Joanna Robertson
North Tonawanda,NY
Summary
Strategic leader in people and culture who enhances organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. Implements initiatives that promote belonging and recognition, improving retention and performance. Collaborates with executive teams to align workforce strategies with organizational objectives, contributing to overall success.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator of Culture & Engagement
Stanley G. Falk School
Buffalo, NY
01.2024 - Current
- Serve as a strategic People & Culture partner to executive leadership, advancing workplace culture, employee experience, engagement, and organizational effectiveness across a multi-site organization.
- Lead employee experience strategies focused on belonging, recognition, wellness, communication, and organizational connection.
- Collaborate with the Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) strategies and inclusive workplace practices.
- Developed employee feedback mechanisms, analyzed organizational trends, and identified strategies to improve engagement and retention.
- Partnered with executive leadership, Human Resources, principals, and organizational leaders to develop initiatives addressing workforce needs and enhancing organizational priorities.
- Supported leaders during organizational change by enhancing communication, alignment, and employee connection.
- Facilitate professional learning, leadership initiatives, and organization-wide programs that support employee growth and organizational success.
Nutrition & Food Services Coordinator
Stanley G. Falk School
Buffalo, NY
01.2014 - Current
- Provide 13 years of progressive operational leadership overseeing district-wide nutrition services while concurrently leading organization-wide Culture & Engagement initiatives.
- Expanded responsibilities in 2024 to support employee experience and organizational culture while maintaining operational oversight of a critical department, reflecting executive trust and confidence in managing complex priorities.
- Managed complex operational systems including budgets, procurement, vendor partnerships, inventory, compliance, and program administration to ensure seamless nutrition services delivery.
- Oversee $500,000+ in program funding while maintaining compliance with USDA, NYSED, and Department of Health requirements.
- Direct operations across four locations, leading an 11-member department through coaching, mentoring, professional development, goal setting, and performance support.
- Led recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and employee development in partnership with Human Resources, enhancing team capability and alignment with organizational goals.
- Develop team goals, training plans, and performance strategies that strengthen capability, accountability, and engagement.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined operations, improved communication, and strengthened service delivery across nutrition services.
- Foster a workplace culture centered on collaboration, trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Stanley G. Falk School
Buffalo, NY
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Provided executive-level leadership partnership to the Superintendent and Board of Directors, supporting strategic priorities, organizational communication, and leadership effectiveness.
- Managed confidential executive priorities and communications, ensuring discretion and professionalism in high-stakes projects.
- Supported executive decision-making through preparation of reports, presentations, leadership materials, and organizational communications.
- Coordinated Board, Cabinet, principal, and executive leadership meetings, enhancing alignment and communication among stakeholders.
- Planned and executed leadership events, employee recognition initiatives, professional development days, and organization-wide programs.
- Liaised among executive leaders, employees, families, Board members, and community stakeholders to foster collaboration and engagement.
- Supported organizational communication and change initiatives across multiple stakeholder groups.
Multi-Site Management Leadership
01.1995 - 01.2013
- Progressive management experience leading teams, operations, and organizational initiatives across multiple locations.
- Led teams through operational change and process improvement to adapt to evolving organizational needs.
- Managed recruitment, training, coaching, and employee development initiatives to enhance workforce capabilities.
- Developed expertise in workforce leadership and problem-solving to drive performance improvement.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Systems Management
State University College At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY05-1995
Skills
- Employee experience and engagement
- People and culture strategy
- DEIB initiatives
- Change management
- Organizational development
- Leadership development
- Talent development
- Workforce planning
- Performance management
- Employee recognition and retention
- Organizational communications
- Stakeholder management
- Process improvement
- Operational excellence
- Team management
- Executive partnership
Timeline
Coordinator of Culture & Engagement
Stanley G. Falk School
01.2024 - Current
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Stanley G. Falk School
01.2020 - 01.2024
Nutrition & Food Services Coordinator
Stanley G. Falk School
01.2014 - Current
Multi-Site Management Leadership
01.1995 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Food Systems Management
State University College At Buffalo