Karen Zwicker
San Francisco,CA
Summary
Proven Senior Project Manager with a track record of spearheading successful global meetings and events at Wikimedia Foundation, showcasing exceptional problem-solving and stakeholder relations skills. Expert in vendor selection and project management, I have driven continuous improvement and innovation, achieving significant enhancements in business processes and efficiency.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Project Manager, Global Travel and Events
Wikimedia Foundation
02.2014 - 06.2023
- Mentored junior project managers and team members to enhance their skills and career growth.
- Established effective communication channels with stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment of expectations.
- Directed changes to project scope and cost and implemented appropriate change management processes to keep project on track.
- Adapted quickly to unexpected challenges or obstacles encountered during project execution, devising creative solutions without compromising objectives.
- Communicated project plans and progress to key stakeholders and project contributors.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing favorable terms for the organization''s benefit.
- Developed and maintained project budgets to control costs and meet organizational and project goals.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful project delivery within scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and implemented corrective measures to acquire success.
- Partnered with project team members to identify and quickly address problems.
- Developed comprehensive project plans, identifying risks and mitigation strategies for timely completion.
- Evaluated vendor proposals, selecting those that provided the best value for cost, quality, and timeliness.
- Conducted post-project evaluations to identify areas of improvement and implement corrective actions for future endeavors.
- Optimized resource allocation by closely monitoring project progress and adjusting team assignments as needed.
- Championed innovative approaches when faced with complex problems or opportunities requiring non-traditional thinking.
- Delivered high-quality results by fostering a culture of accountability among team members and setting clear performance expectations.
- Nurtured strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, building trust and credibility that facilitated smooth collaboration on shared goals.
- Spearheaded process improvement initiatives that resulted in increased productivity and streamlined workflows across departments.
- Oversaw large portfolio of projects to support teams, report progress, and influence positive outcomes for key stakeholders.
- Monitored contracts and service level agreements to identify potential risks and implement mitigation actions to protect development process from unforeseen delays and costs.
- Improved stakeholder communication by establishing regular update meetings and clear reporting channels, resulting in increased trust and partnership.
- Cultivated culture of innovation within project teams, encouraging exploration of new ideas and approaches to problem-solving.
- Drove organizational change by leading implementation of strategic initiatives, achieving significant improvements in business processes and efficiency.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
Executive Assistant to the Managing Director
FTI Consulting
07.2006 - 03.2013
- Enhanced office efficiency through meticulous organization and prioritization of tasks.
- Organized special events and conferences, coordinating logistics from venue selection to attendee registration with great attention to detail.
- Managed travel arrangements, anticipating needs and addressing potential issues proactively to ensure smooth trips for the Managing Director.
- Safeguarded sensitive information by implementing strict confidentiality protocols and secure filing systems.
- Contributed to budget management efforts by tracking expenses and providing financial reports on a regular basis.
- Served as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director, offering valuable insights and recommendations based on extensive knowledge of company policies and procedures.
- Supported project management efforts by assisting in the development of project plans, timelines, and resource allocation documentation.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Used advanced software to prepare documents, reports, and presentations.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Updated and maintained confidential databases and records.
Education
Ph.D. - Asian Theatre
University of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HIMaster of Arts - Theatre History And Directing
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Fayetteville, ARBachelor of Arts - Theatre And English
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Fayetteville, ARSkills
- Problem-Solving
- Detail Oriented
- Stakeholder Relations
- Project Management
- Creative Thinking
- Vendor Selection
- Organizational Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Self Motivation
- Continuous Improvement
Certification
- Digital Event Strategist, PCMA - Jan 2021
- Corporate Meetings and Design Program, GBTA - Nov 2017
Timeline
Senior Project Manager, Global Travel and Events
Wikimedia Foundation
02.2014 - 06.2023
Executive Assistant to the Managing Director
FTI Consulting
07.2006 - 03.2013
Ph.D. - Asian Theatre
University of Hawaii At Manoa
Master of Arts - Theatre History And Directing
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre And English
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Quote
One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight, for a very long time, of the shore.
André Gide
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