Laura Walko
Nixa,MO
Summary
Dedicated receptionist and senior administrative assistant with expertise in organization, time management, and client relations. Proven ability to enhance office efficiency and foster positive customer experiences.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Receptionist/Senior Administrative Assistant
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Escondido, CA
11.2005 - 10.2025
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Managed multi-line phone system, efficiently directing calls to appropriate departments.
- Oversaw inventory of office supplies, ensuring availability while minimizing excess expenditure.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Supported office efficiency by performing clerical tasks such as data entry, photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents.
- Managed multiple tasks and met time-sensitive deadlines.
- Cultivated positive relationships with clients through professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Maintained visitor log for entering and leaving facility for security purposes.
- Assisted with planning office events and meetings for smooth execution.
- Organized, maintained and updated information in computer databases.
- Sorted, received, and distributed mail correspondence between departments and personnel.
- Collected and distributed messages to team members and managers to support open communication and high customer service.
- Handled incoming and outgoing package deliveries, working with vendors to complete special requests and track missing packages.
- Arranged business travel details for company employees per supervisor requirements.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong working relationships with colleagues across departments.
- Managed electronic records database and handled all file requests.
- Led special projects to enhance operational effectiveness, aligning administrative functions with strategic goals.
Lead Retail Merchandiser/Cashier Team Lead
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Escondido, CA
04.1987 - 11.2005
- Led visual merchandising initiatives to enhance product presentation and customer engagement.
- Developed seasonal merchandising strategies to align with wildlife conservation themes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline inventory management processes.
- Trained and mentored junior merchandisers on best practices in retail display techniques.
- Trained associates on product specifications, merchandising, counter organization and retail sales.
- Assisted pro shop staff with retail sales, ensuring accurate transactions and inventory control.
- Created impactful visual merchandising displays that attracted customers and increased foot traffic in retail stores.
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using POS systems.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer balance during shifts.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and returns.
- Trained new cashiers on operational procedures and customer service standards.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, ensuring satisfaction and retention.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to improved customer relations and loyalty.
- Strengthened team morale and cooperation by assisting coworkers during peak hours.
- Enhanced shopping experience, provided product information and location assistance.
Education
High School Diploma -
Orange Glen High
Escondido, CASkills
- Organization skills
- Time management
- Telephone skills
- Data entry
- Customer and client relations
- Office administration
- File management
- Administrative support
- Multi-line telephone operation
- Mail handling
- Office management
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Basic accounting
- Information protection
- Office equipment operations
- Supply management
- Spreadsheet tracking
- Travel coordination
- Front desk operations
Timeline
Receptionist/Senior Administrative Assistant
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
11.2005 - 10.2025
Lead Retail Merchandiser/Cashier Team Lead
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
04.1987 - 11.2005
High School Diploma -
Orange Glen High