Debra Hodges-Harmon
WATERLOO,IA
Summary
Experienced with strategic planning, organizational leadership, and stakeholder management. Utilizes collaborative approach to drive team performance and achieve company objectives. Track record of effectively managing resources and navigating complex challenges to deliver sustained growth.
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
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
The Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center
02.2019 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance community engagement and service delivery.
- Directed operational management, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and regulations.
- Oversaw program development, aligning offerings with community needs and organizational goals.
- Mentored staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to improve program effectiveness and resource allocation.
- Cultivated partnerships with local organizations to expand service reach and resources available to the community.
- Enhanced fundraising strategies, increasing financial support for programs through innovative outreach efforts.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Led successful fundraising campaigns, securing critical resources for program development and expansion.
Lead Staff
State of Iowa Workforce Development
10.1989 - 12.2020
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
- Mentored staff, enhancing team skills and promoting collaborative work environment. Supervised 6 staff from the Business Service Team.
- Facilitating onboarding for new employees and enhancing knowledge retention.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive workplace culture and collaboration.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged innovation and creativity.
- Delivered consistent results under tight deadlines by effectively prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities among the team members accordingly.
- Built strong relationships with clients through transparent communication, resulting in long-term partnership.
- Collaborated closely with senior leadership on strategic initiatives, providing valuable input on decision-making processes based on thorough data analysis.
- Assisted in recruitment to build team of top performers.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Cultivated positive relationships with Business and Community Partners.
- Implemented process improvements, resulting in increased operational efficiency and reduced downtime.
- Coordinated scheduling and resource allocation to optimize productivity within the Business Service Team.
- Analyzed performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Relations Psychology
Wm Penn College(University)
Oskaloosa, IASkills
- Strategic planning
- Operations management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Staff management
- Public speaking
- Program leadership
- Leadership development
- Compliance and regulations
- Government relations
- Fundraising
- Marketing
- Grant writing
Timeline
Executive Director
The Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center
02.2019 - Current
Lead Staff
State of Iowa Workforce Development
10.1989 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Human Relations Psychology
Wm Penn College(University)