Lanita McCauley Bates

An Executive in Program Management, working with multiple clients in improving capital implementation, operations, compliance and strategic direction. Led teams of professionals in implementing project controls for multiple clients, such as Los Angeles World Airports, City of Inglewood, and Los Angeles County Metro. In addition to leading a team in Texas in overseeing the operation, maintenance and capital implementation in water and wastewater utilities.

Key Achievements:

• Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
• Enhanced strategic partnerships with entities like LA World Airports by effective stakeholder management.
• Developed and executed strategic initiatives to drive business growth, resulting in higher revenues .
• Reducing $250M in claims due to COVID-19 and contractor claims by over 50%.
• Directed the evaluation and negotiation of $30M+ E&O claims, implemented best management practices, and developed favorable contract terms.
• Administered $1.4B project contract compliance, performed risk assessments, and led complex negotiations, aiming to minimize risks and costs.
• Manage the financial, operational and capital implementation in two troubled water utilities and managing compliance.

Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the west region of an international organization that provides environmental solutions. Overseeing approximately 400 employees in the West region and P&L of $150 million, Effectively manage multiple sites in the West, Hawaii and British Columbia.

Key Achievements:

• Delivered the best safety record and led the region as the most profitable in North America through process modifications & communication strategies.
• Coordinated and drove the integration of west Municipal & Commercial by cross training management and implementing efficiencies.
• Developed the quarterly newsletter highlighting key initiatives.
• Negotiated at risk contracts and maintained 100% renewal rate in 2016 while averaging a 98% overall renewal rate.
• Created STEM program for youth in the west to generate new talent, community outreach and growth.
• Restructured the Business Development team in the region creating a large pipeline with a focus on creating new and innovative market segments.

Directed legal strategies for the region pertaining to Business Development, negotiation and litigation strategies.

Key Achievements:

• Developed and negotiated a $300 million, 30 year operation agreement as part of a Concession in North America.
• Provided operational contract analysis and interpretation advice.
• Improved operational performance by identifying contract requirements and eliminating scope creep.
• Drafted responses to RFI/RFQ/RFP processes and negotiated with vendors.
• Identified revenue enhancement opportunities.

Ensured on target delivery of  40 key performance indicators valued at $10 million dollars annually.

Key Achievements:

• Aggressively negotiated Key Performance Indicators with the client.
• Researched and analyzed water conservation measures to be implemented in a utility plan.
• Managed a Contract Management staff that worked along-side operations.
• Reduced the cost of consultants by 50% by rigorously negotiating rates.
• Ensured regulatory compliance with customer service and utility operation functions.
• Presented organizational strategic measures and data to the members of the board that governed the operation and management agreement.