Krystina Whitten
Avondale,AZ
Summary
Devoted professional with communications experience in a variety of industries and settings, including public speaking, media relations, customer service, and organizational communications. Experienced leader focused on professional and personal development, teamwork, learning opportunities, and relationship-building.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Employee Learning and Development Specialist
Grand Canyon Education
11.2017 - Current
- Enhanced employee performance by designing and implementing comprehensive learning programs.
- Evaluated training program effectiveness, adjusting content as needed to maximize learning outcomes.
- Supported organizational change initiatives through thorough communication and effective training strategies.
- Developed a library of instructional materials, ensuring consistency in messaging across all departments.
- Implemented competency-based assessments to track skill development progress and measure overall success of learning initiatives.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
- Aligned training programs with organizational goals, ensuring that learning initiatives directly supported overarching business objectives.
- Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.
- Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
- Wrote training manuals for operations employees according to strict organizational compliance protocols.
- Assessed and implemented the appropriate communication methods necessary to share complex and/or timely information to departments and staff with varying experience and knowledge.
- Ensured compliance with organizational and regulatory policies and practices through regular communication and resource creation.
- Conducted regular needs analysis surveys to gauge areas where additional support was required promoting continuous improvement in staff skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Owner
8-Bit Aleworks
04.2015 - Current
- Planned and executed special events, including processing city and state applications, monitoring regulatory needs, preparing and launching marketing plans, overseeing event operations.
- Developed a reputation for high levels of service and ensured staff was prepared and empowered to maintain the same excellent service.
- Wrote press releases, articles, marketing copy, and other materials necessary for the promotion and continued success of the business.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with other local business and city agencies, resulting in collaborative efforts to improve economic development within Avondale.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by staff.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing and dedicated staff.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Fostered an environment promoting continuous improvement empowering employees to identify opportunities for efficiency.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Organized and attended conferences and festivals to increase industry knowledge and increase marketing opportunities.
- Adhered to regulatory and policy changes and made necessary adjustments to maintain overall success.
- Handled problematic customers to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
Student Services Counselor
Grand Canyon Education
12.2013 - 11.2017
- Improved student satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students.
- Diligently monitored academic and financial status of student accounts to ensure student progress toward graduation.
- Communicated changes, processes, and other valuable information to students and families to ensure student success.
- Educated students on resources available for a variety of needs while attending Grand Canyon University.
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices.
- Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings.
Editor/Writer
Arizona Craft Brewers' Guild (ChooseAZBrews)
12.2015 - 12.2016
- Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles for grammar, spelling, and consistency.
- Conducted thorough fact-checking to ensure accuracy and credibility of published information.
- Established strong relationships with freelance contributors, expanding the pool of talent available for future projects.
- Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes, and approved final versions for publication.
- Collaborated with graphics artists to develop and implement visual elements.
- Adhered to Associated Press style guidelines, educating staff on standards.
- Interviewed subjects and conducted independent research to write and contribute original articles and content.
Education
Master of Arts - Communications
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ11.2024
Master of Science - Psychology (Forensic Psychology Emphasis)
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ11.2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ11.2011
Skills
- Training Delivery
- Organizational Development
- Employee Engagement
- Adult Learning Theory
- Curriculum Development
- Leadership Development
- Public Speaking
- Event Execution
- Media Relations
- Press Release Writing
- Internal Communications
- Event Coordination
- Interpersonal Skills
- Team Leadership
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Scheduling and Coordinating
Timeline
Employee Learning and Development Specialist
Grand Canyon Education
11.2017 - Current
Editor/Writer
Arizona Craft Brewers' Guild (ChooseAZBrews)
12.2015 - 12.2016
Owner
8-Bit Aleworks
04.2015 - Current
Student Services Counselor
Grand Canyon Education
12.2013 - 11.2017
Master of Arts - Communications
Grand Canyon University
Master of Science - Psychology (Forensic Psychology Emphasis)
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix
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