CHERISA L. SMALL
Project/Program Manager
Upper Marlboro,MD
Summary
Talented professional considered knowledgeable leader and dedicated problem solver. Brings 20 years of valuable expertise to forward company objectives. Attentive to detail with experience in coordinating projects, programs and improvements. Dedicated project management professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Program Manager
Nexius Solutions, Inc.
10.2021 - 03.2023
- Collaborated with business leadership to set priorities based on business needs, resource capacity and risk exposure
- Established milestones and objectives based on input from functional areas and stakeholders.
- Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
- Addressed and resolved technical, financial, and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Interacted with customers and clients to identify business needs and requirements.
- Participated in vendor selection and management process for program initiatives.
- Conducted site assessments to verify plan accuracy and feasibility of proposed developments.
- Created comprehensive plans and designs for land use, zoning, buildings, and utility systems.
- Drafted legal documents for real estate transactions.
- Facilitated successful lease negotiations, constructing complex financial rate structures and drafting contract language.
- Researched ownership interests and liens on real estate properties.
- Utilized various online databases and public land records to verify ownership information.
Senior Project Manager
DISH Wireless
Columbia, MD
12.2020 - 10.2021
- Monitored contracts and service level agreements to identify potential risks and implement mitigation actions to protect development process from unforeseen delays and costs.
- Oversaw large portfolio of projects to support teams, report progress, and influence positive outcomes for key stakeholders.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and implemented corrective measures to acquire success.
- Maintained schedules to meet key milestones at every project phase.
- Used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and equipment to produce detailed maps for potential site locations.
- Managed vendor performance to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives.
- Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Directed initiatives to automate vendor data and maintain controls to smooth validation and acceptance processes.
- Assessed vendor services for compliance with company policies.
- Maintained current documentation and submitted timely reports.
Project Manager
Qualtek Wireless
, MNP
06.2018 - 12.2020
- Managed transaction processes between site acquisition department and pre-construction teams.
- Assisted in level-loading project capacity and made proactive decisions around process improvements to development cycle.
- Completed assignments ahead of deadline.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Participated in formal internal design reviews of proposed products and components.
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings to analyze upcoming projects.
- Managed assigned contracts throughout lifecycle, identifying need for and implementing amendments, renewals, terminations and other necessary contractual actions.
- Facilitated successful negotiations, constructing complex financial rate structures and drafting contract language.
- Maintained and applied knowledge of local and state government codes and requirements regarding land use.
- Advised planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness and possible alternatives.
- Conducted site assessments to verify plan accuracy and feasibility of proposed developments.
- Evaluated permits for zoning changes and building projects by closely checking information against approval requirements.
Project Manager
Nexius Solutions, Inc
04.2017 - 06.2018
- Performed duties and provided service in accordance with established operating procedures and company policies.
- Developed and initiated projects, managed costs, and monitored performance.
- Built client relationships by responding to inquiries, identifying and assessing clients' needs, resolving problems, and following up with potential and existing clients.
- Achieved project deadlines by coordinating with contractors to manage performance.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Worked closely with designers and contractors to confirm accuracy of drawings.
- Researched and incorporated current codes and regulations into drawings.
- Consulted with landowners to obtain access rights for equipment modifications and/or ground space expansions.
Project Manager
S&N Communications, Inc
Columbia, MD
05.2016 - 04.2017
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress and technical problems.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
- Obtained building and specialty permits from local jurisdictional agencies.
- Developed and executed pre-construction milestones on project schedule.
- Consulted with architects, customers and vendors regarding project scope and milestone dates.
- Worked closely with designers and contractors to confirm accuracy of drawings.
- Negotiated and administered leasing on behalf of the client.
Education
Associate of Science - Business Management
Penn Foster College
Scranton, PA 03.2014 - 03.2016
Skills
Contracts and negotiationsBudgeting and cost control
Timeline and milestone tracking
Vendor/Contractor managementProcess ImprovementResource allocation
Program leadership
Documentation proficiency
Performance monitoring
Cross-functional team leadership
Partnership development
Notary Public
Database searches
Permit applications and laws
Regulatory Policies
Reading blueprints and drawings
Certification
PgMP - Program Management Professional
Timeline
Program Manager
Nexius Solutions, Inc.
10.2021 - 03.2023
Senior Project Manager
DISH Wireless
12.2020 - 10.2021
Project Manager
Qualtek Wireless
06.2018 - 12.2020
Project Manager
Nexius Solutions, Inc
04.2017 - 06.2018
Project Manager
S&N Communications, Inc
05.2016 - 04.2017
Associate of Science - Business Management
Penn Foster College
03.2014 - 03.2016