Laura Copeland
Wake Forest,NC
Summary
Professional operations leader with consistent track record in optimizing processes and driving impactful results. Proven ability to lead teams, implement strategic initiatives, and adapt to changing environments with ease. Skilled in project management, process improvement, and resource allocation. Known for effective collaboration and delivering dependable outcomes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Radar Consulting
04.2017 - 02.2025
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives.
- Managed budgets and resources, optimizing allocation for maximum impact on business objectives.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness.
- Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to enhance operational performance and achieve targets.
- Championed quality assurance efforts by establishing rigorous standards and monitoring adherence to maintain high levels of service delivery.
- Reduced environmental impact by leading sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction programs and adoption of green technologies.
Program Director
Toronto Arts Foundation/North York Arts
05.2013 - 03.2017
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
- Enhanced user experience with introduction of new technology solutions, leading to increased program engagement.
- Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Enhanced program visibility and engagement by developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Established and maintained effective working relationships with stakeholders, enhancing collaboration and support.
- Bolstered program sustainability by securing grants and developing partnerships with external organizations.
- Oversaw staff schedules and assignments to handle programming demands.
- Helped directors resolve production, casting and budgeting issues impacting station performance.
- Designed customized training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility.
- Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans for long-term growth.
- Established strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders for collaborative problem solving.
- Coordinated budgeting, scheduling and resource allocation to facilitate smooth flow of operations.
- Evaluated program performance through comprehensive data analysis, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Developed and implemented program goals and objectives, establishing specific and measurable outcomes aligned with organization's overall mission.
Research Director, Youth & Social Entrepreneurship
SKETCH Working Arts For Youth
09.2010 - 05.2014
- Designed and delivered trainings and presentations to institutional staff and supported research program development.
- Established strategic goals for broad-scale research through acquisition of appropriate funding and program support.
- Taught staff, students and new employees income generation methods through varying external channels.
- Advised and supported staff on legal parameters of research.
- Analyzed findings and reports from researchers in program and interpreted for supervisory staff.
- Evaluated emerging technologies for potential integration into existing research methodologies, resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy.
- Championed a culture of continuous learning and development within the research department, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving approaches.
- Reduced project completion time by optimizing resource allocation and prioritizing critical tasks.
- Reviewed staff performance on a regular basis, providing constructive feedback and coaching to ensure continuous improvement in skills and productivity levels.
Program Manager / Interim Managing Director
Reel World Film Festival and Foundation
03.2006 - 09.2010
- Managed, facilitated and evaluated both the Indie Film Lounge Emerging 20 and the Docs in Schools programs..
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making approaches to inform strategy development and optimize outcomes.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
- Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
Environmental Education Specialist
Wake County PROS (Government)
05.2000 - 08.2005
- Assessed individual student needs to create lesson plans addressing academic strengths and interests of students, while fostering development, and growth.
- Provided individualized support for students with special needs, adapting instructional approaches to meet their unique learning requirements.
- Established a positive classroom environment, fostering mutual respect and open communication among students.
- Implemented data-driven instruction by regularly assessing student progress and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
- Mentored new teachers in effective instructional strategies, contributing to a supportive professional community within the school.
- Developed curriculum materials that aligned with state standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of required content.
- Met with parents and guardians to assist in understanding and supporting educational objectives, learning expectations and behavior standards.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles within the classroom.
- Built relationships with external stakeholders, community organizations and donors to increase program scope.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NCBachelor of Science - Environmental Science
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NCBachelor of Science - Science Education
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NCMaster of Science - Popular Education And Social Entrepreneurship
York University
Toronto, ONSkills
- Quality control / Quality assurance
- Leadership training
- Project planning and development
- Team collaboration
- Advanced problem solving
- Coaching and mentoring
- Processes and procedures
Publications
Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly: "The Discerning Consumer: Is Nonprofit Status a Factor?"
Volume 39. Number 5. October 2010
Popular Education in Community Development Initiatives for Homeless and At Risk Youth: A Case Study of the Complexities in Implementing Therapeutic and Empowering Programs
York University. Toronto, ON Canada. July 2011
Timeline
Director of Operations
Radar Consulting
04.2017 - 02.2025
Program Director
Toronto Arts Foundation/North York Arts
05.2013 - 03.2017
Research Director, Youth & Social Entrepreneurship
SKETCH Working Arts For Youth
09.2010 - 05.2014
Program Manager / Interim Managing Director
Reel World Film Festival and Foundation
03.2006 - 09.2010
Environmental Education Specialist
Wake County PROS (Government)
05.2000 - 08.2005
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Science - Science Education
North Carolina State University
Master of Science - Popular Education And Social Entrepreneurship
York University
Similar Profiles
Daniel de Oliveira AlvesDaniel de Oliveira Alves
International Business Consultant at Radar ConsultingInternational Business Consultant at Radar Consulting
Kelly HopkinsKelly Hopkins
Office Support Staff at American Law Enforcement Radar and TrainingOffice Support Staff at American Law Enforcement Radar and Training
Edward ParrEdward Parr
Air Traffic Control Specialist at Dept of the ArmyCairns Army Radar Approach ControlAir Traffic Control Specialist at Dept of the ArmyCairns Army Radar Approach Control
Mahnoor MazharMahnoor Mazhar
Volunteer at Salem ElementaryVolunteer at Salem Elementary
Matthew StaplesMatthew Staples
Investigator, Special Agent at Defense Counterintelligence & Security AgencyInvestigator, Special Agent at Defense Counterintelligence & Security Agency