Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

KAREN M. HANTON

Rockford,IL

Summary

Seasoned Manager bringing 25 years of experience. Proficient in business practices, standards of operation and customer needs. Empowering leader with passion for developing teams with focus on exceptional service delivery and customer retention.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Emergency Disaster Services Manager

The Salvation Army
09.2020 - Current
  • Oversee Salvation Army disaster services throughout the Greater Chicago area including 6 surrounding counties.
    • Act as the liaison with state government and state-wide not-for-profit organizations, the City of Chicago’s Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management & Communications.
    • Provided coordination, supervision, and direction for The Salvation Army’s disaster services and ministry throughout the central and northern sections of Illinois.
  • Managed team a team and volunteers for optimal performance, resulting in increased productivity and reduced response times.
  • Improved Volunteer satisfaction by implementing efficient service management strategies and streamlining processes.
  • Implemented training programs to enhance staff skills, leading to improved service quality and higher customer retention rates.
  • Oversaw budgeting and financial planning for current department, achieving cost savings through streamlined operations and optimized resource utilization.
  • Reduced employee turnover by creating a positive work environment with clear communication channels, regular feedback sessions, and opportunities for professional development.

TERRITORIAL DISASTER TRAINING COORDINATOR

The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters
01.2014 - 01.2019
  • FACILITATE AND MANAGE VOLUNTEERS ACROSS 10 CENTRAL STATES
  • DEVELOP CURRICULUM AND TEACH NEW COURSES THAT ARE DEVELOPED AND PRESENTED TO VOLUNTEERS AND PROFESSIONALS
  • NETWORK WITH OTHER AGENCIES IN THE DISASTER FIELD AND HELP THEM TO UNDERSTAND HOW SALVATION ARMY TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL TO HELP IN FUTURE EVENTS.
  • Enhanced employee performance by developing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
  • Conducted thorough needs assessments to identify skill gaps and develop appropriate training solutions.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of training initiatives, making adjustments as needed to optimize results.
  • Developed engaging instructional materials, including presentations, handouts, and interactive activities.
  • Delivered high-quality classroom instruction using a variety of teaching methods tailored to individual learning styles.
  • Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring support for employees seeking professional growth and development.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the organization by encouraging employee engagement in training opportunities.
  • Facilitated communication between trainers and participants before and after sessions to ensure clear expectations and follow-up support were provided as needed.
  • Monitored industry trends and best practices in adult learning theory, incorporating relevant insights into the design of new trainings or revisions of existing programs.
  • Partnered with external vendors to source specialized training content or services when required by organizational needs or strategic priorities.
  • Produced training manuals, presentations and resources for enhanced learning.
  • Worked with central management to identify, plan, align, and address training needs.
  • Led cross-functional teams comprised of subject matter experts to create collaborative solutions addressing complex organizational challenges through targeted skills development efforts.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, fostering trust and collaboration in support of shared learning objectives.

UNIT MANAGER FOR A RESIDENTIAL COTTAGE

BASHOR CHILDRENS HOME
06.2016 - 01.2019
  • MANINTAIN SCHEDULE
  • MANAGE STAFF
  • DEVELOP INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING FOR RESIDENTS
  • SET UP MONTHLY RECREATIONAL CALENDAR
  • RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING STAFF UP DATE ON ALL HR REQUIREMENTS
  • OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF COTTAGE
  • RESPONSIBLE FOR CAMPUS ACTIVITIES SIX TIMES A MONTH
  • MANAGE MULTIPLY PROJECTS AND STAFFING ISSUES CAMPUS WIDE
  • (CAMPUS SUPERVISOR).

ICISF Instructor

It
08.2013 - 06.2016
  • Improved student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods and materials.
  • Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
  • Enhanced classroom collaboration through the implementation of group projects and team-building activities.
  • Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Evaluated student assessments to identify areas of growth and improvement, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching effectiveness.
  • Observed and adopted new techniques from skilled instructors and lecturers.
  • Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
  • Promoted classroom safety, collaboration and best practices.
  • Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.

CORPS OFFICER (PASTOR)

The Salvation Army
06.1995 - 06.2016
  • Spiritual, fiscal and property management of a dual agency (Church and Social Services)
  • Coordination of services between several agencies
  • Oversee Thrift Store Operations
  • Training and maintaining a staff of several employees
  • Responsible for teaching youth programs and senior adult programs
  • Constant assessment of financial matters and staffing matters
  • Careful assessment of employee production
  • Oversight of major events, including annual dinners, meetings and providing planning and assistance for major Emergency Disaster Services events.
  • Enhanced community engagement through effective outreach programs and public speaking events.
  • Managed budgets for various projects, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost effectiveness.
  • Oversaw emergency response operations, coordinating personnel and resources to effectively address crisis situations.
  • Increased volunteer participation in community service projects by building strong relationships with local organizations.
  • Evaluated operational procedures for compliance with regulations and best practices, making necessary adjustments as needed to ensure optimal performance of the Corps unit.
  • Collaborated with other agencies to enhance coordination efforts during large-scale disaster relief operations.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and professional development opportunities for employees and volunteers
  • Facilitated problem-solving sessions among employees and volunteers, leading to innovative solutions that addressed complex challenges facing the organization.
  • Organized fundraising events that generated significant financial support for various Corps programs and services.
  • Strengthened partnerships with external stakeholders by maintaining regular contact and addressing their needs in a timely manner.
  • Spearheaded community outreach campaigns designed to increase public awareness of the role of the Corps in disaster prevention and recovery efforts.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement through regular reviews of policies, procedures, and performance metrics.
  • Championed diversity initiatives within the corps workforce, promoting inclusivity at all levels of leadership.
  • Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
  • Ordered, unloaded, sorted and tracked supplies and equipment needed for unit activities.
  • Enhanced congregation''s spiritual growth by delivering thought-provoking and engaging sermons.
  • Supported community development through organizing and leading outreach programs.
  • Fostered a welcoming environment for newcomers by creating an inclusive culture within the church community.
  • Collaborated with church leadership to develop strategic plans for ministry growth and expansion.
  • Strengthened relationships between families by initiating regular events and workshops catered to their needs.
  • Mentored youth group members, offering guidance and support in their personal and spiritual lives.
  • Managed church operations, ensuring proper allocation of resources and budget management.
  • Empowered church volunteers through training sessions and ongoing support, enhancing their ability to serve the congregation effectively.

7th Grade Mathematics Instructor

JOHN DEERE MIDDLE SCHOOL
01.1992 - 01.1993
  • Present and develop Math curriculum in a clear and concise manner using cooperative learning techniques and teaming
  • Extra assignments included: 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Coach; 9th Grade Girls Basketball Coach; Asst
  • JV Softball coach.

7th and 8th Grade Mathematics Instructor

Olympia Middle School
01.1991 - 01.1992
  • Present Math curriculum in a clear and concise manner using cooperative learning techniques
  • Extra assignments included: JV Girls Basketball Coach, Head Middle School Softball Coach, Field Trip Committee, Middle School Transition Committee

Education

Masters in Educational Leadership - Education Administration

INDIANA UNIVERSITY SOUTH BEND
South Bend
05.2020

MASTER OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES - Human Development and Family Studies(HDFS)

Iowa State University
01.2001

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION - Mathematics

Illinois State University
01.1991

Skills

  • Networking with Non-Profit Agencies
  • Board of Director Chair and Treasurer of several agencies
  • Development of a Life Skills Curriculum
  • Ability to work with people
  • Completion of The College For Officers Training in Chicago, IL (1993-1995) 381 GPA
  • Ability to manage trainings and conferences for The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services
  • Staff Development
  • Operations Management
  • Time Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Organizational Skills
  • Decision Making
  • Team Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Budget Management
  • Performance Evaluations
  • Project Planning
  • Relationship Building

References

UPON REQUEST

Timeline

Emergency Disaster Services Manager

The Salvation Army
09.2020 - Current

UNIT MANAGER FOR A RESIDENTIAL COTTAGE

BASHOR CHILDRENS HOME
06.2016 - 01.2019

TERRITORIAL DISASTER TRAINING COORDINATOR

The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters
01.2014 - 01.2019

ICISF Instructor

It
08.2013 - 06.2016

CORPS OFFICER (PASTOR)

The Salvation Army
06.1995 - 06.2016

7th Grade Mathematics Instructor

JOHN DEERE MIDDLE SCHOOL
01.1992 - 01.1993

7th and 8th Grade Mathematics Instructor

Olympia Middle School
01.1991 - 01.1992

Masters in Educational Leadership - Education Administration

INDIANA UNIVERSITY SOUTH BEND

MASTER OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES - Human Development and Family Studies(HDFS)

Iowa State University

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION - Mathematics

Illinois State University

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