Karen Colavito
Bound Brook,NJ
Summary
Accomplished Executive Director at Precious Gems Academy, adept in strategic planning and operations management. Demonstrated success in fostering community engagement, enhancing team collaboration, and driving financial sustainability. Excelled in building relationships and leading high-performing teams, achieving significant organizational growth and increased staff morale without exceeding budgetary constraints. Persistent leader eager to lead and grow organizations. Skilled in strategic planning, problem-solving, and communication with good understanding of business principles, project management and team leadership. Collaborative with relentless work ethic.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Precious Gems Academy
08.2019 - Current
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
Director
Learning Gate
03.2012 - 07.2019
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Director
Academy House CDC
03.2002 - 03.2012
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ05.2018
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Felician University
Lodi, NJ05.2012
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Program Management
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Operations Management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Staff Management
- Relationship Building
- Program Leadership
- Innovation and Creativity
- Leadership Development
- Business Management
Timeline
Executive Director
Precious Gems Academy
08.2019 - Current
Director
Learning Gate
03.2012 - 07.2019
Director
Academy House CDC
03.2002 - 03.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Thomas Edison State University
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Felician University
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