Hasani Gorden, MBA
Los Angeles,California
Summary
Results-driven, performance-focused, and multifaceted professional offering a broad-based background in operations management, strategic planning, budgeting, new business development, organizational leadership, and team management. California Class B General Contractor License (in process) with extensive hands-on construction experience working alongside a licensed master contractor for over two decades. Recognized for strategic vision and execution in developing programs, optimizing workflows, and implementing initiatives that drive organizational success. Adept at fostering cross-functional collaboration with leadership, faculty, and trade partners to align operational goals with mission-driven outcomes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Director of Admissions and Outreach
SAYBROOK UNIVERSITY
11.2021 - 03.2025
- Spearheaded strategic enrollment meetings with executive leadership and key stakeholders to assess student pipelines, forecast trends, and optimize enrollment strategies.
- Directed admissions operations for Residential Conferences (Clinical Psychology & Master of Counseling) to ensure seamless check-in and responsive support for all incoming students.
- Provided executive leadership with regular, data-driven reports and actionable recommendations to drive continuous improvement and institutional goals.
- Supported new students' onboarding by addressing personal, financial, and work-life balance concerns to ensure successful program starts.
- Guided the Admissions Team in executing the 2025 strategic growth initiative that boosted student enrollment from 460 to 1,025—a 123% expansion.
- County of Los Angeles Commendation (2022): Honored for outstanding community service and civic contributions benefiting the residents of Los Angeles County.
- President's Award for Excellence (2022): Recognized for exceptional leadership and impact in advancing student admissions and enrollment initiatives.
- Managed the admissions budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources to maximize recruitment and outreach impact.
- Supervised and mentored a team of 13 admissions counselors and staff, delivering performance through coaching, training, and structured evaluations.
- Oversaw talent acquisition for the Enrollment Team, including interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new staff.
- Worked with corporate training to design and deliver cross-functional training for admissions, advising, faculty, and support staff, promoting a seamless student experience.
- Operations Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Business Development
GENERAL CONTRACTOR (FIELD EXPERIENCE)
01.2000 - 01.2025
- Gained extensive hands-on experience in residential construction, including framing, drywall, finish work, and project coordination under the guidance of a master contractor with nearly four decades of experience.
- Developed proficiency in blueprint reading, material takeoffs, and construction sequencing—the foundational skills of accurate estimating.
- Collaborated with subcontractors and vendors to ensure project timelines and quality standards were met.
- Learned client relations, order management, and on-site problem-solving through direct involvement in all phases of construction.
- Earned California Class B General Contractor License (in process) to continue the family legacy established in 1988.
- Worked alongside father, a licensed California general contractor since 1988, on numerous residential construction projects throughout career.
Admissions / Allied Health – Premier Team
BRIGHTWOOD COLLEGE (formerly Kaplan College)
05.2016 - 12.2018
- Advised prospective students on academic programs, admissions criteria, financial aid options, and potential career outcomes, guiding them toward informed educational decisions.
- Facilitated on-campus visits, hosted virtual tours, and conducted outreach initiatives to engage and attract prospective students.
- Administered a pipeline of leads and applicants, ensuring timely follow-up and personalized support throughout the admissions lifecycle.
- Consistently exceeded individual enrollment goals for allied health programs for two consecutive years.
- Supported the onboarding and development of new admissions team members by providing training and mentorship.
- Maintained comprehensive and accurate documentation of student interactions and application progress using CRM systems.
- Designed and implemented targeted recruitment strategies, resulting in a 6% increase in conversion rates from inquiry to enrollment.
- Organizational Leadership
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Radio – Television Broadcasting
California State University
Los Angeles, CAMaster of Business Administration - Sales & Marketing Emphasis
Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University
01-2012
Skills
- Operations Management
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Budgeting & Financial Stewardship
- Organizational Leadership
- Team Management (Teams of 13)
- Talent Acquisition & Development
- Business Development
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Process Optimization
- Stakeholder Communication
- Regulatory Compliance
- Construction Expertise: Blueprint Reading
- Material Takeoffs
- Subcontractor Coordination
- Project Management
- California Class B License (In Process)
- Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Zoom, MS Teams, CRM Systems (Salesforce, Vue), Phone Systems (Cisco, Webex)
- Construction: Blueprint Reading, Material Takeoffs, Construction Estimating, Subcontractor Coordination, Project Management
Certification
California Class B General Contractor License | In Process (Documents Submitted, Weeks Away)
Timeline
Senior Director of Admissions and Outreach
SAYBROOK UNIVERSITY
11.2021 - 03.2025
Admissions / Allied Health – Premier Team
BRIGHTWOOD COLLEGE (formerly Kaplan College)
05.2016 - 12.2018
GENERAL CONTRACTOR (FIELD EXPERIENCE)
01.2000 - 01.2025
Master of Business Administration - Sales & Marketing Emphasis
Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University
Bachelor of Arts - Radio – Television Broadcasting
California State University