Kori Ellien
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Ambitious award winning team leader adept at creating strategic alliances with organizational leaders and effectively aligning with and supporting key business initiatives. Successful executive professional with over 20 years of demonstrated ability in delivering mission-critical results. Offering outstanding grant writing, communication and cross-culture team management skills. Advanced understanding of organizational strategies, financial management, procurement and contracting. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
9
9
Certificates
Work History
Deputy Executive Director, Community Development
Yurok Tribe
05.2023 - Current
- Experienced analyzing documentation, making recommendations and advising staff on matters involving human resources, procurements and administration.
- Developed thought leadership around specific topics and emerging practice areas.
- Demonstrated experience strategizing plans and improving agency position in multiple areas.
- Delivered superior results, commanded respect and assumed leadership roles to serve agency goals.
- Evaluated service contracts and collaborated with legal counsel on negotiated improvements.
- Analyzed documentation, made recommendations and advised staff on matters involving human resources, procurements and administration.
- Set organizational goals and objectives to guide and direct company focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Built and maintained strong company teams by hiring and training qualified staff to create positive and productive work environments.
- Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
Tribal Instructor
NAU Institute For Tribal Environ. Professionals
01.2019 - Current
- Instruct Tribal environmental professionals on methodology for environmental enforcement, Tribal jurisdiction and upholding sovereignty.
- Apply various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate tribal environmental professional students.
- Track student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Evaluate and revise course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Observe other instructors and lecturers, gathering valuable techniques to be implemented into future lectures and courses.
- Motivate and inspire tribal environmental professionals to enforce tribal sovereignty.
Grant Writer
Intertribal Agriculture Council
11.2022 - 06.2023
- Researched grant and funding proposal opportunities in philanthropic databases to identify potential income sources.
- Generated monthly grant writing activities reports and submitted documentation to director to promote funding program transparency.
- Prepared and submitted grant applications to corporate organizations, private foundations and federal sources to solicit grant monies for organization.
- Wrote, reviewed and edited proposals for grants, gifts and contracts.
- Interacted with internal partners and obtained detailed information about organization's mission and goals to form solid foundation for grant applications.
- Secured $86 million in grant money in support of Indian agriculture projects.
- Secured $42.5 million in Federal grant money for USDA National Intertribal Food Business Center
- Tracked in-process and previously submitted grant applications to obtain status updates.
- Developed impactful grant applications to enhance organization's potential for funding awards.
Environmental ERE Program Manager
Yurok Tribe Environmental Program
05.2021 - 05.2023
- Supervised (1) Environmental Protection Officer daily and up to (10) environmental staff as assigned.
- Researched grant and funding proposal opportunities in philanthropic databases to identify potential income sources.
- Secured $579,000 in grant money for Tribal Response project; and, $50,000 in grant money for Cultivating Food Sovereignty Through Environmental Stewardship project.
- Obtained pertinent organizational financial reports and other data to support grant applications and funding proposals.
- Prepared and submitted grant applications to corporate organizations, private foundations and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to solicit grant monies for organization.
- Generated monthly grant writing activities reports and submitted documentation to director to promote funding program transparency.
- Developed impactful grant applications to enhance organization's potential for funding awards.
- Addressed and resolved technical, financial, grant and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
- Implemented lesson plans focused on sustainable harvesting, food sovereignty, traditional ecological knowledge, and provided documentation of teacher and student progress.
- Orchestrated smooth and efficient program development by collaborating cross-functionally across departments.
- Researched new technologies, strategies and field applications to promote environmental sustainability, community engagement and tribal food sovereignty.
- Launched education based enforcement program and gathered functional and environmental department requirements to support team and mitigate risks, resulting in environmental compliance rate of 98%.
- Analyzed and interpreted impact of federal, state and local legislation on Tribal community.
- Analyzed revenues, expenditures and cash management.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
Environmental Specialist-Pollution Prevention
Yurok Tribe Environmental Program
08.2018 - 05.2021
- Supervised 5 Environmental Technicians daily; Supervised 6 NCIDC Project Crew Members until project completion.
- Helped write and assemble proposals to foundations, corporate funders and government agencies.
- Worked with team to send donation acknowledgement letters or follow up with declined requests.
- Developed impactful grant applications to enhance organization's potential for funding awards.
- Wrote, reviewed and edited proposals for grants, gifts and contracts.
- Collected environmental field data and conducted environmental assessments and investigations related to solid waste, Hazardous Materials, USTs and enforcement of all applicable environmental laws, Tribal codes and ordinances.
- Developed and executed initiatives to improve environmental knowledge and awareness.
- Developed and implemented strategic education based environmental enforcement methodology specific to environmental issues on Yurok Indian Reservation.
- Performed environmental site assessments and provided remediation recommendations.
- Served as subject matter expert (SME) on environmental regulations and policies.
- Responded to environmental releases within jurisdictional boundaries; preform spill cleanup and mitigation to prevent further environmental and cultural degradation.
- Coordinate and conduct environmental spill response training for internal and external officials, including but not limited to Yurok Tribe employees, United States Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and Hazardous Materials Response Teams.
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities and other resources necessary to meet mission and objectives of the Tribe.
- Formulated and implemented long-range plans for environmental compliance and response programs.
- Liaised with local, tribal, state and federal officials to develop and maintain environmental-related programs, procedures and compliance tasks.
- Tracked key compliance metrics and implemented systems to improve performance.
Acting Interim Superintendent/Environmental Project Manager
City Of Corpus Christi-Utilities
12.2014 - 07.2018
- Supervised (5) Environmental Specialists, (15) Water Quality/Environmental Technicians, (5) Interns, and (3 (5) man teams) Utility Field Crews to maximize quality and work efficiency.
- Directed staff and managed annual capital budget.
- Designed annual grant award strategy as key component of organizational funding initiatives.
- Interacted with internal partners and obtained detailed information about organization's mission and goals to form solid foundation for grant applications.
- Secured $122,465 in grant money for Hazel Bazemore Analytical and Wetland Conservation Coop (HAWCC) project.
- Interviewed personnel, conducted base data analysis and read journals to research water quality impacts, historical site data, and agricultural impact before writing proposal.
- Attended grant writing conferences to enhance sources and interact with other grant writing professionals.
- Interviewed job applicants, asking appropriate questions regarding background, expertise and education. Coached team members on productivity strategies, policy updates and performance improvement plans to accomplish challenging goals.
Coordinated workshops for employees to better understand company mission, streamlining daily activities and aligning worker and company priorities. - Created comprehensive plans and designs for land use, environmental protection, drainage, utility systems and transportation across City of Corpus Christi area. Identified opportunities and developed plans for sustainability projects and programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste or restore natural systems.
- Managed environmental projects to completion,
- Stayed up to date on OSHA and local safety guidelines for environmental remediation work, and correctly reported incidents to City Council and Risk Management.
- Tracked key compliance metrics and implemented systems to improve performance.
- Implemented company policies, technical procedures and standards for preserving integrity and security of data, reports and access.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits. Boosted team member productivity by enhancing performance monitoring and instituting motivational approaches.
- Directed management meetings to enhance collaboration and maintain culture based on trust and group problem-solving.
- Networked with local organizations, leaders and consumers, resulting in establishment of new and lasting partnerships and relationships.
- Developed presentations and media to promote community development and environmental protection program at seminars and other local events.
- Reviewed each departmental employee's work performance and advised on ways to improve overall progress.
- Addressed conflicts with staff and public immediately, listening to all sides and making educated decisions regarding resolutions.
- Retained strong knowledge of utilities production, facilities management and wastewater treatment through hands-on leadership.
- Prepared reports using statistics, charts and graphs to illustrate planning studies in areas such as population, land use or zoning.
- Developed and maintained city planning, zoning and regulatory documentation, utilizing modern approaches to address city-wide current and future needs.
- Spoke publicly to discuss planning projects, garner interest and build support for community areas and government buildings.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with planning and other teams to cement partnerships and achieve mutual goals.
- Advised planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness and possible alternatives.
- Conducted site assessments to verify plan accuracy and feasibility of proposed developments.
- Orchestrated and carried out surveys to understand traffic patterns, land use and local issues and inform decision-making related to planning projects.
- Evaluated permits for environmental compliance changes and building projects by closely checking information against approval requirements.
- Introduced team contests and goals to enhance productivity and improve employee morale.
- Performed annual evaluations and reviews for large staff of employees.
Supervising Scientist
Oso Creek Bacteriological Survey
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Conducted experiments in laboratory and outdoor environments for Environmental Land Management Plan development and grant proposal purposes.
- Determined contaminants in drinking water, waste water and surface waters.
- Liaised with national and international governing bodies to highlight technologies and advancements in research.
- Documented changes during experiments, noting unexpected issues arising during research activities.
- Performed complex troubleshooting and assisted in leading initiatives to solve challenging scientific problems with assays or instrumentation.
- Trained new employees on areas of technical expertise and compliance issues relevant to lab setting.
Environmental Quality Specialist
City Of Corpus Christi, Utilities
12.2014 - 08.2016
- Supervised (10) Water Quality Technicians daily.
- Completed deviation forms and recorded findings of inspection process, collaborating with quality team members and department managers to implement procedural remedies.
- Provided regular updates to team leadership on quality metrics by communicating consistency problems or production deficiencies.
- Educated employees on specific QA standards and confirmed maintenance of standards.
- Monitored product standards and quality-control programs.
- Fixed identified issues to increase productivity and boost workflows.
- Provided analytical, planning and coordination support on projects as assigned, reviewing, interpreting, analyzing and illustrating data to stimulate and support enlightened decision making.
- Created and collaborated in implementation and maintenance of customer complaint log, control plans, work and inspection instructions, local procedures and visual aids and samples.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Handled customer complaints, resolved issues and adjusted policies to meet changing needs.
- Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
- Identified individual employee's unique work styles and adapted management methods.
Water Quality Specialist
Yurok Tribe Environmental Department
08.2014 - 12.2014
- Supervised 4 Environmental Technicians
- Conducted water quality monitoring and assessment of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Klamath River and its tributaries (Klamath River Watershed) in a scientific and defensible manner in accordance with the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA) Interim Measure 15 and USEPA.
- Identified potential funding opportunities to support environmental and water quality data analysis with regard to the dam removal initiative within the Klamath River watershed.
- Maintained Yellow Springs Incorporated (YSI) 6600EDS multi-parameter datasondes for several monitoring sites, including USGS gauge stations.
- Performed qualitative (field data) and quantitative (numerical) data trend analysis and converted results into decipherable information for the public.
- Responsible for ensuring cost, schedule and performance measures were met.
Field Office Secretary
CA Indian Manpower Consortium
06.2012 - 08.2013
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Created and updated physical records and digital files to maintain current, accurate and compliant documentation.
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Received incoming mail and evaluated and distributed correspondence requiring priority attention.
- Enhanced projects with efficient schedules, coordinated related documents and organized resources to support unique demands.
- Conducted thorough research using diverse resources to assist professional staff with routine and special project tasks.
- Prepared and distributed team-based communications to foster collaboration and enhance team morale.
- Offered office-wide software support and training, troubleshooting issues and optimizing usage.
- Collected, verified, recorded and processed client demographics, and referral information.
- Explained eligibility requirements, application details, and applicants' legal rights during intake assessment.
- Updated executives on changing business needs by thoroughly documenting internal and client meetings.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Created and managed office systems to efficiently deal with documentation.
- Streamlined operations and prioritized tasks, allowing senior staff to increase productivity.
Quality Control Manager, U.S. & International
Dicalite Minerals
09.2005 - 06.2009
- Maximized quality and reduced costs 70% by maintaining QC objectives.
- Monitored workshop work flow for over 50 employees.
- Consistently met quarterly sales goals and increased customer retention rate year-over-year.
- Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
- Collected and analyzed diatomaceous earth raw and finished material samples to evaluate quality, providing feedback and interpretation to production management or staff.
- Developed and analyzed quality control processes and deliverables to determine present standards and establish recommended action plans.
- Used database software to produce reports regarding daily production quality, nonconformance of products or processes and quality trends.
- Collaborated with development teams, internal customers and product line management to verify delivery of desired quality requirements to distributors.
- Followed quality standards and procedures to minimize errors and maximize customer satisfaction.
- Updated quality control standards, methods and procedures to meet compliance requirements.
- Developed and deployed production control plans and created work instructions and procedures.
- Mentored and encouraged employees to strive for excellence while fostering professional growth.
- Collaborated with contract representatives and oversaw quality control implementations and reporting.
- Evaluated quality problems and performed corrective action to identify and resolve issues.
- Wrote and implemented new rework procedures to standardize processes and streamline workflow.
- Handled customer complaints, resolved issues and adjusted policies to meet changing needs.
- Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts.
- Developed training, task and process guidelines and communicated clear and concise directions to employees.
- Adjusted job assignments and schedules to keep pace with dynamic business needs, factoring in processes, employee knowledge and customer demands.
- Provided supportive link between external customers and internal operations.
Education
Associate of Arts - Administration of Justice
College of The Redwoods
Eureka, CA06.2023
Tribal Environmental Professional Development
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ07.2020
Project EnCriPT Environmental Crime Program
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX06.2020
Hazardous Waste Operations And Emergency Response
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX05.2018
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Effective Communicator and Public Speaker
- Leadership and People Development
- Employee Motivation and Performance
- Strategic Planning
- Communications Strategies
- Operational Efficiency
- Stakeholder Relations
- Departmental Coordination
- Business Correspondence
- Management
- Administration
- Policies And Procedures
- Attention To Detail
- Grants Management
- Verbal And Written Communication
- Excellent Time Management Skills
- Advanced Computer Skills
- Grant Writing
Accomplishments
- Member, EPA Tribal Waste and Response Steering Committee
- Instructor, EPA: Strengthening Tribal Sovereignty through Waste Management Codes and Ordinances
- Instructor, Northern Arizona University: Tribal Code Development
- Instructor, Northern Arizona University: Tribal Engagement Strategies
- Leadership Award: National Association of Clean Water Agencies Environmental Achievement Operations & Environmental Performance
- Leadership Award: Water Environment Federation National MS4 Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Award-Gold Recognition in Innovation
- Leadership Award: Water Environment Federation National MS4 Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Award-Gold Gold Recognition in Program Management
- Project Manager, TxGLO Adopt a Beach 06/015-2018
- Member, Cole and Ropes Park Implementation Plan (CARP) Committee 02/2016-2018
- Collaborator, Oso Bay/Oso Creek Implementation Plan 03/2016-2018
Affiliations
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
Certification
- Hazardous Materials Instructor Certification for Trainers
- HAZWOPER Supervisor
- State of Texas Licensed Code Officer
- Qualified Compliance Inspector of Stormwater Texas
- 40 Hr. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
- Hanby Environmental Certified Professional (HECP)
- Basic Code Enforcement
- Environmental Management
- FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Initial
Additional Information
Additional Relevant Courses Completed:
- FEMA IS-00100.b
- FEMA IS-00200.c
- FEMA IS-00700.b
- FEMA IS-0800.d
- Water Sampling
- Environmental Sampling Overview
- Illegal Dumping of Non-Hazardous Materials
- Advanced Personal Safety
- Chain of Custody
- Environmental Crime
- Ethics of Environmental Enforcement
- Introduction to Environmental Enforcement
- Determining Probable Cause for Criminal Environmental Investigations
- Abusive Workplace Conduct Prevention
- Anti-Harassment Training
- COVID-19 - General Awareness Training
- Ethics in the Workplace
- Workplace Violence - Coworker Confrontations
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher
- HIDTA Butane Hash Oil (BHO) Labs
- NSC Defensive Driving
- Railroading Emergency Response Awareness
- Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)
- Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC)
- Collaborative Stormwater Management Solutions
- Low Impact Development: The Basics of Bioretention
- Understanding EPA’s NPDES MS4 Permit Program
- Intro to the NPDES Permitting Program
- Green Infrastructure
- Solutions for Wet Weather
- Cultural Intelligence
- Texas Watershed Steward Program
- Stormwater Management
- Wastewater and Stormwater Management
- Problem-Solving Tools and Methods
Timeline
Deputy Executive Director, Community Development
Yurok Tribe
05.2023 - Current
Grant Writer
Intertribal Agriculture Council
11.2022 - 06.2023
Environmental ERE Program Manager
Yurok Tribe Environmental Program
05.2021 - 05.2023
Tribal Instructor
NAU Institute For Tribal Environ. Professionals
01.2019 - Current
Environmental Specialist-Pollution Prevention
Yurok Tribe Environmental Program
08.2018 - 05.2021
Supervising Scientist
Oso Creek Bacteriological Survey
01.2017 - 01.2018
Acting Interim Superintendent/Environmental Project Manager
City Of Corpus Christi-Utilities
12.2014 - 07.2018
Environmental Quality Specialist
City Of Corpus Christi, Utilities
12.2014 - 08.2016
Water Quality Specialist
Yurok Tribe Environmental Department
08.2014 - 12.2014
Field Office Secretary
CA Indian Manpower Consortium
06.2012 - 08.2013
Quality Control Manager, U.S. & International
Dicalite Minerals
09.2005 - 06.2009
Associate of Arts - Administration of Justice
College of The Redwoods
Tribal Environmental Professional Development
Northern Arizona University
Project EnCriPT Environmental Crime Program
Sam Houston State University
Hazardous Waste Operations And Emergency Response
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
- Hazardous Materials Instructor Certification for Trainers
- HAZWOPER Supervisor
- State of Texas Licensed Code Officer
- Qualified Compliance Inspector of Stormwater Texas
- 40 Hr. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
- Hanby Environmental Certified Professional (HECP)
- Basic Code Enforcement
- Environmental Management
- FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Initial
Webinars & Publications
- EPA Tribal Waste & Response Steering Committee: https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/twarsc/Committee/K_Ellien
- Indian Country Today: https://indiancountrytoday.com/the-press-pool/yurok-tribe-environmental-program-manager-appointed-to-u-s-environment-protection-agencys-steering-committee-on-solid-waste
- EPA Region 9 Tribal Newsletter: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-07/epa-r9-tribal-branch-newsletter-2022-07.pdf
- Tribal Waste Journal, Developing and Implementing Codes and Ordinances on Tribal Lands: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-10/twj-12-final-25oct2021-508.pdf
- Texas Master Naturalist, Eco-Expert at Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve: Stormwater!: https://txmn.org/st/event/eco-expert-at-oso-bay-wetlands-preserve-stormwater/
- EPA Abandoned Vehicles on Tribal Lands: Approaches and Case Studies: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-07/Abandoned%20vehicles%20on%20tribal%20lands_05.11.2021_Webinar%201_Final_508adc_7.22.2022_1.pdf
- Environmental News Bits: https://envnewsbits.info/2022/05/24/webinar-strengthening-tribal-sovereignty-through-waste-management-codes-and-ordinances/
- Tribal Waste and Response Steering Committee: http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/twarsc/docs/TWARSC_Priorities_Document_2022.pdf
- STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art Music: https://issuu.com/steammagazine/docs/steam_magazine_november_2016_final
Executive Board Membership
- Executive Board of Directors, Native American Environmental Protection Coalition, Executive Board Secretary, September 2022, 2 year term
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tribal Waste and Response Steering Committee Member, September 2021-Current, 2 year term
- CA Department of Fish & Wildlife, Area Contingency Plan, ACP1, Committee Member, January 2019-Current
- Cole and Ropes Park Implementation Plan Committee, February 2016-July 2018
- Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Program Site Manager, June 2015-July 2018
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