Linda Duenes
Victoria
Summary
Talented Executive Director offering proven background in business settings and driving organizational change at operational levels. Demonstrated leadership, planning, and problem-solving abilities focused on delivering robust, performance-oriented strategies to meet current and expected demands.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Golden Crescent Casa
Victoria
12.2023 - 12.2024
- Directed this non profit agency which provided advocacy to children in the foster care system.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, sponsors, partners, and community leaders.
- Recruited, trained, mentored, evaluated, coached, and managed staff members to ensure success in achieving their goals.
- Managed a $1,000,00 budget.
- Grant writer.
- Community presentations.
- Volunteer training.
- Managed the organization's financial resources and operations to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to ensure organizational growth and development.
- Implemented procedures to create competitive advantage in market.
- Maintained positive relationships with media outlets to increase visibility of organizational activities.
- Maintained accountability for operational and fiscal integrity, effectively managing designated budget.
- Evaluated existing programs for improvement opportunities while identifying new program ideas based on market analysis.
- Provided oversight of all departments to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Strengthened company business by leading implementation of new projects and procedures.
- Organized regular meetings with board members to discuss progress on initiatives and solicit feedback.
- Reviewed and approved annual operating and capital budgets for company.
- Coordinated special events such as conferences or workshops designed to raise awareness about the organization's mission.
- Ensured legal compliance by staying abreast of relevant laws, regulations, standards, guidelines.
- Developed marketing strategies to promote the organization's mission throughout the community.
- Assessed potential collaboration opportunities to enhance organizational value and improve efficiency.
- Stayed up-to-date on best practices and cutting-edge ideas to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Informed board and committee about trends, issues and activities to facilitate policy-making.
- Oversaw day-to-day administrative tasks related to personnel files or payroll processing.
- Assisted in developing budgets for each departmental unit within the organization.
- Secured funding from public and private sources through grant writing activities or other fundraising efforts.
- Recommended appropriate staffing techniques to meet demands and manage costs.
- Served as spokesperson at press conferences or interviews when needed.
- Performed risk assessments across multiple areas of operations in order to identify potential issues before they arise.
- Determined methods and procedures for staffing requirements and allotment of funds to various departments and projects.
- Delivered speeches and attended industry conferences to promote company image and engage with buyers.
- Successfully improved employment turnover through creating incentive and training programs.
- Authored reports outlining progress on projects or initiatives for senior leadership review.
- Collaborated with external vendors to provide cost-effective solutions for services such as IT support or human resources management.
- Implemented quality metrics to track business needs and lead diverse projects.
- Hired, trained, and mentored staff members to maximize productivity.
- Oversaw corrective action plans to remedy structural, organizational and departmental issues.
- Executed on-time, under-budget project management to adhere to project road map.
- Strategized and implemented plans to transform and revitalize operations, capitalizing on emerging industry trends.
- Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
- Led strategic planning and execution to enhance profitability and company growth.
Area Director
Caregiver, Inc.
Victoria
01.2022 - 11.2023
- Area Director under West Division managing group homes and administration office/staff.
- Conducted all aspects of general administration of programs, conducted internal investigations to assure compliance with policy and procedure, worked hand in hand with local stakeholders.
- Changed the culture to assure the mission of providing our consumers with dignity and a higher quality of life was achieved in my short tenure.
- Participated in successful market expansion, strategy consulting, business development.
- Utilized a community mindset to partner with external resources.
- Conducted research that was focused on econometrics, employment trends, demographic analysis, knowledge of industry trends.
- Utilized my extensive project management skills, including overseeing the work of consultants.
- Utilized analytical skills with affinity to financial management.
- Laid off due to consolidation of Victoria area to the Houston market which was in process before I was hired and provided with a severance due to my high performance while directing the Victoria area.
Assistant Director
MID-COAST FAMILY SERVICES
Victoria
10.2022 - 01.2023
- Assistant Director of Women's Crisis Center managing 12 staff and program oversight of a domestic violence / sexual assault live in shelter servicing 30 survivors.
- Improved culture and service programs for the agency during my short tenure.
Executive Director
Piute Shoshone Tribe
Fernley
12.2020 - 12.2022
- As the ED of a tribal social services department, I had vast responsibilities in many different social service umbrellas.
- I was the ED of all social services on the reservation to include supervision of 96 employees in nine tribal councils covering the state of Nevada.
- Responsibilities were vast and included staff development, program development, fiscal management, served on several tribal councils, coalitions and work groups.
- I wrote grants, managed the budget, counseled on Human Resources and served as temporary interim HR Director during staff shortages.
- I developed education programs and exceeded all expectations and previous records of enrollment.
- I stayed within assigned budget and secured cost saving measures for my organization.
- I completed all basic and advanced administration services and maintained employee retention from 48% to 90% retention in my tenure by building strong teams, providing skills, tools, knowledge and empowerment of staff and programs.
- I am a hands-on leader but also able to delegate and allow staff to shine.
- I balanced quality and quantity of programs, budgets, staff and expectations.
- I held monthly all staff meetings and weekly manager meetings to provide transparent management and had high expectations for staff and staff services.
- I assisted with developing curriculum and approved all lesson plans in my organizational template.
- I was able to prioritize tasks and duties in a fast-paced environment and am very proud of the advances made under my management.
- Synchronized services for clients and provided life coaching opportunities.
- I maintained all data accurately and reported timely meeting all deadlines.
- I was offered significant pay increase to stay on with this position; however due to granddaughter in Texas being diagnosed with cancer I was unable to remain in Nevada.
- I received several tribal awards and recognitions during my tenure.
- I linked external and internal stakeholders and resources and implemented a bridge program for our first start and elementary programs providing more educational resources and interventions to at risk members.
- I always lead by example.
Owner and Project Manager
Done Right Construction
01.2016 - 12.2020
- I owned and remotely operated a Residential Construction Company in Texas.
Investigator
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
- Investigated allegations of child abuse and neglect.
- Conducted court Ordered removals of children.
- Testified in court and provided detailed affidavit of investigation.
- Attended autopsy, medical review, multi-disciplinary review, and case staffings.
- Conducted removals and child placement services, completed post placement supervision visits, completed and submitted all foster care placement packets, documented placements, provided foster parents support, information and resources to aid them in fostering.
- Received Investigator or the Year Award.
Case Manager
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
- Managed Family Based cases in which abuse and neglect was identified however removal was not granted.
- Worked with families for six to nine months to provide needed skills to appropriately parent.
- Provided transportation, empowerment, and support to parents.
- Provided case management, family group conferences, and specialized training to caregivers.
- Worked with other agencies to assure children's needs were met.
- I was selected to complete home studies for 2 years in addition to my FBSS duties, and conducted removals and child placement services, completed post placement supervision visits, completed and submitted all foster care placement packets, Medicaid and Insurance, documented placements, provided foster parents support, information and resources to aid them in fostering.
- Received FBSS worker of the year 3 times.
CPS Supervisor
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
- Supervised a unit of 10 employees who investigated child abuse and neglect and provided case management duties in the FBSS stage of service.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to peer supervisors as the LEAD.
- Provided training to staff and participated in the HR process.
- Supervised removals and child placement services, supervised and completed post placement supervision visits, supervised, completed and submitted all foster care placement packets, documented placements, provided foster parents support, information and resources to aid them in fostering.
- Conducted home studies.
- Received Supervisor of the Year Award twice and covered 10 of 19 counties in the Region.
- My unit was recognized for increased performance.
CPS Lead Parenting Facilitator/Supervisor
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
- Created curriculum and facilitated classes for parents including Parenting 101, Training for Non-Offending Caretakers of Children who were Sexually Abused, and Healthy Families 101.
- I received the Commissioner of Texas award for my leadership and creativity.
- I was able to save the state thousands of dollars by providing in house training and parenting support.
- My curriculum was adopted by the entire state and is still currently being used for parent training.
CPS Community & Volunteer Director (Community Initiative Specialist)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
- I was responsible for the volunteer program in all 19 counties covered by CPS Region 11.
- I recruited, supervised and trained all volunteers in our Region.
- As the Community Initiative Specialist, I was the liaison between our agency and all stakeholders both internal and external.
- Served on several coalitions, boards and work groups.
- Provided child abuse presentations to community partners, schools and interested stakeholders.
- I also completed home studies during the period that I served as CPS CIS position.
- I conducted training to foster parents and interested foster/adopt groups.
- I recruited prospective foster care parents and families.
CPS Program Director
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
- As a Program Director of CPS, I covered 10 units in 15 counties with approximately 100 employees; the majority of which were rural areas with limited services.
- I demonstrated the ability to empower and manage a diverse group and area that covered 4 hours of drive time and received recognition for increased family services.
- I provided expert testimony on removals and child death cases throughout my tenure with CPS.
- I served on the HR Hiring Panel and Interview Panel for several years.
- As a manager, I conducted HR and personnel management of my team.
- I received and provided training to my team on basic HR laws, policies, and procedures.
- I supervised child removals, approved placements and continued with child placement duties and activities related to recruitment and training of foster parents.
- I received several awards and merit raises for my work as a PD.
CPS Hiring Specialist/Recruiter
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
- Served as Interim HR Specialist for 9 months.
- Was provided in house training on HR rules, mandates, insurance, hiring practices, interviewing, terminations, workers comp, unemployment claims, organizational charts and much more.
State Management Executive Administrator
Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center, Night Campus
Corpus Christi
01.2014 - 12.2017
- I served as the night Director of the CCSSLC.
- Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of residents.
- Document investigative reports.
- Direct the campus during the night hours.
- Completed training for night employees and managed over 17 homes including 1200 employees from 11 pm to 7 am.
- I also completed intense intervention and mediation of clients experiencing homicidal, suicidal or psychotic episodes and directed direct care staff on how to work with such behaviors.
- I did rounds throughout the night to keep an eye on the residents and staff as there was little oversight before I was hired.
- My position was mandated by the state after a 'Fight Club' investigation in which several direct staff and supervisors were prosecuted for encouraging and allowing a fight club to exist between residents during the night hours.
- I was carrying several jobs at once, I have always been a workaholic and give my all to my responsibilities and take great pride in what I do.
- I resigned from this position due to the hours being tough on my body while also working day jobs.
- Noelia Sanchez can be reached as a reference at 361-396-3340.
State Foster Care Home Study Assessor
Mauney and Associates
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Complete Home Study Assessment Screenings for Region 11 DFPS - This was a PT position in which I completed home studies in my own time.
- I chose how many I wanted to do in a month and reviewed and submitted them directly to Child Protective Services.
- I often testified in court on behalf of my recommendation for or against placement.
- I completed intensive investigations into the potential caregiver or foster prospect through interviews and background checks.
- I also interviewed the children themselves to obtain their input which was not mandated at the time, but I felt absolutely necessary.
- Bridgette O'Riley can be reached as a reference at 361-443-2113.
Program Facilitator
Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Victoria
01.2013 - 12.2016
- PT Position - Screen patients, provide parenting, anger management and substance abuse services to clients.
- Covered 11 counties and provided both evening and weekend classes for parents who could not attend during the work week.
- I provided in depth training and often visited parents before children were returned to their care and after to observe their skills, tools and knowledge in real time versus what they demonstrated in the classroom.
- I did this on my own accord as it was not mandated by the company.
- I felt an obligation to these children to assure that their parents were truly able to provide for their needs.
HR Manager for CPA, P. C.
Stephen A. Moore
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Human Resources, Bookkeeping, Payroll, HR, Taxes and Accounting services.
- Mr. Moore is deceased.
Crisis Counselor
Avail Solutions
01.2011 - 12.2012
- Crisis intervention counseling for suicidal, homicidal and psychotic patients.
- Johnette Jones can be reached at 361-442-9504 as a reference.
Executive Director
Women's Shelter of South Texas
01.2006 - 12.2008
- Provide Battering Intervention and Prevention Counseling (BIPP) to domestic violence offenders both one on one and in a mandated 26 week BIPP group therapy program.
- Recent parolees, CPS recommended clients, and some self referrals made up the clientele.
- I also Directed the Prevention and Education Team.
- Provided community presentations, trainings, and workshops regarding domestic violence and sexual assault.
- I was a First responder to sexual assault cases.
- I served on several local and state coalitions and work groups providing expertise in domestic violence and sexual assault.
- I conducted and supervised staff in providing character building curriculum in the school districts, elementary and middle school level.
- Developed YIELD curriculum currently being used by Nueces County Courts for pre-adjudication clients.
- Worked with stakeholders and community partners as a liaison for improved services.
- During our annual AUDIT by the governing body of BIPP, I received a 100/100 on my facilitation skills in holding the perpetrators responsible, redirecting their thoughts and beliefs when they did not coincide with the curriculum training and rehabilitation goals.
- I am still BIPP certified until 2022.
- Diana Flores can be reached as a reference at 361-500-8276.
Educator
Corpus Christi Independent School District Adult Learning Center
Corpus Christi
01.2002 - 12.2006
- Taught Math and Science to court ordered juveniles and returning education students.
- Dr. DeLa Garza can be reached for reference at 361-888-5547; however, he is retired and ill and I am not sure who else will be able to provide a personal reference.
PPCD Teacher
West Oso ISD
01.1995 - 12.2000
- Taught Pre K PPCD Special Education Classes.
Driver
TLC Limousine Services
01.1990 - 12.1995
- I worked here PT nights and weekends providing limo services to clients for private transportation, airport runs, proms, weddings, funerals, night outs, and drove many high-profile celebrities.
- I always remained professional and never leaked who was in town as was done by other drivers to the media/community as I have a high standard of conduct.
- Michael Winstead can be contacted as a reference at 361-834-9665.
- I worked here while in college.
Education
Masters Degree - Social Work
Walden University
01.2010
Bachelor's Degree - Applied Science
Texas A&M University
01.2000
Associates Degree - Applied Science
Del Mar Junior College
01.1995
Honors Degree -
Mary Carroll HS
01.1990
Skills
- Operations Management
- Construction Management
- Managing Quality Assurance
- Sales
- Performance appraisals and corrective action plans
- Prioritizing Safety while achieving customer service goals
- Setting, maintaining and improving standards
- Problem resolution
- Diversity in the workplace
- Employee and Customer Grievances
- Safety 1,2,3 in the workplace
- Outlook
- Excel
- Computer literacy
- Program development
- Driving Safety Skills and tasks
- Customer Service
- Interviewing
- Fiscal management
- Leadership
- Project management
- Caregiving
- Workers' compensation
- Grant writing
- Crisis intervention
- Management of 100 employees including supervision level
- Presentation skills
- Curriculum development
- Triage
- Child welfare
- Mentoring
- Case management
- Volunteer management
- Budgeting
- Special education
- Social work
- Individual / group counseling
- Bookkeeping
- Accounting
- Teaching
- Group therapy
- Supervisor training - building leaders and teams
- Child protective services
- Payroll
- Limousine services
- Math and Science Education on GED level
- Human Resources
- System administration
- Program administration
- Strategic Planning
- UltiPro
- Human Resources Management
- Behavioral Health
- Meeting Facilitation
- Intake Experience
- Research
- Administrative Experience
- Financial Report Writing
- Crisis Management
- Program Management
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Program evaluation
- Community outreach
- Risk assessment
- Volunteer training
- Team building
- Public speaking
- Data analysis
- Policy development
- Collaboration skills
- Conflict resolution
- Staff management
- Report compilation
- Team bonding
- Community engagement
- Outreach programs
- Operational planning
- Corporate governance
- Consulting
- Speechwriting
- Leadership development
- Senior living management
- Client services
- E-commerce strategy
- Coaching and counseling
- Stakeholder relations
- Marketing
- Operations management
- Board relations
- Crisis management
- Human resources
- Government relations
- Partnership development
- Profit and loss statements
- Negotiation
- Talent management and staffing
- Relationship building
- Media relations
- Growth management
- Program leadership
- Policy formulation
- Program monitoring
- Corporate social responsibility
- Focus group facilitation
- Program management
- Financial management
- Performance feedback
- Innovation and creativity
- Human resources management
- Communications strategy
- Business development
- Budgeting and financial management
- Quality control
- Fundraising
- Business management
- Compliance and regulations
- Fundraising expertise
- Budget reporting
- Business administration
- Social media
- Contract management
- Business planning
- Training methods
- Analytical thinking
- Business intelligence
- Visionary leadership
- Profit and loss management
Certification
- Driver's License with zero infractions
- BIPP certified
- Trauma Informed certified
- Certified Mediator
References
- Bridgette O'Riley, 361-443-2113
- Noelia Sanchez, 361-396-3340
- Johnette Jones, 361-442-9504
- Diana Flores, 361-500-8276
- Dr. De La Garza, 361-888-5547
- Michael Winstead, 361-834-9665
Relocation
Kennedy, TX
Timeline
Executive Director
Golden Crescent Casa
12.2023 - 12.2024
Assistant Director
MID-COAST FAMILY SERVICES
10.2022 - 01.2023
Area Director
Caregiver, Inc.
01.2022 - 11.2023
Executive Director
Piute Shoshone Tribe
12.2020 - 12.2022
Owner and Project Manager
Done Right Construction
01.2016 - 12.2020
State Foster Care Home Study Assessor
Mauney and Associates
01.2016 - 01.2017
State Management Executive Administrator
Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center, Night Campus
01.2014 - 12.2017
Program Facilitator
Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
01.2013 - 12.2016
HR Manager for CPA, P. C.
Stephen A. Moore
01.2012 - 12.2014
Crisis Counselor
Avail Solutions
01.2011 - 12.2012
Executive Director
Women's Shelter of South Texas
01.2006 - 12.2008
Educator
Corpus Christi Independent School District Adult Learning Center
01.2002 - 12.2006
Investigator
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
Case Manager
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
CPS Supervisor
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
CPS Lead Parenting Facilitator/Supervisor
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
CPS Community & Volunteer Director (Community Initiative Specialist)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
CPS Program Director
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
CPS Hiring Specialist/Recruiter
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
01.1999 - 12.2018
PPCD Teacher
West Oso ISD
01.1995 - 12.2000
Driver
TLC Limousine Services
01.1990 - 12.1995
Masters Degree - Social Work
Walden University
Bachelor's Degree - Applied Science
Texas A&M University
Associates Degree - Applied Science
Del Mar Junior College
Honors Degree -
Mary Carroll HS
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