KENNY WARD JR
Wetumpka,United States
Summary
Highly skilled executive with over ten years of combined administration experience in corporate America, higher education, and city government. Has extensive experience in overseeing federal budgets, sales, human resources, grant and talent acquisitions, and nonprofit leadership.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Talent Acquisition
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
05.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with the Lead Consultant to create a talent-centered focus for the city of Montgomery, AL, to attract, recruit, and retain top talent.
- Increased candidate pool quality by implementing targeted recruitment strategies and leveraging social media platforms.
- Secured a $10,000 talent grant fund for the city of Montgomery to showcase the city and encourage retention of young professionals and emerging talent.
- Managed high-volume requisition loads while maintaining excellent customer service levels for internal clients and stakeholders.
- Spearheaded the HR collaboration initiative between area businesses and local universities.
Promotion: Division Director of Business & CIS
Trenholm State Community College | ACCS
01.2021 - 05.2023
- Successfully increased division enrollment by 10% over three years through strategic initiatives and effective leadership
- Established partnerships with local employers to increase job placement rates among graduates in relevant industries.
- Served on various university committees as a representative of the department''s interests and strategic objectives.
- Leveraged technology tools to enhance instructional delivery, student engagement, and data-driven decision-making processes within the department.
- Improved faculty performance through regular evaluations, professional development opportunities, and constructive feedback.
Promotion: Business Program Coordinator
Trenholm State Community College | ACCS
05.2020 - 01.2021
- Facilitated productive dialogue between faculty members regarding best practices in teaching methods, curriculum design, assessment techniques.
- Mentored junior faculty members in their teaching practices and career development as they progressed towards tenure.
- Collaborated with community partners to establish internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities for students.
- Implemented initiatives to drive curriculum quality and target learning outcomes.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
Promotion: Activity Director of Professional Dev.
Trenholm State Community College | ACCS
03.2019 - 05.2020
- Spearheaded the professional development tracks for faculty to continue pursuing industry certifications and innovative skills related to the subject matter.
- Directed preparation of regular and special budget reports to interpret budget directives and establish policies for execution.
- Prepared and reviewed federal operating budgets periodically to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
- Improved overall staff performance by designing and conducting targeted training sessions.
- Promoted a culture of learning by organizing regular workshops, seminars, and guest speaker events.
Accounting Program Coordinator
Trenholm State Community College | ACCS
01.2018 - 03.2019
- Boosted Accounting Program enrollment over 50%
- Served on academic committees focused on enhancing overall educational experience within the department of accounting.
- Established the first Accounting Honor Society for the Institution.
- Enhanced academic program quality by developing and implementing innovative curricula and instructional strategies.
- Championed diversity initiatives within the department to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Accounting Business Instructor
Enterprise State Community College | ACCS
08.2016 - 01.2018
- Initiated partnerships with local businesses to provide real-world experiences for students through internships and co-op programs.
- Served on academic committees, working towards the improvement of university policies and procedures.
- Developed innovative teaching methods, promoting active learning and student engagement.
- Mentored students on career options within the business field, including internships, job opportunities, and further education pathways.
- Executed online, hybrid, and traditional courses through online learning platforms such as Blackboard and Canvas with a completion rate of 85% or higher.
Promotion: Senior Accountant
State of Alabama | Department of Revenue
12.2015 - 08.2016
- Completed in-depth research into tax issues affecting individual and businesses tax activities to offer expert advice and accurately prepare submissions.
- Examined accounts and records and computed tax returns according to prescribed rates, laws and regulations.
- Prepared federal and state income tax returns for individuals and businesses.
- Responded promptly to official tax notices requiring clarifications and additional submissions.
- Conducted tax reviews and compilations to identify potential exposure areas and provided suggestions.
Promotion: Accountant II
State of Alabama | Department of Revenue
07.2013 - 12.2015
- Prepared detailed workpapers supporting calculations used in the preparation of income tax provisions for annual audits.
- Contributed to the success of team projects by sharing relevant knowledge, insights, and expertise in taxation matters.
- Guided 10% of the departments’ legal preparation of taxpayer position audits in conjunction with the Taxpayer Advocacy Office.
- Enhanced tax compliance by conducting thorough audits and identifying discrepancies in financial records.
- Made on-site visits to inspect business operations, activities and validity of business tax records, examining and assessing locally-situated personal property.
Accountant I
State of Alabama | Department of Revenue
07.2011 - 07.2013
- Examined accounts and records and computed tax returns according to prescribed rates, laws and regulations.
- Conducted thorough reviews of financial records to ensure accuracy in reporting income, deductions, and credits.
- Performed tasks under limited supervision related to income tax compliance such as returns, extensions, forecasts and tax provisions for business sectors and corporate heritage business units.
- Managed multiple tax projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines were met and clients were satisfied.
- Researched and provided summary memos on technical tax issues at request of partners and clients.
Teller I
Region's Bank
01.2011 - 07.2011
- Balanced cash drawer daily and resolved discrepancies to provide accurate data regarding cash flow.
- Disbursed cash and checks accurately while maintaining security of cash drawers.
- Balanced cash drawers daily, identifying discrepancies and taking corrective actions as needed.
- Processed customer transactions promptly, minimizing wait times.
- Assisted customers with account inquiries, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
Front Desk Sales Representative
Nexcall Communications
09.2009 - 12.2010
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
Student Housing Supervisor (Summer Position)
Jefferson Davis Community College | TRiO Program
03.2006 - 07.2009
- Contributed to the creation of a comprehensive housing handbook, outlining essential guidelines and expectations for students living on campus.
- Conducted training of new Student Housing Assistants, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Facilitated conflict resolution between tenants, promoting a positive living environment for all residents.
- Coordinated move-in/move-out processes efficiently while minimizing vacancy periods.
- Assisted in grant writing to increase funds for the organization.
Assistant Store Manager (Summer Position)
Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC
03.2005 - 07.2008
- Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Enhanced store appearance for increased sales by maintaining cleanliness and implementing strategic merchandise displays.
- Mentored new employees on company policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure their success within the organization.
- Assisted the Store Manager in analyzing sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions for improving overall store performance.
Visual Merchandisers & Sales
Heaven's Depot
10.2007 - 05.2008
- Worked with store managers to implement new displays, promotions and store layout changes.
- Managed mannequin styling, ensuring alignment with current fashion trends and company branding guidelines.
- Trained and supervised junior team members in visual merchandising techniques for consistent brand presentation across the store.
- Revamped store layout to improve customer flow and overall shopping experience, resulting in better customer satisfaction ratings.
- Updated signage regularly to reflect current promotions or markdowns, improving clarity for customers seeking sale items within the store environment.
Computer Lab Technician
Jefferson Davis Community College
05.2005 - 08.2007
- Performed routine maintenance, software updates and replaced computers as necessary, according to outlined budget.
- Collaborated with staff from other departments to evaluate technology needs and provide appropriate support.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of computer lab resources to determine areas needing improvement or replacement, optimizing available technology for users.
- Monitored computer lab usage patterns to identify peak hours, adjusting staffing as necessary to meet demand without compromising service quality.
- Delivered training sessions on various software applications for both students and faculty members, broadening their skillsets and enhancing their educational experiences.
Education
Doctor of Business Administration - Nonprofit And Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12.2025
Master of Science - Human Resource Management
Troy University
Troy, AL05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Alabama State University
Montgomery, Al 05.2010
Associate of Science - General Studies
Jefferson Davis Community College
Brewton, AL05.2007
Skills
- HR Metrics and Analytics
- Data-driven decision-making
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Employee Relations
- Customer Relations
- Onboarding Facilitator
- Training and mentoring
- Recruiting
- Sales Strategies
- Sales presentation
- Banner ERP
- Economic Development
Accomplishments
40 Under 40 Award - 2024
City of Montgomery | Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
Chancellor’s Award - 2022
Alabama Community College System | Trenholm State Community College
Faculty of the Year Award - 2021
Alabama Community College System | Trenholm State Community College
Faculty of the Year Award - 2019
Alabama Community College System | Trenholm State Community College
Excellence in Leadership Award - 2018
National Society of Leadership and Success
Alumni Spotlight Award
Alabama State University - Business Alumni 2017
Certification
2024 Graduate of United Way VIP Board Certification | Atlanta, GA
Communication Skills for Business Professionals (CSBP) | Certiport Certified 2022
Independent Contractor Certification 2022 | Certiport Certified 2022
Online Course Certification | Quality Matters 2021
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (ESB) | Certiport Certified 2020
QuickBooks ProAdvisor | Intuit 2019
Timeline
Director of Talent Acquisition
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
05.2023 - Current
Promotion: Division Director of Business & CIS
Trenholm State Community College | ACCS
01.2021 - 05.2023
Promotion: Business Program Coordinator
Trenholm State Community College | ACCS
05.2020 - 01.2021
Promotion: Activity Director of Professional Dev.
Trenholm State Community College | ACCS
03.2019 - 05.2020
Accounting Program Coordinator
Trenholm State Community College | ACCS
01.2018 - 03.2019
Accounting Business Instructor
Enterprise State Community College | ACCS
08.2016 - 01.2018
Promotion: Senior Accountant
State of Alabama | Department of Revenue
12.2015 - 08.2016
Promotion: Accountant II
State of Alabama | Department of Revenue
07.2013 - 12.2015
Accountant I
State of Alabama | Department of Revenue
07.2011 - 07.2013
Teller I
Region's Bank
01.2011 - 07.2011
Front Desk Sales Representative
Nexcall Communications
09.2009 - 12.2010
Visual Merchandisers & Sales
Heaven's Depot
10.2007 - 05.2008
Student Housing Supervisor (Summer Position)
Jefferson Davis Community College | TRiO Program
03.2006 - 07.2009
Computer Lab Technician
Jefferson Davis Community College
05.2005 - 08.2007
Assistant Store Manager (Summer Position)
Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC
03.2005 - 07.2008
2024 Graduate of United Way VIP Board Certification | Atlanta, GA
Communication Skills for Business Professionals (CSBP) | Certiport Certified 2022
Independent Contractor Certification 2022 | Certiport Certified 2022
Online Course Certification | Quality Matters 2021
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (ESB) | Certiport Certified 2020
QuickBooks ProAdvisor | Intuit 2019
Doctor of Business Administration - Nonprofit And Leadership
Liberty University
Master of Science - Human Resource Management
Troy University
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Alabama State University
Associate of Science - General Studies
Jefferson Davis Community College
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