LAURA KARK
Denver,CO
Summary
Accomplished Executive Director with progressive industry background and decisive leadership style. Offers strategic planning abilities, background in change management and forward-thinking mindset. Ready for challenges and focused on meeting future demands.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Acoya Cherry Creek Senior Living
Denver, CO
01.2023 - Current
- Developed/managed annual budget of $20 million, ensuring financial sustainability and resource allocation
- Project management of construction and opening of a high-end senior living community
- Recruited staff to formulate an inclusive culture that provides high quality experiences and engagement
- Worked collaboratively with the team to develop strategic plans to drive sales results
- Leadership of day-to-day operations and sales to lease 137 room community with 170 residents
- Collaborated with public and private agencies to promote, market and to become a member of the community
- Created and executed the strategic plan, while mentoring the team to create a preferred senior living community in the market that can grow revenue and profitability
- Implementation of innovative solutions to enhance services, increase dignity and independence for residents
- Provide organizational leadership, passion and influence to provide optimal tools and support to achieve excellence in care, support, and services to our residents, while not compromising standards
- Created training programs that ensured the development of meeting the needs of residents, while fostering a high-performance culture that promotes talent from within
- Monitored care plans with clinical care team, ensuring regulation requirements are met
- Responsible for implementation of systems to build occupancy to a goal of 80% first year and 95% by second year.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
The Lens Effect
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Oversaw all logistics, warehousing, recruitment, and team management within an international environment, to achieve operational excellence, profitability and distribution
- Consistently acquired about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, leveraging insights to maintain competitive edge
- Implemented diverse and inclusive strategies including cultural awareness and competency initiatives, to build innovative culture and increase employee engagement
- Marketed and retailed all new product contracts while developing supply chain with Ukraine, London, and China
- Oversaw social media management and growth within multiple cities within the country.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Compass Group Senior Living
Denver, CO
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Leadership with a cross-functional team, focused on improvement in hospitality management, culinary excellence, facility management, and fiscally responsible operations
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to become a preferred senior living community in the local market
- Implemented organizational change management to develop an inclusive approach to inspire creative thinking
- Consistently performed well on state surveys and maintained excellent standing with the State
- Fiscally responsible for $9 million budget, driving operational efficiency to ensure sustainable growth
- Organized and coordinated leadership and coaching to and build relationships with management team to include collaboration to integrate diversity and improve culture
- Possessing financial acumen allowing to meet/exceed NOI, revenue, profitability, and occupancy goals
- Continuous development of associate relations, family connection and regulatory compliance
- Initiated and implemented training plans to improve performance to service and financial stewardship.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
RMSER Head Start
Denver, CO
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Managed 27 classrooms and 1000 students through collaboration, influencing skills, excellent talent management, team building and community development
- Exceptional project management skills, data analysis skills, budgeting, financial performance and collaboration in an organized, fast paced environment
- Implemented cross training frameworks and team development to increase retention and engagement
- Coached and model data-driven strategies, standards, guidelines, adherence to regulations and best practices
- Developed a diversity and inclusion strategy ensuring engaged culture for employees as well as families
- Built high degree of resident satisfaction and retention and ensured positive resident relations through accessibility and approachability to residents and their families.
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Alternatives Unlimited
Denver, CO
01.2013 - 01.2014
- High-level of creativity, innovation, and strategic direction to drive operational excellence
- Managed multi-site and multi-functional teams of exempt and non-exempt employees
- Ability to foster creativity and positivity for creating mentoring strategies targeting all learning
- Coaching and collaborate sales initiative development to access complete student recruitment
- Strategized growth objectives for acquiring new accounts, meeting standards and guidelines.
AREA DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Springboard Education
CO
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Operations Director for fifty employees, thirteen academic programs
- Managed 30% increase in sales/real estate growth of Colorado through proper strategic planning
- Ensure customer service and satisfaction by understanding student needs and compliance metrics and goals
- Implemented team building through proper training and professional development for employees
- Developed interpersonal skills to build relationships with staff, students, parents, and our community.
BUSINESS DIRECTOR
Vista Academy
Denver, CO
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Project management for construction of opening a public-school campus, focused on diverse populations and an inclusive community approach
- Managed human resources, health services, nutrition, operations, vendor relations and contracts
- Excelled in strategic planning, forecasting, team management, and operational efficiency
- Oversaw office department operations, accounting, staffing, security, and logistics on campus events
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
CATERING DIRECTOR
Catholic University
Washington, D.C.
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Oversaw operations; growth from 400K/year in 2007 to over 2 million in revenue in 2010
- Built effective relationships with clients, and staff by communication, influence, excellence and attention to detail
- Enhanced catering program and event planning with innovative enhancements for all clients and guests.
Education
BACHELORS OF BUSINESS EDUCATION -
University of Denver
MASTERS OF EDUCATION – SPECIAL EDUCATION -
Ashford University
ED.D ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP -
Concordia University of Chicago
MASTERS OF ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT – HUMAN RESOURCES -
Ashford University
Skills
- Collaborative Inspiring Leader/Motivator
- Organizational Skills & Leadership Skills
- Strategic Directional Thinking
Websites
Timeline
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Acoya Cherry Creek Senior Living
01.2023 - Current
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
The Lens Effect
01.2020 - 01.2022
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Compass Group Senior Living
01.2016 - 01.2019
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
RMSER Head Start
01.2015 - 01.2016
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Alternatives Unlimited
01.2013 - 01.2014
AREA DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Springboard Education
01.2012 - 01.2013
BUSINESS DIRECTOR
Vista Academy
01.2009 - 01.2012
CATERING DIRECTOR
Catholic University
01.2006 - 01.2009
BACHELORS OF BUSINESS EDUCATION -
University of Denver
MASTERS OF EDUCATION – SPECIAL EDUCATION -
Ashford University
ED.D ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP -
Concordia University of Chicago
MASTERS OF ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT – HUMAN RESOURCES -
Ashford University
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