Liz Burkholder

• Lead five functional teams in the areas of shrink control analytics, investigations, asset protection solutions and technology, safety and environmental procedures, and communications: supporting home office, international buying offices, store teams, field asset protection and supply chain. Ensure the safety of customers and associates, fostering company culture through effective training and regulatory programs. Drive profitable sales through theft and fraud mitigation, operational excellence and product availability. Manage annual budgets for applied solutions, break-fix and asset protection salaries. Actively partner with government affairs to engage legislators and elected officials in support of safer working and shopping environments.
• Maintained a comprehensive fraud, loss prevention and investigations program. Developed Shrink and Safety training modules for field leaders including new hire on-boarding, Shrink Toolbox for General Managers, and interactive department webpage. Implemented cross-functional working group and facilitated development of enterprise and store-level exception-based reports identifying ‘paper’ shrink caused by ordering, supply chain, and channel-to-channel processes. Developed company risk model by location. Provided shrink guidance and forecasting, store goals, stores shrink indicator tool and predictive models. Implemented protocols for emergency, disaster and critical incident response.
• Reduced operating and capital expenses by diversifying vendors and eliminating third-party management; vendor review and accountability; ensuring effective field solutions to maximize results. Optimized EBR and fraud tools identifying internal and external loss. Developed best-in-class field investigations team focused on ORC targeting key categories and fencing operations, with proven results year-over-year and significant shrink reduction across impacted stores. Designated resources to combat digital and eComm theft and fraud, resulting in the identification and resolution of national theft rings in partnership with state and federal agencies. Implemented travel policies and established support for sourcing teams and international travel. Support supply chain combating cargo theft, managing and providing CTPAT resources. Improved civil recovery and restitution success through case review and training.
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
• Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
• Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.

Led a team of 10 direct reports, 150+ AP resources across 15 states & PR to reduce shrink through resolution of external, internal activity and gaps in operational processes. Support RVP and 240 stores with shrink reduction, safety, emergency procedures and operational excellence. Develop and facilitate training supporting improved shrink performance. Partner with investigations to identify organized retail crime activity and support case resolution. Region achieved top performance for external & internal productivity with top shrink reduction of $19M in 2020.

• Controlled reduction of loss inventory by protecting company assets.
• Delivered regular progress reports to senior leadership, highlighting key achievements and identifying areas requiring additional focus or resources for improvement efforts.
• Fostered strong relationships with local law enforcement agencies to facilitate timely response during critical situations.
• Ensured regulatory compliance in all aspects of asset protection, including safety standards, reporting requirements, and legal guidelines.
• Spearheaded cross-functional collaboration efforts among various departments to strengthen overall organizational security posture.
• Developed a highly skilled asset protection team through effective recruitment, training, and performance management initiatives.
• Leveraged data-driven insights from incident analysis to inform decision-making processes regarding resource deployment and strategic planning initiatives in asset protection operations.

• Led a field asset protection team supporting DM and field store teams, focused on reduction of External and Internal Theft, and improvement in operational controls contributing to Institutional Shrink. Leveraged Asset Protection team of fifteen across the district for scheduled external blitzes based on location, history of habitual offenders, and ORC. Developed District Asset Protection team in identifying organized retail crime activity and support store observing; resulting in accelerated impact to stores shrink reduction with an increase in internal closed cases over LY. Facilitated Operational Excellence training for General Managers & Asset Protection team to improve execution in operational audits. Recognized for improving operational disciplines resulting in fourteen stores assessed at minimum risk across shrink indicators.
• Delivered regular progress reports to senior leadership, highlighting key achievements and identifying areas requiring additional focus or resources for improvement efforts.
• Fostered strong relationships with local law enforcement agencies to facilitate timely response during critical situations.
• Implemented innovative surveillance technologies to improve real-time monitoring capabilities and support swift incident resolution.
• Ensured regulatory compliance in all aspects of asset protection, including safety standards, reporting requirements, and legal guidelines.
• Implemented robust inventory control measures designed to mitigate shrinkage rates throughout the region''s retail locations effectively.
• Evaluated existing policies and procedures, recommending necessary updates or revisions to enhance overall effectiveness of the asset protection program further.
• Spearheaded cross-functional collaboration efforts among various departments to strengthen overall organizational security posture.
• Developed a highly skilled asset protection team through effective recruitment, training, and performance management initiatives.
• Leveraged data-driven insights from incident analysis to inform decision-making processes regarding resource deployment and strategic planning initiatives in asset protection operations.
• Collaborated with store managers regularly to ensure consistent implementation of company-wide loss prevention policies across all sites.
• Successfully managed complex investigations involving theft, fraud, or other criminal activities within the organization.
• Improved regional asset protection by implementing comprehensive security strategies and protocols.
• Developed comprehensive emergency response plans, ensuring prompt action during crises while minimizing potential losses or damages.
• Championed continuous improvement initiatives within the asset protection function, driving innovation and enhancing overall program effectiveness.
• Achieved significant reduction in loss prevention incidents by developing and executing targeted action plans.
• Enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining processes and optimizing resource allocation across the region.
• Minimized risk exposure by conducting regular risk assessments and implementing proactive measures to address identified vulnerabilities.
• Developed targeted training programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each retail location, fostering a culture of awareness and vigilance among staff members.
• Built cross-functional relationships with business partners to reduce losses.
• Led regular meetings with store management teams to review asset protection performance metrics and discuss areas for improvement or additional support.
• Served as a key liaison between corporate asset protection teams and district-level stakeholders, effectively communicating relevant updates, policy changes, or strategic shifts in realtime.
• Delivered comprehensive training programs for new hires focused on core loss prevention principles and company-specific policies/procedures relevant to their roles within the organization.
• Reviewed physical security measures at each retail location regularly, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending appropriate upgrades or enhancements when necessary.
• Ensured accurate reporting of all asset protection-related metrics by regularly auditing store records and maintaining up-to-date documentation.
• Developed and executed district-wide loss prevention initiatives to minimize financial losses due to theft or fraud while ensuring minimal disruption to the customer shopping experience.

• Drove operational excellence initiatives to support Sales through Customer Engagement and Institutional Shrink Reduction for the district; focused on Effective Scheduling, Omni-Channel Enterprise Fulfillment, Shipment & Replenishment processes, Driving Sales through Customer Engagement & analysis of survey results, and managing Customer Relations Management through loyalty programs. Scheduled district team sessions for non-revenue based leaders; reinforced, elevated training for district experts; and one-on-one visits to identify and resolve root cause issues in underperforming locations. Recognized as Company Top District Operations Manager in 2017.
• Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring for staff members to encourage professional growth and development in the field of asset protection.
• Conducted thorough employee background checks as part of the hiring process, mitigating internal risks and potential threats.
• Developed strategic plans for the district to achieve short-term and long-term goals.
• Improved district operations efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
• Created a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback from employees and addressing concerns promptly.
• Coordinated with other departments to align goals, streamline workflow, and enhance collaboration across the organization.
• Led process improvement initiatives that positively impacted overall efficiency and bottom-line results.
• Implemented cost-saving measures without compromising service quality or employee satisfaction levels.
• Monitored and analyzed performance data, identifying areas of improvement and developing corrective action plans.
• Devised and executed training plans for new and existing staff to support competency and compliance.
• Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.

• Led a team of 400+ core associates, including 6 direct reports and their leadership teams for the AEO and aerie brands. Responsible for all store operations, visual presentation, and internal/external customer experience, operating 25K sq.ft. location planned for $35M+ in annual sales. Achieved positive comp sales and conversion increase each year, over 2-year assignment; awarded Leadership Council designation both years. Improved morale and fostered a servant leadership environment, including budget for store events and recognition. Excelled in payroll management with a focus on AHR and streamlining operations, achieving 2.5% reduction in payroll in 2012. Internally promoted 10+ associates to leadership positions within the NYC area. Improved bench strength through external sourcing, recognition, and performance management. Built relationships across districts and with corporate partners, facilitating discussions and bridging communication gap between allocations, DC, and transportation cross-dock to impact store receipts, timing, and allocation callouts. Coordinated public relations/media events with marketing department, owning grassroots promotions and events to drive traffic. Partnered with visual merchandising to map expansion of core store concepts in flagship location; reviewed line sheets, making recommendations to launch online only product as exclusives to TS location. Met with President of Store Operations weekly to discuss product feedback, inventory evaluation, and business opportunities.
• Established clear expectations for performance standards among staff members through regular coaching sessions.
• Developed a strong team culture through effective communication, training, and performance evaluations.
• Fostered an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives were valued and embraced for greater team success.
• Boosted employee retention rates through effective motivation, recognition, and development programs.
• Streamlined operations by introducing efficient scheduling and staff deployment systems.
• Reduced shrinkage levels with vigilant loss prevention tactics and proper staff training on security protocols.
• Championed store events that drove foot traffic, increased brand awareness, and elevated the overall customer experience.
• Achieved sales targets consistently by monitoring KPIs closely and taking corrective action as needed.

• Lead a team of eleven stores, achieving $50M in annual sales. Motivated a team of General Managers to achieve excellence in store operations, visual presentation, and internal/external customer experience through a compelling vision aligned with Old Navy & GAP, Inc. core values. Relocated to assume responsibility for turn-around market with 40% comp leadership positions in Q4 2015, within high- shrink, sales challenged market. Networked to fill leadership positions and develop succession pipeline to upgrade talent across market. Focused training sessions with direct reports and entry-level leader to quickly develop follow-up routines around merchandising execution, everyday brand standards, and business acumen. District improved results in comp store sales and gross margin quarter over quarter in 2016 and top ten leadership for 2017; leading territory in improved shrink results and improved customer experience survey results. Focused on driving brand loyalty through in-store omni-channel tools and reward/credit programs to drive additional traffic and repeat business. Partnered with Sr. leadership and real estate to identify void markets for future growth, accounting for cannibalization and providing data for projected growth market. Within inner-city youth development program This Way Ahead; providing career coaching and guidance for youth, resulting in a first job position within our stores.
• Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures as well as federal/state regulations by conducting regular audits of operational practices at each location within the district.
• Supervised various locations, enforcing high-quality standards of operation.
• Fostered an environment of open communication between management teams across the district to share best practices in operations optimization and problem-solving techniques.
• Evaluated store performance regularly using data analysis tools to identify areas of improvement and implement targeted action plans for continuous growth.
• Enhanced company reputation through community involvement, developing partnerships with local organizations and participating in charitable events.
• Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning initiatives aimed at maximizing profitability while maintaining high standards of quality across the district.
• Championed a culture of continuous improvement by regularly soliciting feedback from employees and implementing changes based on their suggestions.
• Reduced turnover rates by implementing proactive retention strategies designed to address potential employee concerns before they escalated into resignations or terminations.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction, conducting regular store visits to ensure compliance with service standards.

• Lead a team of thirteen stores, achieving $30M in annual sales. Motivated a team of Store Managers to achieve excellence in store operations, visual presentation, and internal/external customer experience through a compelling vision aligned with AEO’s core values. Achieved top comp performance year over year with double digit increase, ranked in Zone top ten. Upgraded talent at DM and ASM level while developing payroll through store productivity and AHR. Developed and promoted DMIT to DM role. Coordinated training sessions with Visual Merchandising, Recruiting, and Loss Prevention business partners to further develop SMs in their decision quality; and improve understanding/execution of company expectations within DORs. Hosted CEO and Executive Leadership Team for Holiday 2013 market walk; hosted merchant and buyer team in Dallas market to identify region trends, discussing emerging concepts in fast fashion and franchise/heritage across competition. Maintained and leveraged home office relationships; continued as a resource for feedback on company initiatives and weekly business recaps to executive leadership team.
• Boosted employee morale by creating a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.
• Initiated community outreach programs, enhancing brand visibility and fostering goodwill.
• Achieved significant improvements in customer feedback scores by implementing rigorous service quality standards.
• Fostered an environment of open communication between management teams across the district to share best practices in operations optimization and problem-solving techniques.
• Evaluated store performance regularly using data analysis tools to identify areas of improvement and implement targeted action plans for continuous growth.

• Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
• Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.

• Drove process improvements that led to increased efficiency in daily operations while maintaining high-quality output from all team members.

• Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
• January 2000 - June 2000 - International Exchange Partner, Tokyo Japan. Led successful store openings within new international market. Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new leaders in the areas of operations and merchandising.