Lauren Doherty
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Goal-oriented Chief Executive Officer with ten years of extensive experience securing funding, locating resources and marketing brand. Polished in transferring ideas into actionable plans and developing budget and finance strategies. Ethical leader possessing innovative problem-solving skills and outstanding articulate communication abilities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association
Chicago, IL
2017 - Current
- Boosted annual budget from $3.5M to $12.5M, demonstrating strong financial acumen
- Spearheaded the acquisition of over $10M in additional funding to expand services
- Successfully obtained state/federal one-time funding awards each year from totaling over $3M
- Managed a fundraising/development program that raises $1.5M+ annually through direct mail, foundation grants, planned giving/bequests program and digital campaigns, demonstrating successful fundraising strategy
- Reduced fundraising expenses by 50% while increasing annual fundraising revenue
- Established a successful grants program, increasing grant funding by $125K+ annually
- Recipient of $750,000 Mackenzie Scott grant
- Recipient of more than $1M in bequests in only four years
- Annual fiscal audits had zero findings from 2016, reflecting impeccable financial management
- Managed annual budget of over $12M, overseeing all departments including Operations, Finance, HR, Fundraising/Development, Marketing/Outreach and Volunteer
- Created many new positions to support growing organization to revive donor relations, create new donor relationships, manage growing number of volunteers, increase and sustain community engagement, increase operational efficiency and support restructuring
- Oversaw many request for proposal (RFP) processes for various consultants, direct mail providers, marketing firms, catering, state/federal grants, development/fundraising, strategic planning etc
- Prepared and submitted 23+ state/federal grant proposals, awarded all grants as well as new grants each cycle
- Expanded organizational reach from 3,000 clients to over 10,000, demonstrating effective strategic planning
- Increased and maintained program participation by over 100% for multiple programs, showcasing strong leadership, marketing ability and cultivating staff buy-in
- Successfully navigated the organization through a multi-year worldwide pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted operations across 2,5000 square miles
- Grew volunteer base from 300 to over 1,000, indicating effective community engagement
- Grew staff from 30 to 80
- Initiated and developed key relationships with local political and community leaders, showcase exceptional networking skills
- Eliminated $90K budget deficit in one year, with a surplus each year following, demonstrating innovation problem-solving and strong operational and financial management
- Reduced state/federal grant match requirements from 40% annually to an average of 15%, saving $5M+ in totality
- Increased staff salaries by over 30% in four years while decreasing operational costs, decreasing staff turnover rate and boosting staff morale, reflecting supportive leadership
- Oversaw the service and deliver of over 1M meals annually, highlighting excellent operations management
- Sourced and transitioned to new insurance broker saving $500,000+ with reduced health insurance costs for staff as well as reduced costs to the organization for vehicle, D&O, property, etc
- Sourced and transitioned 403b retirement plan providing savings to organization and staff
- Transitioned payroll companies for enhanced HR management and streamlined payroll process.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, suppliers, and partners.
- Established policies, procedures, and protocols to improve operational efficiency.
- Developed strategic plans and objectives to ensure organizational growth and profitability.
- Created financial models to forecast future business performance and identify areas of improvement.
- Oversaw all aspects of financial management, including budgeting and forecasting.
- Managed relationships with shareholders, stakeholders, customers, and other key constituents.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to inform product development decisions.
- Evaluated current products and services in order to develop strategies for improvement.
- Provided guidance on legal matters related to corporate operations.
- Facilitated communication between board members, executives, staff members, and other stakeholders.
- Collaborated with marketing team to launch promotional campaigns that increased brand awareness.
- Identified potential opportunities for mergers or acquisitions.
- Represented the company at conferences, trade shows, networking events.
- Reviewed employee performance evaluations in order to make personnel decisions.
- Monitored industry developments in order to stay competitive in the marketplace.
- Ensured compliance with government regulations regarding safety standards and labor laws.
- Cultivated strong relationships with business partners by providing exceptional customer service.
- Drove company vision with collaborative employee engagement techniques and strategic leadership.
- Eliminated company bottlenecks, reduced financial obstacles and addressed work constraints to promote overall growth.
- Conducted thorough interview processes to appoint new department heads.
- Leveraged trends in customer industries and marketplaces to shape solutions and approaches.
- Spearheaded new facility expansion across four counties
Interim Executive Director
Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association
06.2016 - 08.2017
- Performed all Interim ED responsibilities while maintaining responsibility for Director of Operations role
- Successfully managed key stakeholder relationships in the community in order to facilitate and protect organizational long-term goals and developmental vision
- Coordinate events as appropriate to bolster key relationship networks and nurture funding sources
- Partner with board leadership to systematically progress toward key organizational objectives
- Collaborated with Meals on Wheels Foundation Chairman and Major Donor Coordinator to establish strategic objectives for new relationship building and goal development for MOWFNI Board
- Created culture of open communication, growth, and connectedness amongst staff/programs
- Strategic operational budget planning and management
- Individually manage twenty program-specific budgets
- Oversee program management; lead operational efficiency and effectiveness
- Ensure fully compliant status with federal, state and local government regulations as well as funding agency guidelines for both staff, volunteers and programs
- Direct project management teams; ultimately determine project priorities and synchronize staff and volunteer efforts as according to dynamic needs as well as regulatory constraints
- Provided support and guidance to direct-reporting department heads for successful quarterly goal execution
- Seamlessly resolve issues and conflicts to maintain fully functioning, highly efficient program/location operation
- Collaborated with Consultant to re-write policy and procedure manuals to sharpen vision and increase clarity over both short and long-term goals via staff and volunteer training
- Developed innovative online training program for employees and volunteers
- Directed website reconstruction through ensuring content and design cohesion to fit organizational vision and needs
- Directed overhaul of hiring procedures, training documentation, background check completion, and personnel file retention
- Enhanced organizational transparency and paved employee advancement path through implementation of revitalized performance evaluation system and monthly/yearly goal progression tracking
- Improved clarity of staff responsibilities, goals, and provided concise path to success.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase organizational capacity, visibility, and sustainability.
- Coordinated board meetings and strategic planning sessions to ensure successful outcomes.
- Designed and monitored budgeting processes for organization-wide financial stability.
- Established collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, funders, partners, and community members.
- Advised on policy development initiatives to promote organizational effectiveness.
- Authored grant proposals to secure new sources of revenue for the organization.
- Created an environment that fostered innovation in program design and delivery methods.
- Advocated for issues related to the mission of the organization at local, state, or national levels.
- Ensured alignment between operational plans and long-term goals of the organization.
- Implemented evaluation systems to measure progress towards objectives.
- Developed a comprehensive communications plan that included traditional media outreach as well as digital channels.
- Set organization direction and developed strategies and tactics to fulfill mission.
- Promoted public awareness of mission through outreach, advocacy and online presence.
- Recruited, hired and trained employees on operations and performance expectations.
- Reviewed and approved annual operating and capital budgets for company.
- Successfully improved employment turnover through creating incentive and training programs.
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies.
- Oversaw corrective action plans to remedy structural, organizational and departmental issues.
- Spearheaded overhaul of underperforming departments to reduce stagnation and increase productivity.
- Implemented strategic offerings to enhance company's suite of products and services.
Director of Operations
Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association
05.2015 - 06.2016
- Singularly managed Operations for twenty programs in Cook, Kendall, and Grundy Counties serving more than 5,000 clients annually
- Oversaw 30 staff
- Developed annual events calendar including Senior Olympics, Senior Proms, Spring Flings, annual picnics and luncheons, volunteer recognition days, etc
- Boosted organizational reach, older adult engagement, and employee satisfaction
- Events strategically spaced weekly, bi-weekly and monthly to promote return and retention of program participants
- Increased program participation by over 100% for multiple programs
- Multi-vendor management, negotiation, and regular quality control checks resulting in higher quality services and on-location programming
- Instituted new policies where appropriate
- Introduced improved management and training style by arranging extended on-site training for new staff and provided increased communication for all employees.
- Directed the operations and logistics of a multi-million dollar business.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
- Managed day-to-day operations of a large staff in multiple departments.
- Coordinated activities between different departments to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Analyzed financial data to make informed decisions on cost savings initiatives.
- Created policies and procedures for improved workflow processes.
- Reviewed contracts with vendors to ensure compliance with regulations and terms and conditions.
- Conducted performance reviews for direct reports and provided feedback for improvement opportunities.
- Implemented systems for monitoring employee attendance, scheduling, payroll.
- Developed training programs for new employees as well as existing staff members.
- Resolved customer service issues in a timely manner while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated meetings with key stakeholders to discuss progress towards objectives.
- Identified areas where process improvements could be made resulting in increased productivity.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers ensuring best value pricing options were secured.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards.
- Set goals and expectations for direct reports using performance review process, holding staff accountable.
- Recognized employees for demonstrating excellent service resulting in increased company morale.
- Communicated clear and consistent messages regarding departmental goals to produce desired results.
- Oversaw personnel by commending or initiating promotions, transfers and disciplinary measures.
- Planned delivery routing, team workflows and promotional initiatives.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
- Created effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
- Directed or coordinated financial or budget activities to fund operations and maximize investments.
- Implemented campaigns and promotions to help with developing goods and services.
- Forecasted customer demand to set prices or credit terms for goods or services.
- Structured HR consulting services to support clients during organizational developments and changes.
Cook County Operations Assistant
Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association
03.2015 - 05.2015
- Singularly managed operations for eighteen programs in Cook County
- Results from program audit/monitoring at best in over ten years due to rigorous program management
- Oversaw 25 staff members
- Oversaw the creation of and guided Dietetic Internship program with Dominican University
- Developed and implemented successful outreach, marketing, and advertising strategies
- Increased program participation by upwards of 50% in first 5 months with CNNSSA
- Acquired new program grant funds and transitioned programs to new locations with minimal turnaround time
- Contributed to program quality through partnering with catering providers and staff to build menus with attractive food options while meeting FDA standards
- Streamlined organizational efficiency through ensuring timely submission of all reports to respective outlets
- Reduced service costs with improved waste management techniques
- Revived March for Meals campaign with more than thirty community and political leaders in attendance for two consecutive years
- Improved volunteer management and recruitment processes by creating new access points
- Resulted in efficiency increase through implementation of online placement
- Instrumental in reaching new volunteer talent pool through utilization and creation of Meals on Wheels of America (MOWA) nationwide Ad Campaign by participating the Ad Council/MOWA Green Committee.
- Planned menus based on customer preferences, nutritional value and budget constraints.
- Assisted in developing and implementing operational strategies to ensure efficient operations.
- Conducted regular market research activities to identify potential opportunities for improvement.
- Organized and maintained records of daily transactions and other operational data.
- Coordinated the delivery of products or services to customers in a timely manner.
- Assisted with the development of processes and procedures related to operations management.
- Analyzed operating costs associated with various operations activities.
- Conducted regular audits of operational activities to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Identified areas for improvement within the organization's operations process.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed during day-to-day operations.
- Reviewed and updated existing operational policies and procedures regularly.
- Maintained accurate records of financial transactions related to operations activities.
- Trained new staff members on company policies related to operations management.
- Supervised day-to-day facility operations in accordance with set policies and guidelines.
- Worked closely with other departments on special projects.
- Identified internal problems and recommended solutions to upper management.
- Assisted management in making important decisions by collecting, organizing and modeling data.
- Responded to client queries and maintained strong relationships with vendors.
- Oversaw expense, report and support documentation filing systems.
- Offered input on key decisions and strategic plans, evaluating ongoing program data.
- Created and initiated performance goals and benchmarks.
- Developed materials for onboarding and team-building sessions.
- Evaluated employee performance and performed corrective actions to minimize workflow weaknesses.
- Encouraged and improved cross-department internal communication.
- Performed financial analysis.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Foods & Nutrition; Didactic Program of Dietetics -
San Diego State University
05.2014
Kellogg Center for Nonprofit Management
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, The Fundraising School
North Park University, Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management
Skills
- Regulatory Compliance
- Staff Management
- Consultant Management
- RFP
- Risk Management
- Strategic Planning
- Contract Management
- Change Management
- Stakeholder Relations
- Policy Development
- Project Management
- Fiscal Management
- Cash Management
- Insurance Management
- Consulting
- Organizational Management
- Controls Systems Enhancement
- Operating Budgets
- Customer Relations
- Policy updates
- Business Administration
- Donor Relations
- Operational Oversight
- Organizational Leadership
- Operational Efficiency
- Program Leadership
- Business alliances
- Executive Leadership
- Public Relations
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Cost Breakdown Analysis
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Procedure Redesign
- Market Understanding
- Negotiation
- Innovation Management
- Market Access and Expansion
- Process Improvements
- Budget Planning
- Revenue Generation
- Market trend expertise
- Relationship Management
- Capital expenditures
- Financial Management
- Budgeting and cost control
- Mergers & acquisitions
- Strategic Partnerships
- Profit & Loss
- Market strategies
- Productivity performance
- Revenue Growth
- Risk Assessments
- Human Resources Management
- Fundraising
- Community Engagement
- Marketing
- Grant Writing
- Quality Control
- Data Interpretation
- Vendor Relations
- Program Management
- Business Development
- Social Media
- Performance Feedback
- Innovation and Creativity
- Client Services
- Government Relations
- Relationship Building
- Crisis Management
- Operational Planning
- Compliance and Regulations
- Media Relations
- Partnership Development
- Outreach Programs
Volunteer Experience
- Nutrition Educator, Chicago Cares, Chicago, Illinois
- Volunteer Driver, Meals on Wheels, San Diego, California
- President of Fundraising & Events, Miramar College Philanthropy Club, San Diego, California
Timeline
Interim Executive Director
Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association
06.2016 - 08.2017
Director of Operations
Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association
05.2015 - 06.2016
Cook County Operations Assistant
Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association
03.2015 - 05.2015
Chief Executive Officer
Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association
2017 - Current
Bachelor of Science in Foods & Nutrition; Didactic Program of Dietetics -
San Diego State University
Kellogg Center for Nonprofit Management
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, The Fundraising School
North Park University, Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management
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