ensure the client's experience was seamless and engaging
  • Worked to ensure each sales transaction aided in an increased ADT

Sales Associate

Ann Taylor
01.2011 - 01.2014
  • Actively engaging, listening and responding appropriately to each individual customer's needs
  • Responsible for enrolling customers in the Ann Taylor Credit Card to meet store goals
  • Replenished product on the sales floor to maintain store standards
  • Ensured sales floor was kept clean and product was displayed correctly at all times
  • Educated client on fashion trends and appropriate styling for their body type or event
  • Fulfilled store orders for online purchased including packaging and shipping
  • Ensured proper pricing of products on the sales floor at all times
  • Consistently engaged in loss prevention behaviors to protect merchandise from theft
  • Worked as a team player to ensure the client's experience was seamless and engaging
  • Worked to ensure each sales transaction aided in an increased ADT

Director of Operations

Serenity Wellness Salons
01.2007 - 01.2009
  • Managed employees and operations of 4 separate facilities
  • Assisted in interviewing and hiring new employees
  • Addressed employee behavioral and performance issues
  • Recorded daily sales to communicate with Summa Hospital facility management
  • Developed and implemented new office and employee procedures
  • Created new branding and logo to better represent the company’s image
  • Successfully doubled sales within 4 months of hire through innovative marketing and advertising campaigns
  • Created and maintained a company newsletter to promote the business to Summa Health Systems
  • Attended trade shows to evaluate new products and find new ways to increase sales
  • Attended meetings with Summa Health Staff to determine the best way to serve their needs
  • Served as a liaison between salon staff and the CEO
  • Served as a liaison between Serenity and Summa
  • Implemented a memorial program to provide free services to Summa Hospice patients and their families

Director of Marketing

Serenity Wellness Salons
01.2007 - 01.2007
  • Managed employees and operations of 4 separate facilities
  • Assisted in interviewing and hiring new employees
  • Addressed employee behavioral and performance issues
  • Recorded daily sales to communicate with Summa Hospital facility management
  • Developed and implemented new office and employee procedures
  • Created new branding and logo to better represent the company’s image
  • Successfully doubled sales within 4 months of hire through innovative marketing and advertising campaigns
  • Created and maintained a company newsletter to promote the business to Summa Health Systems
  • Attended trade shows to evaluate new products and find new ways to increase sales
  • Attended meetings with Summa Health Staff to determine the best way to serve their needs
  • Served as a liaison between salon staff and the CEO
  • Served as a liaison between Serenity and Summa
  • Implemented a memorial program to provide free services to Summa Hospice patients and their families

Mainframe Scheduler

Allstate Insurance
01.1999 - 01.2007
  • Designed and coded efficient mainframe schedules to optimize processing time and system efficiency
  • Monitored critical Mainframe systems to prevent system downtime
  • Created, tested and maintained disaster recovery documentation
  • Created and implemented best practices for the scheduling and operations teams
  • Traveled nationally between data centers in Ohio, Texas, Nebraska and Illinois for training and critical system testing and recovery
  • Assigned and resolved programmer issues or requests through a daily ticketing system
  • Consistently completed more than 50% of the ticket processing on a team of 5
  • Provided 24-hour rotational on-call support to the operations teams and DBAs
  • Escalated issues appropriately and timely to the correct areas of responsibility
  • Completed, managed and implemented projects through a system of Change Management
  • Exhibited knowledge of Unix, ESP, OPS/MVS, DB2
  • Assisted with running and coordinating departmental meetings
  • Served on Employee Council
  • Participated in volunteer activities to help build a playground in Cleveland and clean up a local YMCA in Akron

Board Member

Summit Artspace
09.2022 - Current
  • Served as advocate and ambassador for organization by fully engaging, identifying, and securing resources and partnerships to advance mission.
  • Researched potential local, regional, and national funders and assisted in relationship building.
  • Served as a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility, influencing positive community impact.
  • Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
  • Reviewed financial reports, budgets, and audit results to monitor the organization''s fiscal health.

Operations

Allstate Insurance
01.1999 - 01.1999
  • Designed and coded efficient mainframe schedules to optimize processing time and system efficiency
  • Monitored critical Mainframe systems to prevent system downtime
  • Created, tested and maintained disaster recovery documentation
  • Created and implemented best practices for the scheduling and operations teams
  • Traveled nationally between data centers in Ohio, Texas, Nebraska and Illinois for training and critical system testing and recovery
  • Assigned and resolved programmer issues or requests through a daily ticketing system
  • Consistently completed more than 50% of the ticket processing on a team of 5
  • Provided 24-hour rotational on-call support to the operations teams and DBAs
  • Escalated issues appropriately and timely to the correct areas of responsibility
  • Completed, managed and implemented projects through a system of Change Management
  • Exhibited knowledge of Unix, ESP, OPS/MVS, DB2
  • Assisted with running and coordinating departmental meetings
  • Served on Employee Council
  • Participated in volunteer activities to help build a playground in Cleveland and clean up a local YMCA in Akron

Tape Librarian

Allstate Insurance
01.1998 - 01.1999
  • Designed and coded efficient mainframe schedules to optimize processing time and system efficiency
  • Monitored critical Mainframe systems to prevent system downtime
  • Created, tested and maintained disaster recovery documentation
  • Created and implemented best practices for the scheduling and operations teams
  • Traveled nationally between data centers in Ohio, Texas, Nebraska and Illinois for training and critical system testing and recovery
  • Assigned and resolved programmer issues or requests through a daily ticketing system
  • Consistently completed more than 50% of the ticket processing on a team of 5
  • Provided 24-hour rotational on-call support to the operations teams and DBAs
  • Escalated issues appropriately and timely to the correct areas of responsibility
  • Completed, managed and implemented projects through a system of Change Management
  • Exhibited knowledge of Unix, ESP, OPS/MVS, DB2
  • Assisted with running and coordinating departmental meetings
  • Served on Employee Council
  • Participated in volunteer activities to help build a playground in Cleveland and clean up a local YMCA in Akron

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Business Management

Kent State University
Kent, OH
01.2002

Master of Science - Business Psychology

Franklin University
Columbus, OH
04-2026

Skills

  • Results-driven
  • Effective communication skills
  • Effective organizational skills
  • Analytical problem-solving
  • Effective time management
  • Detail-oriented approach
  • Cross-functional teamwork
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Consistent reliability
  • Flexible problem-solving
  • Proficient in Adobe Photoshop
  • Proficient in Adobe Lightroom
  • Proactive self-starter
  • Organized file structuring
  • Experience in nonprofit organizations
  • Leadership experience
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Team collaboration on boards
  • Team leadership
  • Strategic planning
  • Analytical and critical thinker
  • Strong work ethic

Accomplishments

President of Leadership Akron Diversity on Board Class 7, Voted Akron Beacon Journal's Beacon's Best in Wedding Photography, 2010, The Best of the Knot Award for Wedding Photography in Northeast Ohio, 2013.

Timeline

Board Member

Stewart's Caring Place
01.2024 - Current

Board Member

Summit Artspace
09.2022 - Current

Enrollment Representative

Stark State College
08.2022 - Current

Student Gateway Assistant

Stark State College
01.2018 - 08.2022

Senior Sales Associate

Coach
01.2015 - 01.2018

Sales Associate

Coach
01.2013 - 01.2015

Sales Associate

Ann Taylor
01.2011 - 01.2014

Director of Operations

Serenity Wellness Salons
01.2007 - 01.2009

Director of Marketing

Serenity Wellness Salons
01.2007 - 01.2007

Owner/Photographer

Catherine McKinley Photography
01.2006 - Current

Mainframe Scheduler

Allstate Insurance
01.1999 - 01.2007

Operations

Allstate Insurance
01.1999 - 01.1999

Tape Librarian

Allstate Insurance
01.1998 - 01.1999

Bachelor of Arts - Business Management

Kent State University

Master of Science - Business Psychology

Franklin University