Kristina Ward
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Operations leader with 12+ years of experience across professional sports, collegiate athletics, and regional multi-site business operations. Proven track record of leading large-scale operations, executing high-profile events, developing leaders, and driving strategic initiatives that enhance organizational performance, community engagement, and customer experience.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
District Operations Manager
Fitness International LLC
Atlanta, Georgia
10.2020 - Current
- Lead regional operations across 39 locations throughout Georgia, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, operational standards, and business performance objectives.
- Develop, mentor, and coach District Operations Managers and club leadership teams through performance management, succession planning, leadership development, and executive coaching.
- Partner with executive leadership to execute strategic initiatives that improve profitability, operational efficiency, customer experience, and sustainable business growth across the region.
- Direct regional operational planning, facility operations, compliance initiatives, capital improvement projects, vendor partnerships, and risk management strategies.
- Analyze operational and financial performance metrics to identify trends, improve efficiencies, strengthen accountability, and enhance overall market performance.
- Collaborate with cross-functional departments including Operations, Human Resources, Facilities, Finance, Marketing, and Member Services to successfully execute organizational priorities.
- Championed culture of accountability and continuous improvement by implementing best practices that enhanced operational consistency and member satisfaction.
- Lead change management initiatives by implementing new operational processes, developing leadership capabilities, and driving organizational adaptability across the Georgia market.
- Recognized as a Top Performing District for operational excellence, member experience, compliance, revenue performance, and retention.
Manager Collegiate Affairs
United States Tennis Association - Usta Official
Orlando, Florida
06.2017 - 06.2020
- Directed the planning, coordination, and execution of 10+ national collegiate championships, showcases, leadership meetings, and special events, ensuring exceptional event operations and stakeholder experiences.
- Served as the primary liaison between the USTA, NCAA, ITA, athletic departments, conference representatives, collegiate coaches, and university administrators to strengthen strategic partnerships and support collegiate tennis initiatives.
- Designed and launched the Minority Coach Grant Program, expanding professional development opportunities and increasing diversity within collegiate coaching.
- Developed and implemented grassroots initiatives, including College MatchDay Youth Ambassadors and Campus Kids Day, to strengthen community engagement and foster connections between collegiate athletics and local youth.
- Partnered with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion leadership to establish initiatives that enhanced support, funding, and participation for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and underrepresented student-athletes.
- Managed operational planning for national programs, including budgeting, staffing, travel logistics, scheduling, vendor coordination, and cross-functional project execution.
- Led continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced event operations, streamlined internal processes, and elevated the overall student-athlete, coach, and guest experience.
- Supervised collegiate coordinators, interns, and event staff, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance evaluations to support their professional development.
- Represented the USTA at national championships, conferences, and industry meetings while building relationships that advanced the organization's collegiate tennis strategy.
Facility Development Coordinator
United States Tennis Association - Usta Official
Orlando, Florida
10.2015 - 06.2017
- Managed the administration and review of facility development grants, supporting community tennis organizations, parks and recreation departments, schools, and public tennis facilities nationwide.
- Coordinated multiple facility development projects simultaneously, ensuring timely execution, stakeholder communication, and alignment with organizational priorities.
- Partnered with Community Tennis Associations (CTAs), local governments, contractors, and facility operators to support court construction, renovation, and capital improvement initiatives.
- Streamlined grant review and approval processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy in funding requests.
- Coordinated executive calendars, travel logistics, presentations, and national meetings for senior leadership while supporting cross-functional projects and organizational initiatives.
- Developed reports and presentations to effectively communicate project updates and funding recommendations to executive leadership.
- Collaborated with internal departments to enhance administrative workflows and project management processes for successful execution of national facility development initiatives.
- Built strong relationships with community partners and industry stakeholders to support the continued growth of tennis participation and facility accessibility across the country.
Community Relations Specialist (Internship)
WNBA Chicago Sky
Chicago, Illinois
04.2013 - 10.2013
- Planned and executed community outreach programs, charitable initiatives, and special events that enhanced the organization's visibility and strengthened relationships throughout the Chicago community.
- Coordinated player appearances, youth programs, nonprofit partnerships, and community activations, enhancing event execution and guest experience.
- Researched and cultivated relationships with schools, nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, and community partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and expanded outreach.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of game-day promotions, fan engagement activities, and in-arena entertainment designed to enhance the overall fan experience.
- Supported corporate partnership initiatives by coordinating community appearances, sponsorship activations, and charitable events to align with organizational objectives.
- Collaborated with Marketing, Game Operations, Communications, and Corporate Partnerships to execute integrated community engagement strategies.
- Maintained community relations databases, tracked program participation, and prepared reports to evaluate outreach efforts and demonstrate organizational impact.
- Represented the organization at community events, strengthening relationships with fans, partners, and local organizations while promoting the Chicago Sky brand.
Event Coordinator (Internship)
NBA Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta, Georgia
01.2012 - 05.2012
- Coordinated event logistics, vendor communication, staffing, equipment, and on-site operations to ensure successful execution of promotional and community events.
- Facilitated planning and execution of community events, grassroots marketing initiatives, and fan engagement programs, enhancing organizational objectives and increasing brand visibility.
- Partnered with the Marketing, Basketball Development, Community Relations, and Game Operations teams to support strategic initiatives and special events throughout the season.
- Aided in sponsorship activation through event setup, partner engagement, and game-day promotional experiences, contributing to successful partner relationships.
- Assisted in youth basketball clinics, community appearances, and promotional activations, fostering fan engagement and building stronger community relationships.
- Represented the organization at community events while delivering exceptional customer service and creating positive experiences for fans, partners, and community stakeholders.
- Assisted with the management and maintenance of the Fan Development database, ensuring accurate reporting, participant tracking, and campaign effectiveness.
- Demonstrated strong organizational, communication, and project coordination skills while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced professional sports environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Recreation & Sports Management
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA05-2012
Skills
- Regional Operations Leadership
- Sports and Business Operations
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Growth
- Event & Venue Operations
- Leadership Development
- Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
Timeline
District Operations Manager
Fitness International LLC
10.2020 - Current
Manager Collegiate Affairs
United States Tennis Association - Usta Official
06.2017 - 06.2020
Facility Development Coordinator
United States Tennis Association - Usta Official
10.2015 - 06.2017
Community Relations Specialist (Internship)
WNBA Chicago Sky
04.2013 - 10.2013
Event Coordinator (Internship)
NBA Atlanta Hawks
01.2012 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Science - Recreation & Sports Management
Virginia State University