CHELSEA CUFARO
Chicago,IL
Summary
Strategic Executive Business Partner with 8+ years of experience enhancing executive effectiveness and driving operational alignment in high-growth technology start-ups. Expertise in managing complex global operations and streamlining cross-functional workflows. Supports leadership teams in prioritizing strategic initiatives and maximizing impact. Open to relocation.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Business Partner
Block
Chicago, IL
10.2022 - Current
- Serve as strategic partner to 4+ senior Product and Design executives, optimizing priorities and enabling effective leadership across 150+ team members
- Coordinate complex scheduling across 8+ time zones and global stakeholders, supporting seamless execution of executive priorities
- Serve as central operational hub connecting Executive Leadership team with 10+ cross-functional teams, and 8 external agency partners
- Lead planning and execution of 10+ leadership offsites and organizational events annually, supporting teams of 50–150 participants
- Managed highly confidential communications between HRBPs and Executive Leadership Team, supporting the orchestration of 3 company RIFs of over 200+ individuals
Executive Assistant & Onboarding Coordinator
Flexport
Chicago, IL
09.2020 - 10.2022
- Provided operational and strategic support to Chief of Engineering, Chief of Product, and Chief of Staff, enabling leadership of 300+ team members and optimizing executive focus on strategic initiatives
- Streamlined onboarding operations for 75+ new hires annually, coaching employees and resolving blockers to improve ramp readiness and onboarding effectiveness
- Drove cross-functional process improvements across 4+ core business units, improving operational alignment and executive decision-making
- Owned and managed both the Engineering and Product Monthly All Hands presentations, project managing 9+ leaders to provide contributions
Executive Assistant
G2
Chicago, IL
06.2019 - 07.2020
- Provided comprehensive executive support to Chief Research Officer and VP of Research, enabling leadership of a 70+ person research organization
- Supported executive leadership by preparing communications and materials for senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- Spearheaded planning and execution of 5+ team events annually for a 70+ person organization, improving team engagement and cross-functional collaboration
Project Coordinator & Executive Assistant
Uptake
Chicago, IL
06.2017 - 05.2019
- Created a framework to improve the efficiency of Senior Leadership by streamlining communication across departments and provided real-time feedback, leading to a 30% reduction in all-staff meetings
- Developed and planned 20+ health and fitness events as wellbeing delegate for Uptake's Wellness Program, enhancing employee engagement and wellness
- Recruited and mentored 5+ individuals to champion Uptake's vision as Cultural Ambassadors
Contract Assistant (Groupon, Leo Burnett, LGC)
City Staffing
Chicago, IL
11.2016 - 05.2017
- Managed buyer partnerships and real-time e-commerce databases including Salesforce and Tableau; directed communications with over 75 vendors in a fast-paced, dynamic environment (Groupon)
- Coordinated logistics and scheduling for CEO, managed phone communications, and maintained Salesforce database for streamlined operations
- Executed time-management operations, planned travel and logistics, and processed detailed expense reports for 30 EVPs, SVPs, and VPs
Program Manager
Tarsus Group/A4M & MMI
Boca Raton, FL
02.2016 - 09.2016
- Oversaw planning, production, and execution of 15+ national events, enhancing engagement for 600+ exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees
- Directed project deadlines and advanced progress of 15 global team members through regular status meetings
- Conducted research and analyzed post-event evaluations to refine operations and increase participation in future events
Club Lounge Concierge
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Atlanta, GA
09.2014 - 02.2015
- Earned 8 recognitions for delivering exceptional 5-star service in hotel operations, communication, and accommodations
- Implemented a personalized approach for the guests' experience that increased sales and returns by 21% over the course of 6 months
- Proactively addressed issues by improving processes and ensuring attention to guests' needs
English Language Instructor
BEDA Program
Madrid, Murcia, Spain
09.2012 - 06.2014
- Facilitated interactive classroom activities to increase student engagement and foster collaborative learning for over 250+ individuals across ages 7-14
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments and provided constructive feedback to guide improvement
- Collaborated with 15+ instructors to develop curriculum that meets educational standards and enhances instructional effectiveness
Education
BA - Spanish and Psychology
The University of Georgia
Athens, GA12.2010
Skills
- Executive Partnership & Strategic Support
- Exceptional Communication Skills
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Global Calendar & Priority Management
- Project Management
- Operational Process Improvement
- Outstanding Interpersonal Skills
- Event Planning & Coordination
Tools & Certifications
- Google Suite
- Figma
- Slack
- Asana
- Zoom
- Workday
- Greenhouse
- Certified yoga instructor
- Mindfulness instructor
- Corporate wellness ambassador
Languages
- English
- Spanish (professional working proficiency)
Timeline
Executive Business Partner
Block
10.2022 - Current
Executive Assistant & Onboarding Coordinator
Flexport
09.2020 - 10.2022
Executive Assistant
G2
06.2019 - 07.2020
Project Coordinator & Executive Assistant
Uptake
06.2017 - 05.2019
Contract Assistant (Groupon, Leo Burnett, LGC)
City Staffing
11.2016 - 05.2017
Program Manager
Tarsus Group/A4M & MMI
02.2016 - 09.2016
Club Lounge Concierge
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
09.2014 - 02.2015
English Language Instructor
BEDA Program
09.2012 - 06.2014
BA - Spanish and Psychology
The University of Georgia