Khadine Smith-Gardner

Strategic and results-oriented business leader with experience in strategy, planning and operations. Skilled in developing and executing business plans to maximize profitability, streamline operations and maintain compliance with industry regulations. Proven people leader motivates and optimizes staff performance and productivity. Versatile Managing Director with proven abilities across all levels of organizational management. Talented in developing partnerships, overseeing personnel and developing tactical plans to meet strategic goals. Proven transformational leader with a significant background in banking, education and law.

• I collaborated with a team of five during my doctoral program at Virginia University Lynchburg, to complete a comprehensive teaching practicum that provided hands-on experience in higher education that was adopted into the curriculum.
• Led a team of fifteen staff members to achieve growth and sales increase of over 70%.

Over the course of my career, I have accumulated diverse and comprehensive experience across several industries, including legal services, marketing, business development, and education. My roles have ranged from managing legal operations and client relationships to leading strategic marketing initiatives and business growth efforts.

In the legal sector, I served as a Law Manager, where I was responsible for overseeing client relationships, managing legal document preparation, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. My expertise in contract oversight, trademark applications, and staff management contributed to the smooth operation of legal practices and the successful resolution of client cases.

As a Managing Director in the marketing industry, I excelled in driving business development and brand enhancement. I was instrumental in crafting and executing marketing strategies that significantly boosted brand recognition and client acquisition. My leadership extended to sales management, where I consistently exceeded performance targets and mentored teams to achieve high levels of success.

In education, my experience as a Director of Career Services involved designing and implementing career development programs that aligned with industry needs, fostering partnerships with employers, and providing personalized guidance to students. I successfully enhanced student employability through targeted career services, marketing initiatives, and collaborative campus engagement.

Additionally, my earlier work in the banking sector provided me with a strong foundation in operations management, loan underwriting, and mergers and acquisitions. These roles honed my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of financial markets and regulatory frameworks.

Overall, my prior work experience has equipped me with a versatile skill set, a strategic mindset, and the ability to drive organizational success across various sectors.

• Rockdale County CASA
• GiGi’s House
• Agape Foundation, Atlanta