Lara Lewis
Manteo,NC
Summary
Seasoned, self-motivated, Operations Manager with 20 years of experience applying exceptional planning and problem-solving abilities toward enhancing business plans and day-to-day activities. Results-driven and resilient in developing teams while improving processes and increasing productivity. Bringing excellent communication skills, an attention to detail and organization with a talent for spotting areas in need of improvement and implementing changes with strategic approach.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Team Supervisor
NC Department Of Public Safety / NCORR / HOPE
Raleigh, NC
01.2021 - Current
- Managed team of 8 Finance Specialists who worked to distribute grant program funds in an efficient manner to help recipient of grant to maintain housing and utilities without interruption of services.
- Developed, recommended and implemented measures to improve productivity, and performance for staff members.
- Interacted with cross-functional support groups to manage day-to-day operations and identified and resolved operational problems using defined processes, expertise and judgment.
- Built strong relationships with customers through positive attitude and attentive response.
- Communicated policy updates and company information through team meetings, huddles and one-on-one development sessions.
- Maintained awareness of basic HR laws and regulations and kept up-to-date with department policies.
- Mentored and guided employees to foster proper completion of assigned duties.
- Coached team members in customer service techniques, providing feedback and encouragement toward reaching goals.
- Facilitated training for associates through daily coaching and regular performance appraisals.
- Managed over 50 customer calls a day; researching and resolving payment issues.
Lifestyle Director
Firstservice Residential
Fredericksburg, VA
07.2016 - 02.2021
- Managed social, recreational, cultural, travel, fitness and entertainment designed to enrich the quality of life and enhance vibrancy of a 55+ active adult community.
- Met or exceeded monthly revenue and training goals; worked with Association Finance Committee to determine operating budget for Lifestyle Division and diligently worked to stay under budget and save Association funds while enhancing social programs at community.
- Networked/partnered with local community vendors to help offset costs of events being held at the community.
- Managed staff of sixteen and resident volunteers to include performance, training, hiring, dismissal, scheduling and payroll.
- Instituted new attendance software to increase productivity and ease of finding coverage for team member schedule changes and substantially decreased time necessary to submit payroll reports to human resources/accounting.
- Uniformly implemented policy and procedures as established by the Association Board.
- Developed and maintained community relationships and resources to enhance / diversify program development to benefit the Association and residents.
- Coordinated and developed publication of monthly magazine by working with the editor and securing advertising revenue and maintaining effective system for billing advertisers.
- Solicited, negotiated and hired/dismissed contract services and ensured vendors were properly licensed and insured for services being rendered.
- Handled travel arrangements for residents to include both hotel/air/ground transportation.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere, while maintaining energy and enthusiasm.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Monitored trends in lifestyle programming to enrich program offerings; provided guidance and oversight to all committees planning travel and social events.
- Conducted needs assessments or surveys to determine interest in or satisfaction with wellness and fitness programs, events or services.
Sales & Marketing Counselor
Senior Lifestyle Corporation
Fredericksburg, VA
02.2013 - 07.2016
- Consistently achieved monthly sales goals for affluent community requiring substantial entrance fees for membership in condo style independent and assisted living accomplished by fostering relationships with potential residents and their families.
- Managed over 75 calls a day to increase foot traffic touring community and ultimately increase sales month over month.
- Created/implemented strong community outreach program and media marketing plans.
- Consistently met corporate expectations of meaningful contracts, leases, occupancy and budget goals.
- Exercised strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task to meet deadlines.
- Rotated as weekend community manager on duty.
Senior Registered Sales Associate
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Richmond, VA
05.1997 - 02.2013
- Acted as satellite hub business office manager by ensuring records were kept in audit ready condition by maintaining WFA and FINRA standards of practice.
- Maintained key partnership with five high performance financials advisors in Fredericksburg and Richmond territories; managed their individual schedules, assisted with increasing and retaining their individual books of business by uncovering additional sales opportunities and providing an excellent customer service experience.
- Acted as first point of contact for clients and vendors.
- Provided sales and administrative support to 20+ NASD Series 6 licensed employees.
- Attended continuing education courses and workshops to gain additional insurance industry knowledge.
- Promoted variety of products and services using upselling and other sales strategies.
- Exceeded corporate quotas for monthly policy sales.
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Developed new business relationships and maintained existing through regular communications and effective account management.
- Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions, and close deals.
- Kept detailed records of daily activities utilizing CRM.
- Liaised between clients and support team to quickly resolve issues.
Education
High School Diploma -
Thomas A. Edison High School
Alexandria, VA06.1986
Skills
- B2B
- B2C
- CRM
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Account management
- Staff education and training
- Technical Support
- Complaint resolution
- Client Service
- Sales expertise
- Teamwork
- Purchasing and procurement
- Business administration
- Property/Asset Management
Websites
Volunteer Projects
CAT5 JEEPER - (2021 to present) As a member of the CAT5 Jeep club, I work to raise funds for local charity organizations that give back to the local community. Each year we hold events to benefit the underprivileged youth of Dare County, NC and local animal shelters. In 2022, we will expand our efforts to include being able to assist the local senior citizens of Dare County.
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION - (2013 to present) As a member of the Fredericksburg Area Walk Committee, under the guidance of the Richmond, Virginia chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, I worked with the local committee members to plan and execute the Fredericksburg Area's Walk For A Cure. Working to retain existing team, attract new teams and was responsible for the logistics for the walk. Served as the Co-Chair of the walk in 2018. Though I am currently no longer in the region, I do still fundraise for the Alzheimer's Association.
Timeline
Finance Team Supervisor
NC Department Of Public Safety / NCORR / HOPE
01.2021 - Current
Lifestyle Director
Firstservice Residential
07.2016 - 02.2021
Sales & Marketing Counselor
Senior Lifestyle Corporation
02.2013 - 07.2016
Senior Registered Sales Associate
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
05.1997 - 02.2013
High School Diploma -
Thomas A. Edison High School
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