Operations and strategy leader with 20+ years of experience turning ambiguous challenges into operating decisions and measurable outcomes. Builds practical approaches without existing playbooks and aligns cross-functional specialists to execution. Leads implementation and adoption through hands-on involvement across resource-constrained and complex matrix environments.
Work History
Director, Business Planning & Performance Mgmt.
2 Years 10 Months
American Red Cross | Washington, D.C. | 01.2024 - Current
Enterprise strategy and organizational effectiveness leader advising senior executives and leading cross-functional work spanning performance management, organizational design, strategic planning, and governance. Scope expanded in year two to include Business Intelligence & Analytics, reflecting increased responsibility for enterprise performance intelligence and decision support.
Lead enterprise annual planning across six business units, translating strategic priorities into measurable commitments and creating greater alignment between enterprise direction and business-unit performance.
Broke a four-year executive impasse on incentive strategy by reframing the issue through rigorous analysis and decision-focused recommendations, enabling senior executives to align on and implement a revised payout approach.
Lead transformation of executive and management performance intelligence, redesigning dashboards and performance routines to shift leadership discussions from retrospective reporting toward actionable insights, performance intervention, and decision-making.
Led a multi-pronged organizational assessment following a complex territory merger, using stakeholder interviews, focus groups, process analysis and performance data to identify root causes across six business and functional areas; translated findings into organizational design, governance, change management and implementation solutions that reduced issues in subsequent realignments.
Diagnosed systemic drivers of span-of-control misalignment through enterprise organizational analysis, surfacing root causes and equipping senior leaders to make more disciplined organization-design decisions.
Facilitated a high-stakes executive strategy process to redefine the purpose and operating model for 200+ chapter boards, guiding senior leaders with competing perspectives through consensus-building, scenario analysis and strategic decision-making to establish a shared future-state vision.
Serve as Humanitarian Services’ HR Relationship Manager, connecting workforce priorities with business strategy and strengthening coordination between senior business leaders and enterprise HR.
Earned Exceeds Expectations ratings in two consecutive years—one of only two team members to achieve the distinction both years—while assuming an expanded enterprise portfolio.
Assistant to the Provost
8 Years
Jarvis Christian University | Hawkins, TX | 01.2016 - 01.2024
Led university executive cabinet in developing the 2023-2026 strategic plan, including stakeholder engagement.
Oversaw development and execution of strategic vision, guiding personnel through successful transformation initiatives that aligned with institutional goals.
Established strategic enrollment growth strategy through program expansion, digital marketing, and targeted recruitment efforts.
Increased annual revenue by 16% and enrollment growth by 12% through new profitable revenue streams.
Led the development of an online program, to include three academic programs, 2 concentrations, and 80 online courses
Facilitated partnerships with external agencies, contributing to 200% increase in post-graduate success for participating students.
Served as the SACSCOC Liaison and led the college's transition to university status.
Earned three promotions due to leadership capabilities and significant value-added contributions.
Director of Outcomes Assessment
3 Years
Southern University at Shreveport | , Louisiana | 01.2013 - 01.2016
Directed institutional effectiveness initiatives, achieving operational improvements across the university.
Collaborated with division chairs and department heads to advance outcomes assessment initiatives university-wide.
Secured approval for SACSCOC fifth-year report without any recommendations noted.
Recognized for leading development of interim report deemed best practice by accreditor.
Oversaw personnel and teams of 15 members, fostering a culture of high performance.
Enhanced personnel capacity through training, leading to quality improvements of 90%.
Launched webpages and workshops addressing outcomes assessment strategies for faculty.
Provided analytical reports supporting informed decision-making for university leadership.
Associate Director for Institutional Research, Planning, Assessment and Effectiveness
8 Years
Wiley College | Marshall, TX | 01.2005 - 01.2013
Analyzed student outcome data to guide targeted continuous improvement initiatives.
Developed robust assessment processes for academic programs and institutional operations.
Collaborated with faculty team to define student competencies and develop a comprehensive assessment plan.
Administered educational and climate assessments to support data-driven decision-making.
Co-led reaccreditation effort, resulting in no recommendations or follow-up required.
Implemented strategic initiatives that enhanced organizational effectiveness and streamlined processes.
Played key role in designing signature program for QEP development.
Worked with cross-functional team to integrate planning and budgeting processes effectively.
Admissions Counselor and Office Manager
2 Years
Our Lady of the Lake College | Baton Rouge/Shreveport, LA | 01.2002 - 01.2004
Managed admissions processing for licensed practical nursing program at satellite location, enhancing student enrollment experience.
Provided assistance with financial aid to facilitate student access.
Delivered instruction for basic computing course, improving students' digital literacy.
Provided assistance with financial aid to facilitate student access.Delivered instruction for basic computing course, improving students' digital literacy.
Education
Ph.D. - Organizational Leadership
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology | Chicago | 08-2023
Research: Allen, C.J. (2023). The impact of succession planning in higher education on organizational performance and employee intentions to quit: A hierarchical linear regression analysis (Publication No. 30527075) [Doctoral dissertation, The Chicago School]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.
Master of Arts - General Counseling and Guidance
Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, LA | 01-2004
Bachelor of Arts - General Psychology
Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | 01-2002
Skills
Performance management and improvement
Strategic planning
Governance frameworks
Organizational design
Operational improvement
Change management
Program design
Cross-Functional workstream leadership
Stakeholder engagement & alignment
Leadership development
Group facilitation and consensus building
Problem framing & decision support
Selected Organizational Development Experience
Working Collaboratively, University All Staff Meeting (2025)
Creating Team Synergy, City of Shreveport (2024)
Strategic Planning Workshop for a University Division (2021)
Planning and Evaluation Training for a University Division (2020)
Contracted Facilitator for an Executive Retreat (2019)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Southern New Hampshire University, Online, 2025 - 2026 (Course: Business Strategy, Measuring Success)
Colorado Technical University, Online, 2024 (Course: Theories of Personality)
Jarvis Christian University, Hawkins, Texas, 2017-2020: Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Social and Behavioral Sciences (Course: General Psychology (PSYC 2301))
Wiley College, Marshall, Texas, 2010-2013
Our Lady of the Lake College, Shreveport, Louisiana, 2003-2004
Certification
Strategy Execution Certificate of Completion: Harvard Business School Online (Issued: 2023)
<ul><li>Company Overview: Group Company of PUIG, Spain</li><li>Team Leadership & Process Excellence: Organised the transformation of the Finance & Accounts function, establishing performance-driven goals, and embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Drove operational efficiency through process redesigns, SOP implementation and optimal resource deployment, leading to measurable improvements in turnaround time and accuracy.</li><li>Strategic Partnering with CXOs: Acted as a key advisor to the CEO, CFO, and other CXOs on business planning, pricing strategies, and business model pivots to support scale-up and profitability. Contributed to investor communications with data-backed insights to enhance stakeholder confidence and secure strategic funding.</li><li>Cross-Functional & Global Stakeholder Management: Functioned as the strategic finance business partner to cross-functional heads and the PUIG global finance team, aligning local execution with global financial strategies and compliance requirements.</li><li>ERP Transformation & System Automation: Led end-to-end ERP reimplementation to address system gaps, enforce role-based controls, and automate core finance processes—resulting in enhanced data accuracy, faster reporting and improved internal controls.</li><li>Costing, Inventory & Profitability Optimization: Designed and implemented plant-level costing models to ensure accurate COGS determination. Improved inventory management across pricing, consumption tracking, and aging analysis—enabling better working capital control and cost efficiency.</li><li>Manufacturing Finance & Statutory Compliance: Supervised end-to-end accounting for manufacturing operations and ensured full statutory compliance.</li><li>Financial Reporting, MIS & Profitability Analytics: Delivered accurate and timely monthly MIS reports, including P&L, Balance Sheet and KPI dashboards with deep-dive variance analysis across stores, business verticals, and geographies. Supported board-level decision-making through insightful presentations on financial health and business performance.</li><li>Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Planning: Led the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and rolling forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and market dynamics. Monitored key financial metrics to enable business decisions and proactive cost management.</li><li>Statutory, Internal & Tax Audit Management: Finalized standalone and consolidated financials under Ind AS and IFRS, ensured timely group reporting and compliance with international standards. Delivered clean and timely closures of statutory, tax, and internal audits in coordination with Big 4 auditors. Strengthened audit readiness through pre-audit diagnostics and rectification of recurring control gaps.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Ensured end-to-end compliance which includes ROC, RBI, FEMA, Income Tax, GST, Transfer Pricing, DTAA, and Customs. Reviewed cross-border contracts and transactions to ensure arm’s length pricing, accurate TDS application, and proper documentation under Transfer Pricing regulations.</li><li>Commercial Negotiation & Contract Governance: Led commercial negotiations and structured deals with vendors and franchisees. Reviewed key business contracts to ensure financial viability, risk protection, and compliance with regulatory standards.</li><li>Treasury & External Commercial Borrowing (ECB): Managed fund planning and liquidity management including ECB drawdowns, bank negotiations, and interest optimization. Improved working capital cycles through proactive cash flow forecasting and receivables control.</li><li>Internal Controls & Governance Framework: Led organization-wide reviews of internal control systems, identified process gaps, and redesigned or implemented over 40 SOPs and IFCs. Established a governance structure for financial discipline, risk mitigation, and policy compliance across departments.</li></ul> at Kama Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. & PUIG India Pvt. Ltd.<ul><li>Company Overview: Group Company of PUIG, Spain</li><li>Team Leadership & Process Excellence: Organised the transformation of the Finance & Accounts function, establishing performance-driven goals, and embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Drove operational efficiency through process redesigns, SOP implementation and optimal resource deployment, leading to measurable improvements in turnaround time and accuracy.</li><li>Strategic Partnering with CXOs: Acted as a key advisor to the CEO, CFO, and other CXOs on business planning, pricing strategies, and business model pivots to support scale-up and profitability. Contributed to investor communications with data-backed insights to enhance stakeholder confidence and secure strategic funding.</li><li>Cross-Functional & Global Stakeholder Management: Functioned as the strategic finance business partner to cross-functional heads and the PUIG global finance team, aligning local execution with global financial strategies and compliance requirements.</li><li>ERP Transformation & System Automation: Led end-to-end ERP reimplementation to address system gaps, enforce role-based controls, and automate core finance processes—resulting in enhanced data accuracy, faster reporting and improved internal controls.</li><li>Costing, Inventory & Profitability Optimization: Designed and implemented plant-level costing models to ensure accurate COGS determination. Improved inventory management across pricing, consumption tracking, and aging analysis—enabling better working capital control and cost efficiency.</li><li>Manufacturing Finance & Statutory Compliance: Supervised end-to-end accounting for manufacturing operations and ensured full statutory compliance.</li><li>Financial Reporting, MIS & Profitability Analytics: Delivered accurate and timely monthly MIS reports, including P&L, Balance Sheet and KPI dashboards with deep-dive variance analysis across stores, business verticals, and geographies. Supported board-level decision-making through insightful presentations on financial health and business performance.</li><li>Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Planning: Led the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and rolling forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and market dynamics. Monitored key financial metrics to enable business decisions and proactive cost management.</li><li>Statutory, Internal & Tax Audit Management: Finalized standalone and consolidated financials under Ind AS and IFRS, ensured timely group reporting and compliance with international standards. Delivered clean and timely closures of statutory, tax, and internal audits in coordination with Big 4 auditors. Strengthened audit readiness through pre-audit diagnostics and rectification of recurring control gaps.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Ensured end-to-end compliance which includes ROC, RBI, FEMA, Income Tax, GST, Transfer Pricing, DTAA, and Customs. Reviewed cross-border contracts and transactions to ensure arm’s length pricing, accurate TDS application, and proper documentation under Transfer Pricing regulations.</li><li>Commercial Negotiation & Contract Governance: Led commercial negotiations and structured deals with vendors and franchisees. Reviewed key business contracts to ensure financial viability, risk protection, and compliance with regulatory standards.</li><li>Treasury & External Commercial Borrowing (ECB): Managed fund planning and liquidity management including ECB drawdowns, bank negotiations, and interest optimization. Improved working capital cycles through proactive cash flow forecasting and receivables control.</li><li>Internal Controls & Governance Framework: Led organization-wide reviews of internal control systems, identified process gaps, and redesigned or implemented over 40 SOPs and IFCs. Established a governance structure for financial discipline, risk mitigation, and policy compliance across departments.</li></ul> at Kama Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. & PUIG India Pvt. Ltd.
<ul><li>Roles and Responsibilities</li><li>Hiring and team building</li><li>Managing team’s career progression and performance reviews</li><li>Managing Performance improvement plan and firing</li><li>Mentoring</li><li>Product roadmap planning and execution</li><li>Accountability of the entire delivery execution including the risk mitigation planning.</li><li>Stakeholder management</li><li>Adhering to Apple Privacy and Security Guidelines for platform</li><li>Design and implementation of new architectures and solutions to manage all online services for AdXchange in Apple Ads.</li><li>Design and implementation of new architectures and solutions deliver Budget experimentation in Apple Ads</li><li>Design and implementation of new architectures and solutions to manage data for Ad Platform.</li><li>Creating and maintaining all the data and analytics and revenue pipelines for Ad Platforms</li><li>Driving the solution for data ingestions and data processing across Ad platform</li><li>Defining the Strategy for data governance and data access</li><li>Collaboration with business to deliver relevant data and insight for our strategy and decisions.</li><li>Managing storage, processing, copy/synchronization etc. appropriate to scale</li><li>Enabling machine learning and algorithm groups by proving them right frameworks and data</li><li>Advancing team’s design methodology and quality programming practices and evangelize those techniques across Ad platform.</li><li>Deliveries</li><li>Setup 8+ member team to design and deliver Budget Allocation and Budget experimentation.</li><li>Leading Ad Delivery services team, responsible for delivering various capabilities like query understanding, targeting, fraud etc.</li><li>Delivered and Lead Design for observability for budget, and data platform in Ad platform.</li><li>Setup 11+ members high performing team to handle various business needs such as analytics and micro services for Display Advertising as well as Data Platform</li><li>Instrumental in driving Data Platform throughout the SDLC from inception, design, development, testing and deployment.</li><li>Instilled a strong team culture of high-quality delivery by constructive feedback, cross collaboration, focus and motivation.</li><li>Delivered Realtime and Batch Platform with various integrations</li><li>Delivered new DIP design for Data Platform</li><li>Delivered design of all the components of Data processing platform</li><li>Transitioned Display data work to India seamlessly and delivered many critical business impacting features and organizational security initiatives.</li><li>Closely worked with various stakeholders to understand the requirements which resulted into efficient remote work culture.</li><li>Seamless Display execution and set up best practices for 24X7 production on-call.</li><li>Tools and Technologies</li><li>AWS, S3, Kafka, Spark, Hadoop, EMR, Hive, Scoop, Flume, Cassandra, Airflow, Oozie, Gobblin, Schema Store, Icloud, Grafana, Kubernetes, Vertica, Alation, snowflake, druid, Iceberg, Java, Scala, IntelliJ, Oracle, MySql, Git, RIO, Spinnaker, Elastic cache, Grpc, Agile.</li></ul> at Apple - Adplatform<ul><li>Roles and Responsibilities</li><li>Hiring and team building</li><li>Managing team’s career progression and performance reviews</li><li>Managing Performance improvement plan and firing</li><li>Mentoring</li><li>Product roadmap planning and execution</li><li>Accountability of the entire delivery execution including the risk mitigation planning.</li><li>Stakeholder management</li><li>Adhering to Apple Privacy and Security Guidelines for platform</li><li>Design and implementation of new architectures and solutions to manage all online services for AdXchange in Apple Ads.</li><li>Design and implementation of new architectures and solutions deliver Budget experimentation in Apple Ads</li><li>Design and implementation of new architectures and solutions to manage data for Ad Platform.</li><li>Creating and maintaining all the data and analytics and revenue pipelines for Ad Platforms</li><li>Driving the solution for data ingestions and data processing across Ad platform</li><li>Defining the Strategy for data governance and data access</li><li>Collaboration with business to deliver relevant data and insight for our strategy and decisions.</li><li>Managing storage, processing, copy/synchronization etc. appropriate to scale</li><li>Enabling machine learning and algorithm groups by proving them right frameworks and data</li><li>Advancing team’s design methodology and quality programming practices and evangelize those techniques across Ad platform.</li><li>Deliveries</li><li>Setup 8+ member team to design and deliver Budget Allocation and Budget experimentation.</li><li>Leading Ad Delivery services team, responsible for delivering various capabilities like query understanding, targeting, fraud etc.</li><li>Delivered and Lead Design for observability for budget, and data platform in Ad platform.</li><li>Setup 11+ members high performing team to handle various business needs such as analytics and micro services for Display Advertising as well as Data Platform</li><li>Instrumental in driving Data Platform throughout the SDLC from inception, design, development, testing and deployment.</li><li>Instilled a strong team culture of high-quality delivery by constructive feedback, cross collaboration, focus and motivation.</li><li>Delivered Realtime and Batch Platform with various integrations</li><li>Delivered new DIP design for Data Platform</li><li>Delivered design of all the components of Data processing platform</li><li>Transitioned Display data work to India seamlessly and delivered many critical business impacting features and organizational security initiatives.</li><li>Closely worked with various stakeholders to understand the requirements which resulted into efficient remote work culture.</li><li>Seamless Display execution and set up best practices for 24X7 production on-call.</li><li>Tools and Technologies</li><li>AWS, S3, Kafka, Spark, Hadoop, EMR, Hive, Scoop, Flume, Cassandra, Airflow, Oozie, Gobblin, Schema Store, Icloud, Grafana, Kubernetes, Vertica, Alation, snowflake, druid, Iceberg, Java, Scala, IntelliJ, Oracle, MySql, Git, RIO, Spinnaker, Elastic cache, Grpc, Agile.</li></ul> at Apple - Adplatform