Dana E. Edwards
Columbia,Maryland
Summary
Driven, innovative and accomplished HR Director. Demonstrates talent for turning around flagging operations and spearheading growth through proactive leadership. Experienced with data-driven approaches to personnel management and organizational development. Record of success in improving recruitment and retention. Strategic leader, decision-maker and problem solver.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of District Operations
Montgomery County Public Schools
07.2022 - Current
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Redesigned organizational processes to strategically synthesize the equitable strategic use, distribution, and monitoring of school system operational functions and resources for 211 schools and central office locations to meet the needs of students and monitor through quantifiable goals in five departments
- Exercised fiduciary responsibilities for a $243.3 million dollar budget including operating, enterprise, and capital funding
- Orchestrated the collective bargaining process for three employee associations to produce agreements to include a record 9% compensation increase in two years; achieved working conditions to address staffing challenges and district priorities; created innovative solutions through differentiated approaches to staffing, work, and collaboration structures
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Chief, Districtwide Services and Supports
Montgomery County Public Schools
07.2021 - 06.2022
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Human Resources Director
Montgomery County Public Schools
05.2016 - 06.2021
- Fostered cross-functional relationships to connect managers and employees and improve overall efficiency.
- Created succession planning initiatives to identify high-potential employees and prepare them for leadership roles within the organization.
- Managed other HR staff and oversaw completion of tasks and initiatives.
- Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
- Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen human resources services, relationships and mission.
- Coordinated and engaged with leadership in planning and organizing calendars, events and activities.
- Facilitated successful policy implementation and enforcement to maintain legal and operational compliance.
- Directed hiring and onboarding programs for new employees.
- Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
- Spearheaded diversity and inclusion efforts, fostering a welcoming workplace environment for all staff members.
- Collaborated with stakeholders across organization to maintain proper flow of communication and execution of planned initiatives and projects.
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
- Evaluated human resources structure and plan for continual improvement and offered individuals professional and personal growth opportunities.
- Evaluated HR metrics regularly to assess program effectiveness and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
- Developed comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness.
- Devised hiring and recruitment policies for 23,000-employee company.
Education
Doctor of Education - Organizational Leadership
Hood College
Frederick, MD05.2025
Certificate - Education Administration & Supervision
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05.2006
Master of Arts - English Literature
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD05.2002
Certificate - Secondary English Education
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, MD05.2001
Bachelor of Science - English Communications
Lincoln University
Lincoln University, PA05.1996
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Grievance handling
- Program Modification
- Leadership Development
- Workforce Planning
- Improving Organizational Standards
- Human Resources Operations
- Human Capital Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Other Relevant Work Experience
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Timeline
Chief of District Operations
Montgomery County Public Schools
07.2022 - Current
Chief, Districtwide Services and Supports
Montgomery County Public Schools
07.2021 - 06.2022
Human Resources Director
Montgomery County Public Schools
05.2016 - 06.2021
Doctor of Education - Organizational Leadership
Hood College
Certificate - Education Administration & Supervision
Johns Hopkins University
Master of Arts - English Literature
Morgan State University
Certificate - Secondary English Education
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Bachelor of Science - English Communications
Lincoln University