Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Karen Thomas

Summary

Competent Event Coordinator with proven ability to develop creative, effective and successful event strategies. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive working relationships. Adept at managing all aspects of event planning including logistics, working with internal departments and catering. Committed professional provides excellent customer service and works to carry out events to highest of standards. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Event Coordinator

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
10.2022 - Current
  • Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Directed internal departments in event set up, support during the event, and tear down of the event.
  • Planned and managed community events such as Presidents Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
  • Planned and manged foundations events such as Valentines Dinner and Dance, New Years Eve, Holiday Dinner and Tour, Holiday Lunch and Tour, First Lady's Tea and Sunset Dinner and Dances
  • Coordinated, planned receptions with the Development department for the Christmas Tree Exhibit and Auschwitz Exhibit
  • Designed and implemented efforts to publicize events and connect with desired audience

Para Educator

Conejo Unified School District
09.2017 - 03.2019
  • Assisted teachers and worked individually with students with special needs, helping each navigate education system.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Collaborated with teachers to help with classroom and workload management.
  • Documented behaviors, implemented interventions and treatment results.

Instructional Specialist

Conejo Unified School District
08.2010 - 03.2019
  • Collaborate with teachers to determine curriculum efficacy.
  • Copied, organized and distributed classroom assignments or other paperwork.
  • Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lecture plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.
  • Graded papers and recorded grades
  • Assisted 7 teachers

President, School Site Council, Advisor

P.T.S.A.
09.2003 - 06.2016
  • Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
  • Created rewarding and educational activities for students to engage in during the school year
  • Advisor for the student group and help guide in activities to support the school
  • Fundraising programs to increase revenue to the organization and the school

Claim Specialist

State Farm Insurance
01.1989 - 03.1998
  • Reduced claim processing time by implementing efficient workflow procedures and organization systems.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with prompt and accurate claim resolutions, resulting in positive feedback and increased client retention.
  • Streamlined the claims process by developing standardized document templates, improving overall efficiency and consistency.
  • Managed high-volume caseloads effectively, prioritizing urgent cases while maintaining attention to detail for all claims.
  • Conducted thorough investigations into insurance claims to determine coverage eligibility and appropriate compensation amounts.
  • Negotiated favorable settlements with policyholders and third-party representatives, minimizing financial losses for the company.
  • Provided exceptional customer service during difficult situations, displaying empathy while explaining complex claim issues clearly to clients.
  • Evaluated medical records as part of injury claim assessments, ensuring an accurate understanding of treatment costs and recovery timelines.
  • Reviewed and maintained accurate claim files, ensuring all necessary documentation was in place for future reference.
  • Conducted full claim investigations and reported updates and legal actions.
  • Communicated effectively with staff members of operations, and legal department while investigating claims.

Human Resources Specialist

State Farm Insurance
06.1990 - 03.1992
  • Maintained personnel records and statistical data to establish accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Fielded employee inquiries related to insurance, pension plan, vacation, sick leave and employee assistance.
  • Reviewed and screened applicant resumes to identify qualified candidates.
  • Resolved employee complaints and grievances successfully through mediation and collaboration.
  • Partnered with senior leadership to establish and develop corporate and HR policies and procedures.
  • Oversaw and managed hiring process and assisted human resources.
  • Briefed job applicants regarding responsibilities, benefits and schedules to provide information regarding job specifications and logistics.
  • Planned and managed recruitment activities for new hires using strategic personnel, staffing, and position management practices.
  • Conducted workplace compliance training to reduce liability risks and operate effectively.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Sociology

University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

Skills

  • Event Planning
  • Events Logistics Management
  • Fundraising
  • Volunteer Management
  • Problem Solving
  • Team Leadership
  • Public Relations
  • Customer Service
  • Organized
  • Self Starter

Timeline

Event Coordinator

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
10.2022 - Current

Para Educator

Conejo Unified School District
09.2017 - 03.2019

Instructional Specialist

Conejo Unified School District
08.2010 - 03.2019

President, School Site Council, Advisor

P.T.S.A.
09.2003 - 06.2016

Human Resources Specialist

State Farm Insurance
06.1990 - 03.1992

Claim Specialist

State Farm Insurance
01.1989 - 03.1998

Bachelor of Science - Sociology

University of California, Santa Barbara
Karen Thomas