Denise Messina
Summary
Experienced professional in leadership development with expertise in coaching, mentoring, and implementing skill enhancement programs. Known for designing impactful training modules with practical application and follow-up. A reliable team collaborator dedicated to achieving results and adapting to evolving organizational needs. Possesses exceptional communication and strategic planning abilities.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Professional Development Manager
Texas State Auditor's Office
02.2022 - Current
- Directed the day to day affairs of the Professional Development department from training logistics to effective delivery.
- Managed two RFP's and associated contracts to provide industry expert instructors for our course catalog and annual conference.
- Ensured cost-effective allocation of resources while maintaining program quality with continuous budget oversight.
- Provided ongoing support and coaching for employees as they worked toward achieving their career advancement goals within the company.
- Tracked and audited continuing education units to ensure staff compliance.
- Developed and facilitated courses on various topics such as leadership, communication skills, and teamwork a in order to strengthen employees soft skills.
- Used data gap analysis, evaluations and surveys to ensure agency goals and objective met.
- Leveraged internal subject matter experts to provide in-house training sessions, capitalizing on existing knowledge resources within the organization.
Program Specialist 7
Health and Human Services Commission
08.2018 - 02.2022
- Administered the Aspiring Leaders Academy for nominated and selected HHSC participants.
- All aspects of program management from program design to facilitation and evaluation.
- Identified and selected guest speakers and worked with subject matter experts to meet training objectives
- Evaluated training effectiveness using feedback surveys and assessments, making continuous improvements as needed.
- Coached employees on various topics including conflict resolution, goal setting, and career planning to foster individual growth within the agency.
- Spearheaded updates to existing training materials to maintain relevance with industry best practices and evolving organizational needs.
- Supported the professional development of fellow trainers by providing constructive feedback and sharing insights on effective teaching methodologies.
- Assisted in analyzing and assessing training and development needs for organizations, departments and individuals.
- Launched a Leadership Resource Group for employees who manage leadership programs in state government to enhance collaboration and idea sharing.
Training Specialist V
Texas Workforce Commission/DARS
11.2015 - 08.2018
- Developed and delivered professional development training for management and staff.
- Ensured that content is aligned to learning objectives and agency goals.
- Lead trainer for specific courses and responsible for content, scheduling, and calendaring training events.
- Mentored new trainers to ensure content knowledge and delivery meet departmental requirements.
- Facilitated and moderate meetings and/or conferences as requested.
- Project Manager and program designer for the Trainers' Network Initiative focusing on the coordination and mentoring of 'occasional' agency trainers to improve overall quality of training and improve effectiveness.
- Facilitated a specific transition team as the DARS agency was dissolved and absorbed into TWC and HHSC.
Training Specialist IV
Texas Department of Transportation
05.2013 - 11.2015
- Design, deliver and administer training programs for management and staff.
- Analyze course data and make recommendations to ensure course offerings meet current TxDOT mission and goals.
- Provide consultation to districts, divisions and offices on training matters and alternative training strategies.
- Performed a travel cost analysis that allowed our department to complete its mission while working with a significant budget deficit.
- Created two management sponsored proposals which included: planning, organizing, implementation schedule and cost analysis.
Parole Officer II
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
03.2010 - 10.2012
- Taught Anger Management, Cognitive Change, Victim Impact Panel and Budget Management Classes.
- Managed a diverse caseload of 75 and provided training and support for successful re-entry into the community.
- Results-driven training delivery resulted in promotion to a specialized caseload within six months of hire.
- Successful training of large groups resulted in increased responsibility with Victim Impact Panels.
Program Manager
Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest
08.2008 - 09.2009
- Developed and implemented processes and systems for newly acquired grant
- Trained and provided career development for direct reports
- Created and delivered training programs for grant recipients to ensure successful completion of program
- Established and nurtured community relationships vital to program success
- Reduced workload by developing Excel spreadsheet to capture program data and improve reporting abilities
- Effectively managed budgets ensuring expenditures were appropriate to grant specifications
- Managed training implementation ensuring uniform delivery by all instructors to meet quality standards
Operations Staff Trainer
West Corporation
03.2007 - 05.2008
- Designed and implemented Leadership and Skill Development workshops for management teams
- Served as a liaison between the corporate office and five district offices in the western United States
- Provided consultation services to district offices regarding employee retention, staff development and management concerns
- Professionally conducted Leadership and Skill Development workshops for management teams including intensive three-day Train-the-Trainer program
- Provided weekly follow-up and feedback for trainees to ensure continued implementation of new material in workplace
- Developed and facilitated new training as needed based on focus groups, gap analysis, statistical data and management or customer input
Lead Instructor
North Idaho College
09.2005 - 03.2007
- Oversaw all JET (Job Education Training) instructors in a five-county region
- Ensured program continuity by meeting regularly with facilitators to observe classroom technique and content
- Developed and maintained excellent relationships with multiple community and internal partners to meet the needs of customers
- Created curriculum as needed and trained other instructors on effective delivery
- Evaluated textbooks, instructional videos, and computer software for possible use in the program
Education
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
Eastern Oregon University
Master's Level Coursework - Adult Learning Theory
University of Idaho
Skills
- Leadership training
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Innovation and Creativity
- Dynamic Facilitator
- Customized Program Development
- Content Design and Development
- Budget Development and Management
- LMS Management
- Training Logistics
- Certified Zenger Folkman Coach
- Certified RightPath Coach
- Certified MBTI Practitioner
Certification
- Certified Zenger-Folkman Extraordinary Leader Coach
- Certified RightPath Coach
- Certified MBTI Practitioner
- Certified 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Instructor
- Certified Championing Diversity Instructor
Community Service
- Executive Women in Texas Government, 2022 Board Member
- Women’s Prison Ministry, Volunteer
Timeline
Professional Development Manager
Texas State Auditor's Office
02.2022 - Current
Program Specialist 7
Health and Human Services Commission
08.2018 - 02.2022
Training Specialist V
Texas Workforce Commission/DARS
11.2015 - 08.2018
Training Specialist IV
Texas Department of Transportation
05.2013 - 11.2015
Parole Officer II
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
03.2010 - 10.2012
Program Manager
Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest
08.2008 - 09.2009
Operations Staff Trainer
West Corporation
03.2007 - 05.2008
Lead Instructor
North Idaho College
09.2005 - 03.2007
Master's Level Coursework - Adult Learning Theory
University of Idaho
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
Eastern Oregon University