Karissa Montano
Anchorage
Summary
Experienced Contract Specialist with extensive experience in contract management and negotiations. Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with good understanding of legal concepts and contract law. Collaborative and dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Procurement and Contracting Specialist III
State of Oregon-ODHS/OHA
04.2022 - 01.2026
- Evaluated vendor proposals for compliance with contract specifications, ensuring the selection of qualified suppliers for projects.
- Assisted clients in resolving contractual disputes with suppliers through effective mediation techniques, avoiding costly litigation expenses.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms for clients, leading to significant cost savings and improved project outcomes.
- Managed multiple contracts simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines and client objectives.
- Served as a subject matter expert on contracting issues within the organization to support decision-making processes.
- Mitigated risks associated with contracts by carefully reviewing legal clauses and negotiating amendments when necessary.
- Adhered to legal and contractual requirements for compliant contract processes.
- Negotiated and reviewed contracts to protect customer interests.
- Created solicitation packages and conducted thorough research for each bid.
- Managed grant application processes, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and deadlines.
- Conducted thorough reviews of grant applications to enhance quality and strategic alignment.
- Fostered relationships with stakeholders to support ongoing funding opportunities and program sustainability.
- Served as a liaison between internal teams and external partners to ensure mutual understanding of expectations related to funded projects.
- Provided guidance on regulatory compliance issues, ensuring that funded programs adhered to applicable laws and regulations.
- Reviewed and edited proposals for clarity, compliance, and impact prior to submission.
Procurement/Financial Specialist and Contracting Officer
U.S District Court/Probation and Pretrial Services- District of Alaska
12.2018 - 04.2022
- Assisted in onboarding new suppliers by conducting comprehensive checks in accordance with policy.
- Maintained the supplier list by performing annual evaluations and updates.
- Supported the identification and adoption of best practices in procurement management and operations.
- Facilitated compliance across all procurement activities.
- Coordinated travel arrangements and accommodations for out-of-town contracts.
- Prepared purchase orders, personnel contracts, commercial contracts, statements of work, requests for quotes, and delivery notices.
- Negotiated contracts to secure fair pricing and adherence to government regulations.
- Processed invoices while verifying contract compliance and end-user satisfaction.
- Maintained communication between vendors and various departments within the court and probation system.
- Managed IT software, equipment, and renewal schedules alongside the IT director.
- Tracked and processed all financial obligations for both the court and probation departments.
- Created and maintained detailed accounting spreadsheets.
Purchasing Agent/Project Manager
Arctic Office Products
02.2015 - 12.2018
- Achieved streamlined procurement by creating and processing purchase, stock, showroom, and sample orders.
- Enhanced vendor relationships by establishing long-term partnerships with installers and freight forwarders.
- Resolved issues with defective goods through collaboration with quality control personnel and vendors, leading to improved product quality.
- Facilitated seamless travel and accommodation logistics for out-of-town contracts, ensuring operational continuity.
- Leveraged knowledge of commercial and government contracts to optimize purchasing and installation processes.
- Negotiated favorable terms and maintained strong contracts with vendors and freight forwarders, resulting in cost savings.
- Delivered timely vendor payments, maintaining positive supplier relations.
- Monitored and controlled furniture department spending, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints.
Office/Sales Manager
Cracked Wireless
12.2013 - 12.2014
- Motivated Staff to create a clean, enjoyable environment with appropriate product availability.
- Designed electronic file systems and maintained electronic and paper files.
- Created weekly and monthly financial reports and presentations
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions
- Collected, monitored and evaluated customer requirements to achieve desired delivery time and order fill rates
- Recommended changes to existing methods to increase the accuracy, efficiency and responsiveness of the customer service department
- Implemented system to increase sales and profits
- Managed AP/AR
Office Manager/Payroll
Baileys Rent-All/AK Specialty Equipment
07.2013 - 05.2014
- Determined merchandise price schedules and discount rates.
- Monitored customer preferences to determine focus of sales efforts.
- Generated monthly and annual sales reports.
- Managed daily office operations and maintenance of equipment.
- Maintained accounts receivable documentation electronically and on paper.
- Handled cash and deposits using the proper accounting procedures and documentation.
- Processed payroll, electronic deposits and employee pay adjustments.
- Monitored the daily activities of customer support members.
Sales Associate/Manager
Kay (Sterling) Jewelers
08.2009 - 10.2013
- Managed wide variety of customer service and administrative tasks to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.
- Guaranteed positive customer experiences and resolved all customer complaints.
- Earned management trust by serving as key holder, responsibly opening and closing store, and eventually promoted to management.
- Answered questions regarding store and products, while maintaining knowledge of current sales and store promotions.
- Increased profits by developing, initiating, and managing our custom jewelry department.
- Trained new sales and office associates.
- Youngest sales associate to make "Press Club" and remained at 4 for the region, within my first year with the company.
Administrative Asst.
Hageland Aviation Services
07.2006 - 06.2009
- Assisted in all areas of administrative work including data entry, receptionist duties, file organization, research and development.
- Performed accounts receivable duties including invoicing, cash application, researching chargebacks, discrepancies, issuing credit memos, reconciliations and responding to customer requests for documentation.
- Created databases and spreadsheets to improve inventory management and reporting accuracy.
- Managed incoming and outgoing calls for busy airline.
- Systematically increased office organization by developing more efficient filing/documenting system and customer database protocols.
Education
High School Diploma -
West Anchorage High School
Skills
- Achieved high levels of customer and vendor satisfaction through proactive engagement
- Adapted quickly to changing circumstances and project requirements
- Maximized efficiency by effectively utilizing various computer software
- Executed multiple tasks concurrently, ensuring smooth operations
- Demonstrated a stable work history indicative of dedication
- Identified potential contractual issues, analyzing their impact on operations
- Developed alternative approaches to resolve contractual disputes effectively
- Managed comprehensive proposal and contract negotiation processes for complex agreements
- Delivered successful outcomes through expert negotiation techniques
- Implemented database management systems to enhance procurement and inventory oversight
Timeline
Procurement and Contracting Specialist III
State of Oregon-ODHS/OHA
04.2022 - 01.2026
Procurement/Financial Specialist and Contracting Officer
U.S District Court/Probation and Pretrial Services- District of Alaska
12.2018 - 04.2022
Purchasing Agent/Project Manager
Arctic Office Products
02.2015 - 12.2018
Office/Sales Manager
Cracked Wireless
12.2013 - 12.2014
Office Manager/Payroll
Baileys Rent-All/AK Specialty Equipment
07.2013 - 05.2014
Sales Associate/Manager
Kay (Sterling) Jewelers
08.2009 - 10.2013
Administrative Asst.
Hageland Aviation Services
07.2006 - 06.2009
High School Diploma -
West Anchorage High School