Leanne Ast
Franklin,WI
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Senior Project Manager with over 7 years of direct experience in project management, specializing in HCM project implementations, including Payroll, Talent Management, Benefits, and Onboarding systems. Proven track record of successfully leading complex projects from initiation to completion within strict deadlines and budgets. Skilled in personnel management within a complex matrix organization and fostering collaboration across diverse teams. Strong familiarity with HRIS systems such as Workday and SuccessFactors.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager
UW- Milwaukee
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Creating focus groups to gather insights and feedback from stakeholders, informing strategic decision-making processes
- Implement the RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consult, Inform) method to clarify roles and responsibilities within project teams, enhancing accountability and efficiency
- Regularly inform senior leadership about project progress, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives
- Currently in the process of developing both physical and digital assets for onboarding, including the creation of a handbook and checklists in coordination with human resources
- Updating all Student Affairs webpages to reflect our new messaging and to weave in a sense of community and how Student Affairs ties into the rest of the university.
Project Manager
Northwestern Mutual
06.2022 - 12.2023
- Successfully managed four annual projects, ensuring completion on time and under budget
- Pioneered NM's first LGBTQ educational event with a 98% participant satisfaction rate, promoting diversity and inclusion
- Developed and implemented a streamlined communication protocol, reducing response times by 25%
- Initiated cross-departmental collaboration sessions, enhancing project coordination and efficiency by 30%
- Collaborated with eight other departments and business partners to align project objectives with company-wide strategies
- Led stakeholder engagement efforts, fostering strong relationships and ensuring project success through effective communication and coordination.
Administrative Assistant III
Northwestern Mutual
08.2019 - 06.2022
- Managed executive calendars and confidential information for an Executive Leadership Group member and six Senior Directors
- Facilitated seamless training and onboarding for office staff, enhancing team productivity
- Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for document creation and event management
- Assisted in talent management and learning initiatives, including utilizing onboarding systems and participating in recruitment processes to support organizational growth and development
- Coordinated monthly team-building events, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
Executive Assistant (Contract)
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Efficiently managed executive calendars and coordinated travel arrangements to optimize productivity
- Demonstrated expertise in meeting coordination and preparation of accurate expense reports
- Implemented a new document management system, reducing retrieval time by 50% and ensuring timely access to critical information
- Coordinated cross-departmental training sessions on best practices in administrative support, enhancing staff proficiency and collaboration
- Spearheaded the organization of a fundraising event, exceeding the initial donation target by 25% and raising awareness for pediatric healthcare initiatives.
Executive Assistant (CONTRACT)
AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Showcased commitment to confidentiality by handling sensitive information with discretion and tact, fostering the highest level of trust
- Successfully organized conferences and monthly meetings, demonstrating strong event management skills
- Implemented a comprehensive data tracking system, improving accuracy and efficiency in information management by 40%
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration sessions to enhance communication and streamline processes, resulting in a 30% reduction in project timelines.
Administrative Associate & Staff Leader
Medical College of Wisconsin
10.2015 - 07.2018
- Supported the Chief of General Internal Medicine in onboarding and debriefing processes, ensuring smooth transitions into new roles
- Served as Chief Editor of the Marketing Department, contributing to departmental efficiency
- Facilitated regular departmental training sessions, resulting in a 75% increase in staff proficiency with software tools
- Implemented a mentorship program for new administrative staff, leading to a 50% decrease in onboarding time
- Initiated a monthly newsletter highlighting departmental achievements and updates, improving internal communication and morale.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science -
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Skills
- Project Management
- Project Management Tools
- HRIS Implementation
- HRIS Tools
- Electronic Data Interchange
- Communication
- Health Care Operations
- MS Office Suite
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Vendor Sourcing
- Logistics Management
- Project Planning
- Strategic Planning
Certification
- Sigma Six White Belt certified
- PMP in process (expected test date of July 2024)
Timeline
Project Manager
UW- Milwaukee
01.2024 - 06.2024
Project Manager
Northwestern Mutual
06.2022 - 12.2023
Administrative Assistant III
Northwestern Mutual
08.2019 - 06.2022
Executive Assistant (Contract)
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
05.2019 - 08.2019
Executive Assistant (CONTRACT)
AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin
07.2018 - 06.2019
Administrative Associate & Staff Leader
Medical College of Wisconsin
10.2015 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science -
University of Wisconsin-Parkside