Donna Stern
Alamogordo,NM
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at the Mescalero Apache Tribe, excelling in contract negotiation and software proficiency. Proven track record in managing over 40 grant programs, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering team collaboration. Adept at verbal communication and customer service, driving significant improvements in program effectiveness and community engagement. Dynamic leader with extensive experience in overseeing complex programs and managing diverse teams. Proven track record in operational efficiency and contract negotiation, driving impactful community initiatives through effective grant management.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Acting Director, Division of Resource Management and Protection
Mescalero Apache Tribe
Mescalero, NM
01.2024 - Current
- Ensured efficient management of DRMP operations across diverse domains.
- Directed operations for Wildlife and Range, GIS, Tribal Fuel/Fire and Forestry, and Realty.
- Managed over 40 grant programs and two tribal programs to support community initiatives.
- Utilized INOVA Payroll, Sage Intacct, and Microix Payroll systems to streamline financial processes.
Grant Administrator, Division of Resource Management and Protection
Mescalero Apache Tribe
Mescalero, NM
01.2015 - 01.2023
- Performed operational program budget management for multiple funding sources supporting DRMP projects.
- Maintained financial records for 40 grant programs and 3 tribally funded programs, processing budgets, check requests, payroll, and accounts payable.
- Updated current budgets using software; processed requisitions for overages and deficits efficiently.
- Coordinated with Special Revenue to ensure expenditures complied with funding guidelines and deadlines were met.
- Processed employment changes and Personnel Change Notices accurately and timely.
- Prepared Wildland Fire incident reimbursement packets including all related costs for DRMP fire season.
- Managed vehicle records and updated employee records, submitting necessary documentation to insurance providers.
- Executed clerical tasks and compiled statistical data to support organizational reporting and efficiency.
Director of Marketing
Inn of Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
Mescalero, NM
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Restructured marketing department to optimize operations for two casinos and one hotel.
- Directed player development, advertising, public relations, and promotions initiatives.
- Developed strategic marketing plans that increased brand visibility for resort and casino.
- Executed promotional campaigns for events in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Managed digital marketing strategies, focusing on social media engagement and email outreach.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities and inform expansion strategies.
- Trained junior marketing staff on industry standards and best practices.
- Presented monthly marketing performance metrics to executive team, emphasizing key results.
Sales Manager
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
Mescalero, NM
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Achieved 15% growth in group sales through strategic planning and execution.
- Oversaw contract negotiations and client recruitment for weddings and conventions.
- Developed targeted sales strategies that enhanced guest engagement and satisfaction.
- Managed client relationships to strengthen loyalty programs and encourage repeat business.
- Trained and mentored sales team on effective communication techniques and product knowledge.
- Collaborated with marketing team to launch advertising campaigns that improved outreach.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities within business sector.
- Coordinated promotional events that increased customer traffic and boosted revenue.
Training Manager
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
Mescalero, NM
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Delivered comprehensive training programs for 1,500 resort staff across diverse departments.
- Facilitated workshops that enhanced employee skills and improved service delivery outcomes.
- Implemented onboarding processes for new hires at casino and resort venues.
- Coordinated cross-training initiatives to foster a multi-skilled workforce.
- Collaborated with management to assess training needs and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Developed training materials, including manuals and handouts, to support learning activities.
- Monitored industry trends to ensure training content remained relevant and effective.
- Maintained detailed records of all training sessions and employee certifications.
Cultural Resources Program Supervisor
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Scottsdale, AZ
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Administered and evaluated cultural resource programs to enhance community engagement.
- Developed comprehensive management plans while identifying grant opportunities.
- Oversaw operations for 30 employees, ensuring compliance with community standards.
- Assigned work programs and monitored staff progress to achieve objectives.
- Coordinated training sessions to advance staff development and skills.
- Managed budgets and allocated resources efficiently within program constraints.
- Facilitated communication among stakeholders to align community goals.
- Conducted annual performance reviews to assess contributions and resolve conflicts.
Director of Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Mescalero Apache Tribe
Mescalero, NM
01.1998 - 01.2003
- Secured continual funding from government agencies for historic and cultural programs.
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance community engagement and cultural preservation.
- Managed tribal programs to promote economic development and sustainability.
- Oversaw budget allocations and financial planning for diverse tribal projects.
- Facilitated staff training sessions to encourage professional development.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement and optimizing resources.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align community goals and policies effectively.
- Advocated for tribal interests in regional and national forums to strengthen representation.
Education
BA - Anthropology
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM01.1995
Skills
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Customer service and support
- Contract negotiation
- Software proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Social media management
Writing
- Successful federal grant writer
- Created and produced staff reports, manuals, pamphlets, and presentations
- Authored several articles for professional journals
Affiliations
- Nonprofit Organization Member
- Church Council member
- Politically Active
- STEM judge
- LULAC member
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Certification
- FEMA Classes 100,200, 300, 700 and 800
- RED Cross CPR and AED Certifications
- FIRE Business Management courses
Timeline
Acting Director, Division of Resource Management and Protection
Mescalero Apache Tribe
01.2024 - Current
Grant Administrator, Division of Resource Management and Protection
Mescalero Apache Tribe
01.2015 - 01.2023
Director of Marketing
Inn of Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
01.2009 - 01.2011
Sales Manager
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
01.2007 - 01.2009
Training Manager
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
01.2005 - 01.2007
Cultural Resources Program Supervisor
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
01.2003 - 01.2004
Director of Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Mescalero Apache Tribe
01.1998 - 01.2003
BA - Anthropology
New Mexico State University