Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Personal Information
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Gretchen R. Newton

Little Rock,AR
Gretchen R. Newton

Summary

Well-qualified Engagement Director with demonstrated understanding of business engagement data analytics, creating and leading initiatives, communicating with businesses, colleagues, and partner agencies, solving problems, and utilizing business and agency improvements. Successful at keeping customers happy and working with cross-functional teams to manage the entire sales/services process. Collaborative and hardworking with a flexible approach and strategic mindset.

Overview

28
years of professional experience

Work History

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services

Interim Business Engagement Director
03.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Built and maintained relationships with community organizations, Businesses, and WIOA Partners.
  • Optimized resource allocation based on project requirements, ensuring each team member was utilized efficiently while working at their maximum capacity.
  • Collaborated with WIOA partners, Human Resources, Disability Managers, and service teams to manage seamless client/business experiences.
  • Helped with service initiatives as subject matter expert for people with disabilities.
  • Consulted with teams on established best practices and process improvements.
  • Created and maintained physical and electronic personnel records.
  • Increased client satisfaction by developing and implementing customized engagement strategies tailored to individual needs.
  • Led cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality results for clients/businesses across various industries.

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services

Business Engagement Representative
07.2019 - 03.2023

Job overview

  • Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving business needs in timely manner.
  • Enhanced company reputation by providing exceptional customer service and support.
  • Exceeded performance goals through diligent work ethic and focus on results-driven tasks.
  • Assisted in training new hires and offered ongoing support to help them reach their full potential.
  • Learned and followed all organizational policies and procedures to maintain safe and professional working environments.
  • Improved client retention rates by building strong relationships and offering personalized solutions to their needs.
  • Provided valuable input during team meetings, resulting in identification of new opportunities for growth and development within organization.
  • Developed comprehensive reports, enabling management to make informed decisions based on accurate data analysis.
  • Understood each target customer's business model, mapped out organization, and identified unique needs.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new strategies for the regional workforce.
  • Cultivated lasting partnerships with industry professionals, ultimately increasing referral business as well as long-term client retention rates.

Clinton High School

Sub/Math/Transitions Teacher OWL Program Manager
08.2014 - 05.2019

Job overview

  • Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders (businesses, school boards, and ARS) ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for students.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members and other OWL Programs across state and in Louisiana.
  • Coached team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance.
  • Spearheaded innovative problem-solving techniques that addressed challenges head-on, resulting in effective resolution measures.

Center Valley Elementary School

Paraprofessional
08.2012 - 05.2013

Job overview

  • Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
  • Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
  • Fostered positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
  • Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain structured learning environment conducive to student success.
  • Assisted in collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
  • Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.

Acxiom

Acxiom Data Processing
11.1998 - 02.2000

Job overview

  • Verified data checking for compliance, error and repeat data.
  • Quickly learned new processes and systems and kept current with procedural enhancements.
  • Reported timeliness of data entry progress when working on special projects and escalations.
  • Reconciled discrepancies between different data sources by conducting thorough investigations and resolving issues promptly when required.
  • Assisted team by compiling internal reporting data.
  • Located and corrected data entry errors and reported to management.
  • Utilized established methods for data processing and analysis for consistency and accuracy.
  • Identified data errors and discrepancies and implemented swift corrections.

Conway Christian School

Basketball/Volleyball Coach
08.1996 - 05.1998

Job overview

  • Provided guidance and mentorship to volleyball athletes to help reach full potential.
  • Collaborated with fellow coaches to share best practices, leading to overall program improvement.
  • Established a supportive environment that encouraged growth, accountability, sportsmanship among players.
  • Worked individually with players when struggling to enhancer confidence and strengthen court skills.
  • Enhanced athletes'' skills through targeted drills, strength training, and individualized coaching.
  • Motivated athletes to continually improve their skills both on and off court, resulting in increased success at competitive events.
  • Improved team performance by developing and implementing strategic game plans and practice sessions.
  • Developed players'' teamwork abilities by organizing team-building activities and fostering positive team culture.
  • Organized travel logistics for away games, ensuring efficient transportation arrangements for all team members.
  • Consistently led teams to playoff appearances through effective coaching techniques and strong leadership skills.
  • Coordinated with parents, boosters, and other resources to meet team needs involving equipment and travel arrangements.

Education

University of Central Arkansas
, Conway, AR

Master of Arts from Education

Arkansas Tech University
, Russellville, AR

Bachelor of Arts from Community Outreach And Education
01.2011

Williams Baptist College
, Walnut Ridge, AR

Associate of Arts from Education
05.1991

Skills

  • Communication
  • Data Interpretation
  • Event Coordination
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Team Leadership
  • Staff recruitment
  • Collaboration
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Leadership
  • Adaptability
  • Conflict Resolution

Personal Information

Title: Interim Business Engagement Director

Timeline

Interim Business Engagement Director

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
03.2023 - Current

Business Engagement Representative

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
07.2019 - 03.2023

Sub/Math/Transitions Teacher OWL Program Manager

Clinton High School
08.2014 - 05.2019

Paraprofessional

Center Valley Elementary School
08.2012 - 05.2013

Acxiom Data Processing

Acxiom
11.1998 - 02.2000

Basketball/Volleyball Coach

Conway Christian School
08.1996 - 05.1998

University of Central Arkansas

Master of Arts from Education

Arkansas Tech University

Bachelor of Arts from Community Outreach And Education

Williams Baptist College

Associate of Arts from Education
Gretchen R. Newton