Dawn Ames
Lake Orion,Michigan
Summary
Versatile Executive Director focused on promoting mission and increasing effectiveness of key programs. Passionate about managing and overseeing implementation of company's daily operations. Quick and firm decision-maker possessing first-rate communication and organizational skills. Recognized for successfully collaborating with management to develop work plans, financials and strategies.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Chairman of the Board
Orion Area Youth Assistance (OAYA)
06.2017 - 06.2025
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance community engagement and program outreach.
- Facilitated collaboration among stakeholders to align on youth assistance programs and services.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to expand resource availability for youth support.
- Guided fundraising efforts, enhancing financial sustainability through diverse revenue streams.
- Mentored board members to strengthen leadership skills and improve decision-making processes.
- Managed board governance to ensure adherence to organizational policies and ethical standards.
Executive Director
Vista Maria Michigan Abolitionist Project
08.2022 - 01.2024
- Developed and implemented public awareness initiatives for human trafficking, including conferences and community events.
- Mentored staff and volunteers, fostering professional development and a culture of collaboration within the organization.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Oversaw program implementation to ensure compliance with organizational goals and state regulations.
- Enhanced operational efficiency through process improvements and resource allocation strategies.
- Advanced advocacy efforts at the state level and shaped the development of policies.
- Aligned department vision, goals, and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results.
- Participated in regional task forces and coalitions. Responsible for coordinating quarterly Freedom Coalition meetings of experienced community advocates to address human trafficking in a unified and comprehensive approach.
- Grant reporting and compliance.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Evaluated program outcomes using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions.
- Utilized the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), Strategic Planning Tool and Ninety software.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and the board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Forged strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Proficient in Canva and Constant Contact for use in social media, newsletters, marketing materials, and event planning.
Community Group Leader/Presenter/Spokesperson
Michigan Abolitionist Project MAP
02.2017 - 08.2022
- Led community outreach initiatives and training to raise awareness about human trafficking in North Oakland County.
- Spearheaded community outreach initiatives, enhancing organization's public image and engagement.
Director of Family Ministry & Community Outreach
Lake Orion United Methodist Church
01.2016 - 07.2022
- Accountable for the selection and development of curriculum for both weekly and special programming.
- Developed organized weekly activities and special events for the Children and Youth Ministry.
- Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers.
- Developed and implemented multiple community outreach programs.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance community engagement and program development.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with mission goals and resource allocation.
- Facilitated staff training programs, fostering professional growth and team cohesion.
- Implemented new technology systems to improve communication and operational efficiency.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to strengthen community services and support networks.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, making data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects.
- Managed internal communications and social media for organization.
Director Three-in-One Ministry
Lake Orion United Methodist Church
08.2009 - 04.2016
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Volunteer Position
- Led staff training sessions, fostering professional development and operational efficiency.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, providing insights for continuous improvement in ministry activities.
- Oversaw event planning and execution, ensuring alignment with church mission and values.
Trainer/Organizer & Consultant/Leader
Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan
09.2002 - 08.2010
- Facilitated workshops to enhance leadership skills among participants.
- Mentored local Girl Scout leaders, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Sr. Human Resource Representative
General Motors Corporation (OnStar)
05.1998 - 07.2000
- Delivered outstanding customer support to OnStar staff and management concerning daily HR matters.
- Provided strategic human resources services to support business goals.
- Managed the compensation program for classified and executive staff, which involved training supervisors on the procedures and performing the final review in collaboration with the management team.
- Assisted managers in documenting and conveying performance and feedback, including the development of performance improvement plans and conflict resolution.
- Collaborated with management to develop, update, and ensure the accuracy of job descriptions.
- Offered direction, clarification, and implementation of corporate policies to both employees and management.
- Fostered and sustained constructive working relationships with directors, managers, staff, colleagues, and contacts across various corporate divisions and subsidiaries.
- Compiled monthly headcount reports, produced analytical reports, and examined intricate data, along with undertaking special projects as required.
- Led recruitment initiatives to enhance talent acquisition strategies and improve candidate experience.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align HR strategies with organizational goals and objectives.
- Established clear succession plans for key roles within the organization, identifying high-potential candidates for future leadership positions.
- Oversaw annual performance review process, ensuring timely completion and delivery of feedback to employees.
- Designed comprehensive onboarding programs for new hires, ensuring smooth integration into the company culture.
- Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
- Collaborated with managers to identify and address employee relations issues.
Salaried Human Resource Representative
General Motors Corporation North America Operations
10.1992 - 05.1998
- Delivered outstanding customer support to financial staff and management concerning daily HR matters.
- Maintained personnel files and records.
- Managed corporate initiatives such as the Annual Compensation Program.
- Analyzed and clarified Human Resource policies and procedures.
- Prepared detailed employee relations reports, monitored progress, and tracked data entry.
- Supported the performance evaluation process by managing tracking and data entry.
- Reviewed processes and audited transactions related to salary adjustments, onboarding of new employees, transfers, and separations.
- Organized and oversaw GM Financial staff college recruiting process and annual events.
- Participated in functional HRM process.
- Monitored and reported the progression and succession of global financial executives.
- Analyzed complex data as required.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MichiganSkills
- Influencing skills
- Visionary thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Strategic planning
- Budgeting and financial management
- Staff management
- Relationship building
- Public speaking
- Innovation and creativity
- Stakeholder relations
- Partnership development
- Human resources management
Timeline
Executive Director
Vista Maria Michigan Abolitionist Project
08.2022 - 01.2024
Chairman of the Board
Orion Area Youth Assistance (OAYA)
06.2017 - 06.2025
Community Group Leader/Presenter/Spokesperson
Michigan Abolitionist Project MAP
02.2017 - 08.2022
Director of Family Ministry & Community Outreach
Lake Orion United Methodist Church
01.2016 - 07.2022
Director Three-in-One Ministry
Lake Orion United Methodist Church
08.2009 - 04.2016
Trainer/Organizer & Consultant/Leader
Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan
09.2002 - 08.2010
Sr. Human Resource Representative
General Motors Corporation (OnStar)
05.1998 - 07.2000
Salaried Human Resource Representative
General Motors Corporation North America Operations
10.1992 - 05.1998
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Central Michigan University
AWARDS
Lake Orion Citizen of the Year 2018, ZONTA Pontiac-North Oakland Unsung Hero Award 2019, Orion Chamber Youth Impact Award 2019