Lana Lee
Lakebay,WA
Summary
Operationally focused, people-centered leader with a proven track record managing multi-site education and childcare programs. Experienced in driving program quality, enrollment growth, compliance, and profitability across diverse environments. Known for building strong partnerships with schools, families, and community stakeholders while leading high-performing teams. Brings a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, with deep experience in licensing compliance, staff development, and customer satisfaction. Adept at managing competing priorities in fast-paced, growth-oriented organizations while maintaining a strong focus on program excellence and positive outcomes for children and families.
Knowledgeable Area Manager with strong background in leading and managing Early and educational institutions. Proven ability to implement effective programs and drive academic excellence. Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and team leadership.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Academy Director
Kiddie Academy
2022 - 02.2025
- Administered daily operations of childcare center, fostering a nurturing environment for 110 students and facilitating staff collaboration among 30 team members.
- Oversaw budget management to align with enrollment growth strategies and staffing requirements. Directed staffing initiatives to drive enrollment growth and uphold program quality standards. Managed program quality through effective oversight of budget and staffing.
- Conducted regular reviews to ensure full compliance with Washington State licensing regulations and WAC standards, safeguarding organizational practices.
- Fostered strong connections with families to support enrollment and retention initiatives.
- Developed and implemented training programs to recruit, train, and coach staff, fostering improved performance and classroom standards.
- Fostered strong customer relationships by ensuring consistent communication and exceptional service delivery.
- Managed daily operational activities to maintain compliance with state regulations and enhance quality assurance.
- Facilitated collaboration with staff to design and implement professional development programs that improved teaching methodologies.
- Engaged with parents and community stakeholders to establish and sustain a nurturing learning environment.
- Formulated and executed strategic initiatives designed to increase enrollment and improve overall performance of the academy.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to enhance staff capabilities and foster continuous improvement.
- Oversaw hiring, supervision, and evaluation of teaching faculty and support staff.
- Implemented systematic monitoring processes to uphold compliance with state education regulations and accreditation guidelines.
Director of Education
UEI College
01.2025 - Current
- Lead academic operations, faculty performance, and student success initiatives in a fast-paced campus environment
- Supervise, coach, and develop staff through regular performance management and training
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accrediting standards
- Implement structured processes to improve student retention, engagement, and outcomes
- Oversee scheduling, resource allocation, and program delivery quality
Center Director
KinderCare Learning Center
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Led daily operations including staffing, scheduling, enrollment growth, and compliance
- Ensured adherence to Washington State licensing and Early Achievers standards
- Increased enrollment through community outreach and parent engagement strategies
- Developed and coached staff to maintain high-quality program delivery
- Partnered with families to support student success and satisfaction
Loan Processor
Gold Financial Services
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Managed client relationships and detailed financial documentation processes
- Strengthened communication and customer service skills in a high-volume environment
Campus President
Charter College
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Directed multi-department operations with full accountability for performance, staffing, and financial outcomes
- Managed admissions, financial aid, education, student services, and career services
- Built partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and government stakeholders
- Ensured compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards
- Led hiring, coaching, and performance management across teams
Senior Director, Military & Community College Relations
City University of Seattle
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Managed multi-site operations across Washington State, including budgets, staffing, and program performance
- Developed partnerships with school systems, workforce agencies, and organizations to expand program reach
- Opened and scaled a new campus at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Increased retention from 58% to 71.2% through process improvements and team accountability
- Led hiring, training, and performance management of cross-functional teams
- Implemented operational processes and best practices to improve efficiency and outcomes
Director
Central Texas College
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Oversaw full-site operations including budget ($550K), staffing, enrollment, and compliance
- Built partnerships with military and community stakeholders
- Developed recruitment and retention strategies aligned with organizational goals
Director of Campus Operations
Drury University
01.2000 - 01.2011
- Managed campus operations including $3M budget, staff leadership, scheduling, and student services
- Supervised 45 faculty and 5 staff while maintaining high program quality
- Built partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations
- Led hiring, training, and performance development initiatives
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Leadership in Higher Education
Northcentral University
Master of Education - Human Services
Drury University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Drury University
Skills
- Multi-Site Operations & P&L Management – Budget development, cost control, enrollment growth, performance tracking
- Licensing & Compliance – Washington State childcare regulations, WAC compliance, Early Achievers standards
- Program Quality & Implementation – Curriculum oversight, continuous improvement, quality assurance
- Team Leadership & Development – Hiring, coaching, performance management, staff retention
- Relationship Management – School districts, parents, community partners, licensing agencies
- Enrollment Growth & Marketing – Community outreach, family engagement, program promotion
- Operational Excellence – SOP implementation, scheduling, problem-solving, decision-making
- Communication & Collaboration – Public speaking, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution
- Staff development
- Professional networking
- Educational technology
- Recruitment management
- Strong work ethic
KEY ALIGNMENT TO AREA MANAGER ROLE
- Extensive multi-site leadership experience across education and childcare environments
- Proven P&L and budget management experience (up to $3M)
- Strong background in licensing compliance (WA State, WAC, Early Achievers)
- Demonstrated success in enrollment growth and program expansion
- Experienced in building partnerships with schools, families, and communities
- Skilled in staff hiring, coaching, and performance management
- Comfortable in fast-paced, high-growth environments with competing priorities
Timeline
Director of Education
UEI College
01.2025 - Current
Center Director
KinderCare Learning Center
01.2022 - 01.2025
Loan Processor
Gold Financial Services
01.2020 - 01.2022
Campus President
Charter College
01.2018 - 01.2020
Senior Director, Military & Community College Relations
City University of Seattle
01.2017 - 01.2018
Director
Central Texas College
01.2011 - 01.2014
Director of Campus Operations
Drury University
01.2000 - 01.2011
Master of Education - Human Services
Drury University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Drury University
Academy Director
Kiddie Academy
2022 - 02.2025
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Leadership in Higher Education
Northcentral University