Dana Lukes
Summary
Dynamic professional with 26 years of experience in the food and finance industries, specializing in office operations and project management. Proven track record of 14 years in managing office functions and orchestrating successful conferences and events. Expertise in collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate product development, streamline processes, and drive operational efficiency, resulting in significant sales growth. Committed to leveraging extensive industry knowledge to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Coordinator
Johnsonville
10.2022 - Current
- Participated in Johnsonville's two largest projects to date: the $21M acquisition and integration of another sausage manufacturer across 12 workstreams, and a $14M company-wide digital transformation project involving 14 workstreams.
- Organize and lead stage gate meetings. Facilitate communication between cross-functional teams to streamline project execution and enhance collaboration.
- Coordinate project timelines, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
- Manage project documentation, maintaining accuracy and accessibility for stakeholders throughout project lifecycle.
- Lead regular project status meetings, providing updates and addressing any potential roadblocks proactively.
- Prepare meeting agendas and minutes for distribution and record keeping.
- Develop comprehensive project plans, outlining scopes, timelines, deliverables, and milestones.
- Mentor junior team members, fostering skill development and enhancing overall team performance.
- Supervise multiple projects from project start through delivery by prioritizing needs and delegating assignments.
Executive Assistant
Headlands Capital
02.2020 - 06.2022
- Coordinated events and handled ad hoc projects.
- Ensured subscription documents were completed accurately and prepared presentations for executives.
- Managed the Founding Partner's calendar, scheduled meetings and appointments, and coordinated travel to maximize efficiency.
- Coordinated travel arrangements, ensuring efficient itineraries and cost-effective options for executives.
Executive Assistant
Blumberg Capital
09.2015 - 07.2019
- Assisted with office management and planning events.
- Maintained calendars for Managing Director, coordinated board calls and meetings, and arranged travel and visas. Prepared expense reports.
Executive Assistant
Francisco Partners
03.2008 - 05.2014
- Spearheaded project to change travel management companies. Sourced new provider, negotiated favorable contract terms and trained EA's on new booking tool. Lowered money spent on airfare and fees by 10-25%.
- Owned planning of 3-day conference for 125-150 executives as well as recurring firm offsite for 50-70 people.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
R&D Technical Services
Full Bloom Baking Co.
02.2007 - 01.2008
- Overhauled system for tracking recipes, ingredients and production lots. Implemented protocols to reduce errors in production, accurately scale batches, and monitor recipe changes over time.
- Created, maintained, and issued technical data sheets for customers and internal use, such as ingredient panels, nutritional analyses, and allergen statements. Served as an internal expert on food labeling.
Sales Manager
Full Bloom Baking Co.
11.2006 - 02.2006
- Initiated $4M in new private label business with Trader Joe's, Otis Spunkmeyer, and Whole Foods, who became three of our top four customers.
- Screened and evaluated potential co-pack business opportunities for our facility. Ensured the business aligned with ours and that the requested products could be successfully produced on our lines and equipment.
- Managed the execution of all sales projects from conception to rollout. Collaborated with internal cross-functional teams and external vendors to meet project goals and deadlines.
Account Manager, Lecithin Division
Solae Company, St. Louis
01.2005 - 02.2006
- Managed the lecithin business for food and nutritional supplements in the Western Territory.
- Grew the business and increased margins with existing direct customers despite product shortage in the market due to reduced soybean crush. Provided guidance and support to our allied distributor and their sales team. Explored new market opportunities.
- Led educational seminars to introduce current and potential customers to Solae's product line, lecithin applications, health benefits, FDA-approved nutritional claims for packaging and advertising, and general market trends.
- Served as a technical resource for R&D clients, advising on formulation work and ingredient functionality. Communicated new allergen concerns and government labeling regulations when needed.
Regional Sales Representative
Zonner Inc
04.2003 - 10.2004
- Managed and grew sales of a diverse range of food ingredients throughout Northern California.
R&D Food Scientist
Otis Spunkmeyer Inc.
09.1999 - 04.2003
- Worked in a two-person team to match and enhance Subway's franchise cookie recipe. This is the largest contract in the frozen cookie dough market, supplying 10 million lbs annually. This resulted in a 20% increase in annual revenue for Otis Spunkmeyer.
- Developed and tested products from initial concept through to commercialization. Offered technical support during plant trials and new start-ups. Performed taste tests and shelf-life evaluations. Kept records of formulas and approved suppliers. Supported package design and modifications.
- Worked with the National Sales team on custom product projects and presentations. Partnered with Marketing to analyze market trends and craft strategies for existing lines and new product development.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI05-1997
No Degree - Production Planning, Scheduling And MRP Certificate
University of Wisconsin-Madison Management Institute
Madison, WI04-1999
Associate of Arts - Merchandise Marketing
FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
San Francisco, CA06-2014
Skills
- Analytical problem-solving
- Cross-functional team and project coordination
- Time management
- Detail-oriented
- Documentation management
- NPD from concept through commercialization
- Resource coordination and management
- Powerpoint presentations
- Spreadsheet tracking
- Event planning and execution
- Multiple priorities management
Timeline
Project Coordinator
Johnsonville
10.2022 - Current
Executive Assistant
Headlands Capital
02.2020 - 06.2022
Executive Assistant
Blumberg Capital
09.2015 - 07.2019
Executive Assistant
Francisco Partners
03.2008 - 05.2014
R&D Technical Services
Full Bloom Baking Co.
02.2007 - 01.2008
Sales Manager
Full Bloom Baking Co.
11.2006 - 02.2006
Account Manager, Lecithin Division
Solae Company, St. Louis
01.2005 - 02.2006
Regional Sales Representative
Zonner Inc
04.2003 - 10.2004
R&D Food Scientist
Otis Spunkmeyer Inc.
09.1999 - 04.2003
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison
No Degree - Production Planning, Scheduling And MRP Certificate
University of Wisconsin-Madison Management Institute
Associate of Arts - Merchandise Marketing
FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising