KATONA WEST
Akron
Summary
Focused Operations Leader with over 15 years of success in customer-oriented environments and developing high performing teams. Advanced skills in managing multiple priorities within aggressive timelines in a fast paced ambiguous environment. Ability to collaborate during the development process in order to ensure the success to delivery, with an emphasis on measurable elements or key performance indicators. Successful at using tools to effectively communicate and drive data translation and analytics insights to key stakeholders. Proactive and hardworking individual focused on continuous operational improvement.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Ohio Regional Director of Operations
Accel Schools
07.2023 - Current
- Standardized operational procedures across all regional locations to ensure consistency in quality and performance.
- Ensured successful project completion by establishing clear objectives, milestones, and communication channels.
- Developed strong partnerships with key clients to expand business opportunities and drive revenue growth.
- Collaborated with National Directors to share best practices, align strategies, and foster a spirit of teamwork across the organization.
Director of Operations
OHDELA
08.2019 - Current
- Managed confidential matters and protected the security of information, data, and employee records
- Managed a budget in excess of $3.6M while serving as direct supervisor to full time exempt employees
- Reduced expenses by maintaining a relationship with the treasurer and implementing effective financial reporting and monitoring practices
- Developed a revised budget that rebounded the company from a significant deficit
- Oversaw the disbursement of the organizations funding and approved all purchases.
Director of Human Resources
AVID Healthcare LLC
01.2018 - 08.2019
- Managed broad scope of HR operations, from directing employee development/training programs and recruitment, worker's compensation, and payroll
- Supervised the creation and management of employee personnel files according to policy and federal/state law and regulations
- Administered annual employee performance evaluation process and merit program
- Supervised and conducted all aspects of the employee hiring process by identifying staff vacancies, recruitment, interviewing and selecting applicants
- Responsible for directing employee discipline throughout the agency
- Oversee the school functions of student records; local and state testing; attendance and truancy tracking; office and facilities management
- Ensure the school remains in compliance by staying current on state laws and legislation that impacts education
- Act as a resource for internal and external stakeholders by providing resolution management of escalated needs across a variety of topics
- Work collaboratively with other school administrators to develop, document, and electronically archive operational procedures and workflows to support implementation of school policies
- Act as a liaison between school team members and members of the larger Accel team to identify operational needs and develop school level procedures that align with the goals and procedures of the larger organization.
Director of Operations
Akron Digital Academy
10.2015 - 06.2018
- Directed all HR processes including employee discipline actions
- Lead organizational change efforts by identifying deficits and making staff changes to better align with the school's needs.
Supervisor, Customer Service
JoAnn Stores
03.2010 - 10.2015
- Managed an operations budget of $2.5M through planned forecasts based on prior years' performance and deliverables while maintaining relationships with vendors to facilitate new business relationships and strengthen existing ones
- Supervised full time employees and a customer service team with 24 agents and up to 70 contractual staff during peak seasons
- Managed customer service initiatives while driving marketing strategy
- Provided daily operational management of the customer service call center to drive key performance indicators by ensuring a high level of productivity
- Analyzed historical reports to project call volume and schedule adequate staff coverage for multiple skill sets
- Supported company projects by testing and training for website integration, e-commerce upgrades and in-store point of sale systems.
Supervisor, Store Operational Support
JoAnn Stores
09.2006 - 03.2010
- Managed store operations for cross functional teams to drive business demands and consolidate all communication to Field Administrators
- Collaborated with stakeholders to modify company operating procedures to ensure a high level of compliance across JoAnn stores and improve the customer experience
- Developed cross-component partnerships to control all field communications and produce accurate, clear and consistent statements to the brick and mortar stores.
Various Positions, Special Orders and Operations
JoAnn Stores
07.1995 - 09.2006
Education
Master of Business Administration, Human Resources Specialization, Ashland University -
11.2019
School Business Manager License -
07.2019
Bachelor of Arts, The University of Akron -
05.2008
Skills
- Operational Efficiency
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership training
- Quality Assurance
- Process Improvement
- Decision-Making
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Data-driven decision-making
- Workforce Planning
- Strategic planning and execution
Community
- Leadership Akron, Diversity on Board, 2017
- Greenleaf Family Services, Board Member, 10/2015 - 06/2018
Timeline
Ohio Regional Director of Operations
Accel Schools
07.2023 - Current
Director of Operations
OHDELA
08.2019 - Current
Director of Human Resources
AVID Healthcare LLC
01.2018 - 08.2019
Director of Operations
Akron Digital Academy
10.2015 - 06.2018
Supervisor, Customer Service
JoAnn Stores
03.2010 - 10.2015
Supervisor, Store Operational Support
JoAnn Stores
09.2006 - 03.2010
Various Positions, Special Orders and Operations
JoAnn Stores
07.1995 - 09.2006
Master of Business Administration, Human Resources Specialization, Ashland University -
School Business Manager License -
Bachelor of Arts, The University of Akron -
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