GINA CIFALDI
MILWAUKEE,WI
Summary
Dynamic servant leader with over a decade of experience in finance, operations, and human resources leadership within educational and healthcare environments. Proven track record of driving operational excellence through strategic budgeting, compliance oversight, and team empowerment. Passionate about leveraging my diverse skill set to enhance organizational efficiency, support sustainable growth, and cultivate a collaborative workplace culture that fosters success for all team members.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Finance and Operations
St. Joan Antida High School
04.2024 - 10.2024
- Monthly Financial Reporting: Direct the preparation and presentation of accurate, comprehensive financial reports monthly
- Ensure all financial activities comply with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements
- Grant and Program Accounting: Oversee accounting functions related to specific programs and grants, ensuring compliance with funding guidelines, proper allocation of resources, and accurate financial tracking for audits and reports
- Audit Process Management: Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors during the annual audit
- Coordinate with the finance committee and prepare all necessary documentation to ensure a smooth and efficient audit process
- Internal Controls and Compliance: Design, implement, and monitor internal accounting controls to safeguard organizational assets
- Ensure that all financial operations adhere to internal policies, industry standards, and legal requirements
- Budget Development and Oversight: Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with senior leadership, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic goals
- Regularly review financial performance against budgets and provide ongoing monitoring and analysis of variances
- Cash Flow and Forecasting: Manage the organization's cash flow by forecasting future financial performance, ensuring liquidity, and optimizing the use of financial resources
- Policy Implementation: Develop, refine, and enforce all necessary business and accounting policies to enhance financial performance and compliance
- Periodically review financial processes for efficiency and recommend improvements where needed
- Board Financial Reporting: Provide clear, concise, and actionable financial reports to the Board of Directors
- Present key financial insights, trends, and risks to inform strategic decision-making
- Strategic Policy Development: Spearheaded the development and refinement of HR policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, labor laws, and best practices
- Conduct regular reviews to adapt to changing regulations and institutional needs, fostering a compliant and forward-thinking workplace culture
- Comprehensive Training Initiatives: Designed and implemented robust training and professional development programs aimed at equipping staff with essential skills and knowledge
- Established a structured onboarding program that enhances new employee integration and long-term engagement
- Equitable Compensation Management: Directed the administration of competitive compensation and benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans
- Conduct annual reviews to ensure equity and market competitiveness, enhancing staff satisfaction and retention
- Vendor Relations and Negotiation: Cultivated strong relationships with external HR vendors and service providers, negotiating contracts to optimize benefits offerings and ensure high-quality service delivery
- Operational Excellence: Provided strategic oversight for administrative functions, driving efficiency in processes related to HR operations, procurement, and facility management
- Fostered a collaborative environment that emphasizes shared responsibility and accountability
- Performance Management System: Implemented a performance management framework that includes regular evaluations, feedback mechanisms, and personal development plans to enhance employee performance and organizational effectiveness
- Facility Maintenance and Safety: Oversee the maintenance of the school facility to ensure a safe, clean, and well-functioning environment for staff and students
- Implement health and safety protocols, ensuring compliance with local regulations and organizational policies
- Vendor Management for Facilities: Collaborate with external contractors for the upkeep of the facilities, including routine maintenance, repairs, and improvements
- Ensure cost-effective and timely delivery of services to maintain an optimal operating environment
- Project Management: Manage all phases of facility-related projects, including scoping, budgeting, resource allocation, and contractor oversight
- Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet the required quality and safety standards
- IT Systems Coordination: Work closely with outsourced IT service providers to ensure that the organization's technology infrastructure effectively supports its operations
- Monitor the performance and security of IT systems to ensure that they meet both operational and student needs
- Technology Planning: Collaborate with leadership and IT partners to identify, implement, and maintain technology solutions that enhance organizational efficiency and support long-term goals
- Ensure proper data protection and adherence to cybersecurity standards
- Managed a high-performing finance team, providing guidance and mentorship to foster professional growth and development.
- Collaborated with executive leadership team in developing long-term financial goals, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
- Streamlined financial reporting processes by implementing more efficient software systems and optimizing data management.
- Optimized cash flow management through diligent monitoring of receivables, payables, and investment activities.
- Provided insightful recommendations for process improvements, contributing to increased operational efficiency across the organization.
- Successfully managed multiple, concurrent projects by prioritizing tasks and allocating resources efficiently.
- Negotiated favorable vendor contracts by leveraging strong analytical skills and industry knowledge for competitive advantage.
- Assisted with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new department employees.
- Checked payroll, vendor payments, commissions and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
Director of Operations
Shining Star Christian Schools
06.2022 - 01.2024
- Oversee and manage the daily performance of Office Managers and other operational team members to align with operational and organizational goals
- Effectively lead and manage direct reports to set up and support effective relationships between Shining Star Christian Schools, School Leaders, Community and Church partners
- Implement and optimize effective management operating systems needed to achieve operational excellence
- Collaborate effectively with the Executive Leadership Team and other key stakeholders in the broader community to achieve the objectives of the organization
- Clearly communicate expectations of standards of excellence, goals, and expectations for the organization
- Develop and execute both strategic and tactical plans with School Leaders to achieve the long-range and short-term goals
- Lead change management initiatives as required that engage all key stakeholders
- Coach and provide mentoring support to staff to enable them to achieve the goals of the organization and their full potential
- Ensure all compliance requirements for the organization are kept
- Lead the implementation of Shining Star Christian Schools operational and strategic plans
- Implement and manage the safety, emergency preparedness, and risk management plans for organization locations
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Managed budgets and resources, optimizing allocation for maximum impact on business objectives.
- Established strong partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and key stakeholders to improve collaboration and ensure alignment with business requirements.
- Identified opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement, implementing changes that resulted in significant savings.
- Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness.
- Negotiated with vendors, suppliers and other stakeholders to acquire mutually beneficial contracts and agreement.
- Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the organization by enforcing compliance with established regulations, policies, procedures, as well as conducting regular audit checks.
- Implemented quality control measures to maintain high standards of service delivery.
- Spearheaded negotiation of cost-effective contracts with suppliers, significantly reducing operational expenses without compromising on quality.
- Achieved operational excellence by continuously evaluating and refining processes, employing data analytics to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement.
- Enhanced operational resilience by developing and implementing robust contingency plans that ensured continuity of operations in face of unexpected disruptions.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
Dean of Operations
Seton Catholic Schools
07.2018 - 06.2022
- Manage the office administrative staff, in collaboration with the principal, and address all school office needs to ensure smooth operation of the main office and a clean, warm, and welcoming front office environment; including scheduling required coverage, duties, assignments and roles based on approved staffing plan
- Participate with the Principal in setting coverage schedules, including breakfast, lunch, substitute teachers, office staffing, other before or after-school activities and family events to minimize conflict with operational issues and maximize school staffing resources
- Supervise all office staff on a regular basis and ensure performance expectations of each position are being satisfactorily met
- Support school-based communications between students, staff, parents, and visitors
- Ensures efficient school year start-up with all school systems fully operational before school year staff and students return
- Maintains and facilitates end of year school close out
- Manages field trip coordination to support academic staff and assures safe, reliable transportation and activities, ensuring the operational needs are met effectively and efficiently
- Manage systems to ensure financial and regulatory compliance with state and federal policies, including requirements related to Wisconsin's Parental School Choice Programs
- Served as a Parental School Choice Program Administrator and/or designee for assigned school
- Responsible for communication of and compliance with all Seton Catholic School network policies and procedures at assigned school
- Oversee student information through the management of school office administrative staff
- Ensure all student records are complete/accurate including transcripts, school cumulative records, and all information necessary for applicable funding and in accordance with federal and network-based policies, as well as audit guidelines
- Oversee all the admissions/enrollment/retention process including collection, reviewing, and filing of all necessary paperwork, including free and reduced food service documentation in alignment with student information system entry
- Prepare all required schedules and support network staff coordinating requests needed for all audits and ensure that all aspects of the school are compliant with all Federal, State and Local governing authorities as directed by Seton network policies, procedures, and weekly/monthly responsibility checklists
- Oversee school purchasing in accordance with network policies, procedures, and practices
- Share responsibility with the principal in managing the school's budget and expenditures related to its budget
- Manage fiscal operations at the school including cash handling, payment requests, invoice approval, deposits, staff reimbursements, and other finance systems
- Oversee student accounts and invoices and other school affiliated organizations' financial activity and transactions
- Coordinate with related parish and network offices on shared expenses and collaborate to maximize school resources
- Supports school food service operations as required by the network's School Nutrition Program Director
- Oversee food services staff as needed to assure procurement and efficient delivery of student meals and compliance with all program requirements
- Manage the cleaning, janitorial, and light maintenance aspects of the upkeep of the school's facilities and coordinates with parish and network team members to implement school facility projects
- Ensure a safe, secure, warm, and welcoming school environment always, including follow up on the school's physical condition - interior and exterior
- Ensure schoolbooks, materials, furniture, and equipment are properly stored, accounted for and accessible when needed, including inventory of Title funded purchases per LEA requirements
- Lead the school safety team efforts
- Implement school emergency and safety plans and coordinate fire, evacuation and crisis drill with the principal
- Manage COVID-19 response and strategy, working closely with internal & external stakeholders ensuring a safe and healthy school environment
- Serve as liaison to parish on daily facility needs, ensuring school is neat, clean and that minor repairs are completed in a timely manner
- Ensured confidentiality and completeness of staff personnel files, maintaining meticulous records to support compliance and organizational integrity
- Streamlined weekly time and attendance reporting for hourly staff, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in payroll processing
- Conducted comprehensive performance evaluations for assigned operations staff, aligning individual goals with organizational objectives to promote a high-performance culture
- Facilitated data-driven decision making by utilizing assessment tools to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Streamlined administrative processes for increased efficiency, resulting in reduced workload for faculty members.
- Established collaborations with industry partners to provide students with real-world experiences and networking opportunities.
- Served as an advocate for departmental needs by effectively communicating with upper-level administration, securing resources necessary for continuous growth and improvement.
Director of Radiology
Affiliated Health of Wisconsin
09.2009 - 12.2018
- Oversee all aspects of day-to-day department operations
- Provide leadership, educational training, team building, guidance and motivate staff to set and reach goals
- Coordinate and facilitate logistics between departments ensuring exceptional service and a satisfactory experience
- Evaluate, analyze, develop, and implement process improvements within departments and throughout the organization
- Monthly reconciliation of departmental information including, but not limited to invoices, collections, and expense reports
- Prepare business plans and proposals for departmental needs
- Create and manage all policy and procedure manuals
- Ensure administrative policies and procedures are compliant with organization standards, HIPAA regulations and healthcare compliance
- Develop and maintain relationships with outside providers, clients and vendors to maintain and/or improve operations
- Serve as Organization Staff Liaison
- Oversee and manage the analyses and performance maintenance on all equipment and software
- Analyze staff performance and ensure output quality
- Educate, train, and present all essential software
- Assist the billing department to determine accuracy in verifying, inputting, and advising benefit information
- Assisted in the recruitment process by screening and interviewing candidates and facilitating new employee orientations to ensure smooth onboarding and integration into the department
- Assisted the Marketing team in developing and approving marketing strategies and assisted in creating and launching the company website
- Prepare and present materials for all information conferences/sessions
- Meet deadlines and follow up on all time sensitive materials
- Provided educational training and team-building exercises to enhance staff capabilities and foster a collaborative work environment, driving high standards of service delivery and operational excellence
- Attend continuing education and training sessions, as required
- Remain flexible and adjust to changes made to improve organizational growth
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional growth and development opportunities.
- Collaborated with physicians to ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans through high-quality imaging services.
- Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice.
Education
Master's - Organizational Leadership and Quality
Marian University
Fond du Lac, WI01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY01.2011
Associates in Applied Science - Radiography
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, WI01.2006
Skills
- Operational Excellence
- Human Resource Leadership
- Financial Management
- Facilities Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Problem-solving abilities
Certification
- I Love You Guys - Trainer, 2020-current
- Certified ALICE Instructor, 2019-2022
- Community Emergency Response Team-Trainer, 2004
- Wisconsin Emergency Medical Technician-Basic License, 2003
- Licensed Radiographer, WI, Current
- The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist, Current
Volunteer Experience
- Vice President, Cream City Athletics Booster Club, 2023-present
- Troop Leader, Girl Scout of America, Milwaukee, WI, 2022-present
- Executive Committee Delegate, MPS District Advisory Council, 2021-present
- Advancement Committee Member, St. Charles Borromeo, Milwaukee, WI, 2016-present
- School Commission & Advancement Liaison, St. Charles Borromeo School, Milwaukee, WI, 2016-2021
- Troop Leader, Girl Scout of America, Milwaukee, WI, 2007-2009
- Resident Companion, AIDS Volunteer of Lexington, Inc., Lexington, KY, 2001-2002
- Tutor, Lexington Community College Students, Lexington, KY, 1999-2002
- Catechism Teacher, St. Peter's Catholic Church, Lexington, KY, 1999-2001
Publications
Blood Pressure Training Course and Curriculum, Capstone Project for American Red Cross, 08/01/14
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureCareer advancementPersonal development programsTimeline
Director of Finance and Operations
St. Joan Antida High School
04.2024 - 10.2024
Director of Operations
Shining Star Christian Schools
06.2022 - 01.2024
Dean of Operations
Seton Catholic Schools
07.2018 - 06.2022
Director of Radiology
Affiliated Health of Wisconsin
09.2009 - 12.2018
- I Love You Guys - Trainer, 2020-current
- Certified ALICE Instructor, 2019-2022
- Community Emergency Response Team-Trainer, 2004
- Wisconsin Emergency Medical Technician-Basic License, 2003
- Licensed Radiographer, WI, Current
- The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist, Current
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Kentucky
Associates in Applied Science - Radiography
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Master's - Organizational Leadership and Quality
Marian University
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