Leslie C. Montgomery
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Accomplished executive with over 20 years experience in designing and implementing effective strategies and programs that strengthen relationships with internal and external partners while moving them towards a common goal. Highly creative and results driven individual with extensive experience in program development and implementation, and volunteer management including board development. Organized and efficient with proven abilities in prioritizing and handling multiple projects. Forward thinking leader with proven ability to motivate and inspire others. Sought after speaker in areas of community building and resilience.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Division Disaster Director
American Red Cross
Indianapolis, Indiana
07.2024 - Current
- Serves as a primary interface with government entities (federal, state and local), organizations, and other leadership entities in the field of emergency services, disaster policy and operations, and community resiliency at the state level and across multiple regions.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making techniques to inform strategic planning processes and measure progress towards goals.
- Support regional programs in preparing comprehensive training programs.
Regional Disaster Officer
American Red Cross
07.2019 - 07.2024
- Interfaced with partners to mobilize the community to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and to build community resilience.
- Onboarded, managed, trained and motivated over 20 Program Managers to continuously improve knowledge and abilities in the disaster field.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Assessed each employee's individual strengths and initiated leadership development program for professional development.
- Directed management meetings to enhance collaboration and build culture based on trust and group problem-solving.
- Coordinated leadership workshops to educate team members on best practices to optimize productivity.
- Served as Operations Manager on several large disasters handling high paced, high stress environment.
- Built team of responders who are trained and prepared to respond to mass casualty incidents.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Senior Disaster Program Manager
American Red Cross
Grand Rapids, MI
06.2017 - 06.2019
- Mentored and supported 8 direct reports to create strong workplace culture.
- Provided coaching and support to staff and over 500 volunteers for the implementation of programs to reach established goals and metrics
- Served on a national workgroup for program changes that would be disseminated to 36,000 volunteers
- Collaborated with the multiple teams to develop a comprehensive 2-year training programs.
- Worked with external partners to develop community resilience in focused areas.
- Achieved advanced disaster instructor status
- Achieved Professional Emergency Manager designation through the State of Michigan MSP/EMHS
- Built successful project plans covering objectives, resources and staffing to meet schedules.
Disaster Program Manager
American Red Cross
Grand Rapids, MI
10.2014 - 06.2017
- Collaborated with volunteer leadership to develop goals, strategies and tactics for the successful implementation of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery programs in 12 counties in West Michigan
- Initiated a county wide preparedness collaborative with over 20 organizations participating
- Cultivated relationships with emergency managers and other community partners to ensure service delivery
- Ensured that Red Cross services were available to diverse communities by developing partnerships with community stakeholders
- Achieved Disaster Manager certification
- Orchestrated smooth and efficient program development by collaborating cross-functionally across departments.
- Implemented and led meetings, opening up dialog with stakeholders.
Disaster Direct Services Manager
American Red Cross
Grand Rapids, MI, West MI Region
02.2014 - 10.2014
- Evaluated and reported on the capacity and effectiveness of Disaster Action Teams and prepared recommendations for continuous improvements
- Worked to ensure all Mass Care, Logistics, and Recovery activities were in compliance with region and national procedures and policies
- Supported consistent service delivery strategies throughout the region as well as supporting field team’s implementation of strategies and plans
- Designed and implemented recovery programs
Volunteer Coordinator
City of Kentwood Police Department
Kentwood, Michigan
02.2007 - 02.2014
- Recruited and trained new volunteers on volunteer program goals and objectives
- .Created and implemented a volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition plan
- Developed volunteer policies and procedures, codes of conduct and volunteer standards.
- Developed training curriculum for all volunteer programs with attention to diverse learning styles
- Appointed as the state Volunteers in Police Service advocate to be a liaison to the national office
- Established new programs by collaborating with staff, community members and volunteers
- Provided support to all state Volunteers in Police Service programs including mentoring, resources, networking and training
Executive Director
Jackson School of the Arts
Jackson, Michigan
01.2000 - 09.2005
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to strategically affect operational direction
- Hired and supervised paid and unpaid staff; conducted employee training and review processes
- Built the program to include over 20 classes and 500 students.
- Conducted interactive strategic planning sessions with diverse teams
- Built a loyal client base through personal attention, quality programs, and consistent follow-through
- Managed media relations and delivered public presentations to individuals and organizations
- Developed budgets and reports
- Built relationships with donors, board, and others to raise funds for the organization
Contract Manager
Baxter Community Center
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2006 - 12.2006
- Tracked contracts for management and issued regular tracking reports covering current status and upcoming milestones.
- Mitigated business risks by analyzing contracts' potential impacts and avoiding unfavorable terms.
- Supported timely and complete billing by documenting milestones and submitting accurate invoicing paperwork.
- Monitored contracts' performance to detect non-compliance with terms and deficient returns and organize proactive resolutions.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MINon-profit Leadership -
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MIAssociate of Arts -
Jackson Community College
Jackson, MISkills
Employee motivation and performance
Change and growth management
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Skilled in building teams and culture
Cultural Competency
Skilled in developing successful programs
Strategic planning
Community building
Teaching and facilitation skills
Training program design and modification
Problem solving and analytical skills
Operations Management
Focus and Follow-Through
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Certification
Master Exercise Practitioner
Certified Emergency Manager
Accomplishments
Awards
2004 - Martin Luther King Medal of Service
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