Leslie C. Lewis
Administration
Nashville,USA
Summary
Dynamic executive leader with extensive experience in driving organizational success and fostering a culture of collaboration. Expertise in strategic planning, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement enhances impactful decision-making and sustainable growth. Recognized for adaptability and resilience, consistently delivering exceptional results in fast-paced environments. Strong interpersonal skills and an effective communication style improve team dynamics and cultivate productive relationships across all levels of the organization.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Empire Beauty School
02.2023 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance student enrollment and retention rates.
- Developed and implemented operational policies to optimize program delivery and performance.
- Mentored faculty and staff, fostering professional development and collaboration across departments.
- Streamlined administrative processes, improving efficiency in school operations and resource management.
Dean Student Services
Nashville Film Institute
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Led strategic curriculum development to enhance academic offerings and align with industry standards.
- Established collaborations with industry partners to provide students with real-world experiences and networking opportunities.
- Facilitated faculty training workshops to improve teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
- Implemented innovative student recruitment strategies, significantly increasing enrollment rates across programs.
- Assisted in processing financial aid applications, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
Server/Shift Lead
Maggiano’s Little Italy
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Introduce customers to menu items, while building customer relationships through positive guest experiences
- Delivered exceptional customer service in high-volume dining environment.
- Implemented efficient table management and seating strategies to optimize guest flow.
- Trained new staff on menu items, service standards, and restaurant protocols.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline food delivery processes, enhancing efficiency.
- Oversaw dining room operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and service quality.
Assistant Manager
417 Union
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Train and evaluate new employees according to 417 steps of service standards
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and optimal team performance.
- Coordinated special events, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction levels.
- Led team performance reviews, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
Guest Services Associate
Downtown Sporting Club
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Delivered exceptional customer service, ensuring positive guest experiences and satisfaction.
- Resolved guest inquiries and complaints efficiently, enhancing overall service quality.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline guest check-in and check-out procedures.
- Processed payments accurately, maintaining proper cash handling procedures and balanced registers at the end of each shift.
Assistant Dean, Dickson Campus
Nashville State Community College
01.2012 - 01.2019
- Coordinated cross-departmental committees to align academic goals with institutional objectives.
- Oversaw budget management for departmental programs, ensuring effective use of resources and compliance with regulations.
- Established partnerships with external organizations to enhance student internship and employment opportunities.
- Mentored junior colleagues who went on to excel in their respective fields resulting in overall growth of the institution.
- Enhanced academic programs by developing and implementing new curricula and courses.
- Interpreted and applied academic standards to communicate complex policies and procedures to students, faculty and other stakeholders.
- Played an active role in accreditation processes to maintain high standards for educational excellence within the institution.
Technical Clerk, Humphreys Co Campus
Nashville State Community College
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Managed data entry and document processing to ensure accuracy and compliance with organizational standards.
- Implemented filing systems that enhanced information retrieval speed and reduced duplication errors.
- Managed sensitive information with utmost confidentiality, adhering to company policies and applicable regulations.
- Prepared comprehensive reports for senior management, providing valuable insights into departmental performance and areas for improvement.
Student Assistant, Financial Aid
Austin Peay State University
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Assisted in organizing and maintaining departmental records and files.
- Managed student inquiries through effective communication and problem-solving skills.
- Provided excellent customer service to students and staff at the front desk, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly.
- Performed clerical tasks such as photocopying, scanning documents efficiently while maintaining confidentiality when necessary.
Youth Center Executive Director
Houston County
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Oversaw development and implementation of policies to improve public safety and welfare programs.
- Fostered collaborative relationships with stakeholders to advance community projects and initiatives.
- Represented Houston County in regional meetings, advocating for local needs and priorities on a broader scale.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
Product & Operations Supervisor
Mayberry Farms
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
- Led team in executing production schedules, enhancing productivity and meeting operational goals.
- Developed strong relationships with key customers to better understand their requirements and tailor services accordingly.
- Increased production output by optimizing equipment usage and scheduling preventive maintenance programs.
Delivery & Host/Server
Michael’s Pizza
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Ensure customer orders are correct & timely for deliver
- Collect payments and provide correct change
- Greet customers & provide menu information for order selection
- Assure customer needs are exceeded & quality service is provided during visit
Customer Service Associate
Cleghern’s Piggly Wiggly
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Arrange & pack customer purchases to ensure proper transportation & product safety
- Assist customers to their vehicles with purchases
- Greet customers & answer questions regarding products
- Maintain proper opening & closing procedures on a daily basis
Education
Master of Science - Management
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNBachelor of Science - Professional Studies/Public Management
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNAssociate of Science - Liberal Arts
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNSkills
- Enrollment management
- Curriculum development
- Industry collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Operational policy development
- Accreditation processes
- Customer relationship management
- Training and development
- Community engagement
- Operations management
- Public speaking
- Marketing
- Human resources management
Accomplishments
- 170% enrollment growth (2012-2018)
- Served on various hiring committees for faculty, staff, and executive positions
- Established integral community partnerships for the benefit of customers and staff
- Served on various new and revitalization customer-service based committees
- Exceptional employee recruitment & training procedures
Timeline
Executive Director
Empire Beauty School
02.2023 - Current
Dean Student Services
Nashville Film Institute
01.2022 - 12.2023
Server/Shift Lead
Maggiano’s Little Italy
01.2020 - 01.2022
Assistant Manager
417 Union
01.2019 - 01.2020
Guest Services Associate
Downtown Sporting Club
01.2019 - 01.2020
Assistant Dean, Dickson Campus
Nashville State Community College
01.2012 - 01.2019
Technical Clerk, Humphreys Co Campus
Nashville State Community College
01.2011 - 01.2012
Student Assistant, Financial Aid
Austin Peay State University
01.2010 - 01.2011
Youth Center Executive Director
Houston County
01.2007 - 01.2009
Product & Operations Supervisor
Mayberry Farms
01.2006 - 01.2007
Delivery & Host/Server
Michael’s Pizza
01.2004 - 01.2006
Customer Service Associate
Cleghern’s Piggly Wiggly
01.2002 - 01.2004
Master of Science - Management
Austin Peay State University
Bachelor of Science - Professional Studies/Public Management
Austin Peay State University
Associate of Science - Liberal Arts
Austin Peay State University
Community Involvement
TN Promise Mentor and Community Advisor, Chamber of Commerce Member - Houston & Dickson County, Professional Sponsor/Mentor for HCHS Future Business Leaders of America, Back-to-School Bash School Supply Giveaway, Coordinator
Personal Profile
Viewing life through the eyes of what remains to be discovered serves as life’s unassailable motivation, even on our darkest days.