Dana Bacott
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Program Manager with a passion for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, with a strong understanding of industry benchmarks, frameworks, leading practices & innovations in DEI. Known for leveraging analytical thinking and creativity, problem-solving abilities and strong communication skills. Efficient at project management, managing resources and leading teams to a successful event completion. Demonstrated impact through seamless coordination and execution of diverse events, resulting in increased client satisfaction and business growth delivering high-impact solutions in fast-paced environments.
Stakeholder Engagement- Success in guiding leadership and influencing partners throughout the organization. Able to build key relationships with internal and external stakeholders with the ability to effectively communicate, inform key stakeholders; influence, network and collaborate effectively.
Project Management- Manage and execute all project activities including schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables of a project. Tracking project details, additional opportunities, risk and resolving issues as they arise.
Strategic Planning- Innovative Strategic Planner equipped with strong background in developing and implementing strategic business plans to drive growth. Experienced in analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities, and developing strategies for both short-term and long-term objectives. Skilled at collaborating cross-functionally and communicating compelling business strategies that align with organizational goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning & Development Consultant
Chic-Fil-A
Atlanta, GA
03.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded 100% of the Jira implementation team in partnership with leadership, and facilitated leadership scrum meetings to remove blockers and accelerate transformation.
- Collaborated with senior executives on L&D initiatives to ensure seamless implementation.
- Facilitated seamless execution of events attended by over 1,500 executives through efficient logistical planning.
- Partnered with diverse teams to successfully implement the LearnUpon LMS platform for onboarding processes.
- Deployed survey instruments to evaluate training success, attaining a 98% satisfaction rate in post-training evaluations.
- Implemented programs to reinforce organizational cultural strengths during international growth.
- Oversee client, sponsor, and enterprise communications and expectations while aligning projects with methodologies and standards.
DEI Program Manager
Ryan Companies
Atlanta, GA
03.2022 - 09.2023
- Led the development and implementation of the company’s DEI strategy, programming, and initiatives. Including the management and assessment of policies, and external programs that promote and enhance DEI.
- Developed programs and events, partnering with HR and Executive Leadership teams to develop trainings, guidelines, policies, and communication channels that support efficient and effective DEI operations.
- Designed and delivered e-learning courses, workshops, and facilitated employee training for 2,500 employees.
- Supported the development group in evaluating new business opportunities, requirements, and coordinating responses to RFI, RFQ, and RFPs, resulting in over $1 billion of new business.
- Received 100% positive feedback from the Employee Engagement Survey for increasing the company's DEI efforts.
- Initiated partnerships with HBCUs to spawn an ongoing pipeline of college interns and graduates from underrepresented populations eager to jump into engineering careers.
- Led ERGs by supporting goals, plans, and initiatives, while creating a culture of trust, employee resources, inclusion, and well-being.
Supplier Diversity Project Manager
Coca-Cola
Atlanta, GA
10.2018 - 03.2022
- Developed innovative strategies for end-to-end coordination of tradeshows, conventions, and meeting logistics, adhering to supplier diversity demands for seamless execution.
- Managed and controlled $2M yearly operating budget, maintaining compliance with all regulations.
- Achieved a 50% rise in diverse suppliers' contracts through the strategic implementation of performance goals.
- Enhanced supplier relationships, leading to Coca-Cola's inclusion in the Billion Dollar Roundtable.
- Contributed significantly to Coca-Cola's achievement of surpassing the 5by20 economic women empowerment goal to more than 6 million.
- Introduced Jira to streamline project management processes and enhance team productivity.
Project Coordinator Sales Enablement
Veeam Software
Alpharetta, GA
01.2017 - 09.2018
- Provided project management support for complex projects, and provided cross-functional support for key initiatives.
- Oversaw communications and expectations of clients, sponsors, and the enterprise while ensuring adherence to project methodologies and standards.
- Gathered data to assess operational challenges and provided improvement recommendations.
- Oversaw vendor relations through contract negotiations, reviews, and approvals within corporate compliance.
- Directed onboarding program analysis and ensured comprehensive data management through efficient LMS operations.
- Executed all aspects of logistics and planning for onboarding, including international training workshops.
Compliance & Risk, Risk Analyst
Cox Automotive
Atlanta, GA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Analyze and facilitate a high-level range of digital media agreements through all stages of the sales contracting process as a liaison linking business units, partners, and other internal stakeholders.
- Developed and implemented compliance policies and procedures.
- Reviewed contracts, agreements, documents, and other materials for legal accuracy and completeness.
Project Marketing Coordinator
Clear Channel
Alpharetta, GA
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Brand optimization including industry and trade show events, orchestration of the job from start to finish.
- Coordinate all company events, trade shows, conferences, and meeting logistics.
- Communicates regularly and effectively with Sales department regarding the status of a client's advertising schedule.
Senior Marketing Sales Specialist
Bank of America
Kennesaw, GA
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Managed client portfolios by providing personalized financial planning to advise clients on their investment options and strategies in addition to cross-selling complex financial products and services.
- Increased profits through sales of additional products, information, and professional services.
- Prospected for new accounts via networking events, client presentations, through various marketing strategies.
Education
Georgia Real Estate License
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Columbus State University
Columbus, GAOrganizational Leadership Specialist Certificate -
Chattahoochee Technical College
Management Training Specialist Certificate -
Chattahoochee Technical College
Skills
- Strong project management skills and the ability to structure and manage multiple projects
- Self-motivated and entrepreneurial spirt, goal driven
- Strong influence and facilitation skills, with excellent process improvement and negotiation skills
- Microsoft Office applications, CRM, Jira, Tableau, Concur, Expensify, LMS, Salesforce, Power BI, and Procore
- Exceptional time management, multi-tasking, decision making, analytical skills
- Excellent communication skills: verbal, written, and people skills to build relationships
- Quality oriented with attention to detail, innovative, motivated, organized, high energy team player
- Superior problem-solving ability Manages through ambiguous circumstances by planning and taking action
Timeline
Learning & Development Consultant
Chic-Fil-A
03.2023 - Current
DEI Program Manager
Ryan Companies
03.2022 - 09.2023
Supplier Diversity Project Manager
Coca-Cola
10.2018 - 03.2022
Project Coordinator Sales Enablement
Veeam Software
01.2017 - 09.2018
Compliance & Risk, Risk Analyst
Cox Automotive
01.2016 - 01.2017
Project Marketing Coordinator
Clear Channel
01.2014 - 01.2016
Senior Marketing Sales Specialist
Bank of America
01.2005 - 01.2013
Georgia Real Estate License
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Columbus State University
Organizational Leadership Specialist Certificate -
Chattahoochee Technical College
Management Training Specialist Certificate -
Chattahoochee Technical College