CRISTINA DE LA PENA
Hermosa Beach,CA
Summary
Senior Executive Assistant operating at the center of executive decision making, bringing structure to complex, fast moving environments where timing, dependencies, and execution directly impact outcomes. Brings visibility to fragmented workstreams, aligns stakeholders across technical and operational teams, and ensures leaders can act on what is time sensitive, at risk, or decision ready. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant to the CEO and VP of Operations
CEN Media Group
08.2025 - Current
- Operate as a central coordination point across a national deployment portfolio where revenue timing, site readiness, and execution must remain tightly aligned.
- Maintain centralized tracking across active site deployments, enabling leadership to assess readiness, identify blockers, and prioritize actions tied to activation timelines
- Coordinate across technical teams, vendors, exhibitors, and property stakeholders to align delivery schedules and resolve dependencies ahead of execution
- Track work orders, insurance compliance, and site readiness milestones to support execution planning and reduce risk of delay impacting deployment timelines
- Prepare executive briefings and operational inputs used for client discussions, delivery planning, and expansion efforts
- Manage calendar, meetings, and action tracking to preserve executive capacity and maintain focus across competing priorities
- Support follow through across sales, operations, and field teams so commitments remain aligned to timelines
Executive Assistant to the Chief Information Officer
ICANN
Los Angeles, CA
04.2022 - 08.2025
- Supported executive leadership within a global, multi-stakeholder organization operating at the intersection of governance, technical coordination, and operational planning.
- Maintain visibility across departmental initiatives by developing structured tracking frameworks, enabling leadership to monitor progress, identify risks, and align on priorities
- Coordinate executive engagement across board workshops, planning cycles, and global meetings involving technical and policy stakeholders
- Prepare briefing materials and communications used to support discussions with internal leadership, community representatives, and governance bodies
- Manage international and domestic travel tied to strategic meetings, ensuring continuity in executive participation across global engagements
- Serve as a central coordination point across the CIO, leadership team, and internal partners to maintain alignment across initiatives
- Support reporting and planning materials that improved communication of priorities across globally distributed teams
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Bennett Landscape
Los Angeles, CA
06.2020 - 01.2022
- Managed executive calendar to optimize scheduling and prioritize meetings.
- Created expense reports, budgets, and filing systems for management team.
- Anticipated potential challenges in daily operations and devised appropriate solutions to maintain uninterrupted workflow in the executive office.
Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
310 Nutrition
El Segundo, CA
08.2012 - 12.2016
- Prepared comprehensive reports and presentations, supporting strategic planning initiatives for senior leadership.
- Executed travel arrangements for executives, optimizing logistics while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Developed strong relationships with internal departments to facilitate cross-functional collaboration on key initiatives driven by senior leaders.
- Prepared meeting agendas and briefing papers for members of board of directors and executive team.
Senior Project Support and Executive Assistant
Cornerstone Research
Los Angeles, CA
09.2003 - 01.2010
- Provided senior executive support across high-growth environments, bringing structure to scheduling, communication flow, and travel logistics while maintaining consistency across daily operations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Escalon High School
Altadena, CA05.1993
Skills
- Executive Prioritization and Decision Support
- Process Improvement and Workflow Organization
- Complex Calendar and Time Management
- Leadership Meeting Coordination
- Executive Communications
- Stakeholder Management
- Global Travel Coordination
- Confidentiality and Discretion
- Operational Reporting and Visibility
- Project planning
- Process improvements
Timeline
Executive Assistant to the CEO and VP of Operations
CEN Media Group
08.2025 - Current
Executive Assistant to the Chief Information Officer
ICANN
04.2022 - 08.2025
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Bennett Landscape
06.2020 - 01.2022
Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
310 Nutrition
08.2012 - 12.2016
Senior Project Support and Executive Assistant
Cornerstone Research
09.2003 - 01.2010
High School Diploma -
Escalon High School