Lori Dearwester
Grass Valley,CA
Summary
Dynamic and motivated executive-level professional with a proven track record in operations management with a specific focus in asset protection, alongside building and nurturing relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, and coaching individuals to achieve success. Demonstrates extensive expertise in developing and implementing effective security protocols, risk management strategies, and compliance programs that safeguard assets while minimizing losses. Adept at building cross-functional teams and leveraging exceptional communication skills to promote safety and security across all operations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada
09.2019 - 12.2024
- Directed operations of a multi-disciplinary non-profit with over $90 million in annual retail revenue.
- Responsible for all asset protection and health & safety for 34 retail stores, 98 donation collection sites, all Goodwill facilities, maintenance department, transportation department including vehicles, logistics, e-commerce, and 4 outlet operations.
- Encouraged collaboration among divisions for efficient workflow.
- Directed the processes for critical incident tracking, internal reviews, and case management via Appriss Retail.
- Oversight of Goodwill's corporate compliance program and whistleblower hotline.
- Generated a 3.5% rise in year-over-year retail sales.
- Implemented solutions to eliminate 95% of purchased goods shrinkage projected for 2025.
- Developed and implemented a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) in compliance with Cal/OSHA requirements.
- Devised and executed annual risk management plans, performing comprehensive risk assessments.
- Implemented advanced camera system technology.
- Installed and managed new access control systems, enhancing security measures, and ensuring controlled access to sensitive areas.
- Designed and implemented a new security guard program to reduce theft, and improve overall safety.
- Ensured compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards during frequent regulatory inspections by OSHA and other agencies.
- Collaborated on a new POS system implementation team, creating comprehensive asset protection rules and protocols to safeguard company assets, and reduce fraud risk.
- Installed GPS fleet management technology on all company vehicles, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, improving route efficiency, and enhancing vehicle tracking for better operations control.
- Created comprehensive training programs in all departments, enhancing employee safety and efficiency.
- Developed and balanced yearly budgets for each department to meet organizational targets.
- Partnered with staff to develop and manage the strategic and tactical plans, operational calendars, and budgets to improve balanced scorecard results.
- Supported CEO with operational insights and strategic decision-making.
- Expanded and developed the asset protection team, advancing staff into new leadership roles, recruiting, and training new members to strengthen security operations and enhance risk management efforts across the organization.
- Established relationships with local law enforcement and code enforcement agencies to facilitate communication and collaboration on asset protection matters.
- Developed community relationships and partnered with local PBIDs (Property and Business Improvement Districts) across the territories in which Goodwill operated.
- Produced analytical outlier reports focusing on essential asset protection indicators for investigative purposes and loss prevention.
- Assisted in developing new techniques and methods used by Asset Protection teams in detecting fraudulent activities.
VICE PRESIDENT, ADMINISTRATION
Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada
08.2018 - 09.2019
- Management of Asset Protection, Safety, Human Resources, IT, and Donation Acquisition Departments.
- Implemented extensive hazardous waste initiatives to meet state and federal regulations in California and Nevada.
- Developed and managed comprehensive COVID-19 response programs, including policy creation, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies, to ensure organizational safety and compliance with health guidelines.
- Managed all burglary incidents, coordinating with law enforcement, and implementing corrective measures to prevent future breaches and ensure the security of company assets.
- Oversaw surveillance equipment and security protocols to protect organization assets, personnel, and facilities.
- Accurately forecasted departmental and organizational revenues, and managed all activities to budget.
- Managed the rollout of a new human resources information system.
- Displayed effective leadership qualities to drive employee motivation and build cohesive teams.
- Developed operations systems and training to ensure knowledge transfer.
- Designed KPIs for effective monitoring and management of daily operational procedures.
- Interacted regularly with the executive team and individual department heads to ensure the organization's operational priorities were aligned with the overall organizational direction.
- Directed implementation and execution of policies, procedures, practices, and system functions throughout the organization to ensure maximum efficiency.
- Reacted quickly to any negative deviations in KPIs, and course-corrected appropriately.
DIRECTOR, RISK MANAGEMENT
Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada
02.2017 - 08.2018
- Implemented and directed an extensive Risk Management and Asset Protection program, integrating safety, security, OSHA compliance, and hazardous waste management to protect organizational assets.
- Managed asset protection initiatives, including fraud investigations, and internal and external controls to reduce theft and loss.
- Conducted facility-wide risk assessments to identify safety vulnerabilities, mitigate potential hazards, and implement corrective action plans.
- Supervised the handling of hazardous substances, minimizing environmental impact while meeting regulatory requirements.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by partnering with cross-functional teams to develop cohesive risk management strategies.
- Investigated incidents, implemented root cause analysis, and led initiatives to prevent recurrence, reducing overall workplace risk.
- Managed and maintained records of critical incidents, and reported to the Corporate Compliance Committee.
- Responsible for driving a culture of safety and asset protection throughout the organization.
- Delivered tools and methodologies to achieve breakthrough performance results, with a reduction in safety incidents and injuries.
- Developed and led a loss prevention agent team to combat retail theft, implementing effective strategies and training programs that reduced theft rates and enhanced store security operations.
- Conducted senior-level Wicklander-Zulawski theft interviews.
DIRECTOR, ASSET PROTECTION
Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada
02.2015 - 03.2016
- Designed, developed, and implemented a comprehensive Asset Protection program from the ground up, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry best practices
- Created and enforced policies and procedures to mitigate risk, prevent loss, and ensure regulatory compliance across all operational areas
- Established and led a cross-functional team of asset protection professionals, providing training, mentorship and performance evaluations
- Conducted risk assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and implemented corrective action plans to address them effectively
- Collaborated with leadership teams to integrate security measures into daily operations without disrupting business objectives
- Leveraged technology and data analytics to monitor trends, identify fraud, and reduce shrinkage
- Partnered with law enforcement and legal teams to manage investigations prosecutions, and recovery of assets
HUMAN RESOURCES INVESTIGATOR
Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada
07.2012 - 02.2015
- Conducted thorough investigations into theft, fraud, policy violations, and workplace incidents, ensuring timely resolution and adherence to organizational policies
- Collaborated with Human Resources to investigate employee misconduct, harassment claims, and policy breaches, maintaining confidentiality and neutrality throughout the process
- Performed covert and overt surveillance operations to identify and prevent internal and external theft
- Analyzed data and reports to identify patterns of theft, fraud, or policy violations
- Partnered with local law enforcement to pursue criminal cases, prepare evidence, and support prosecution efforts
- Prepared detailed investigation reports, including findings, evidence, and recommendations, for internal and external stakeholders
- Conducted interviews with employees, witnesses, and suspects using established investigative techniques to gather facts and verify claims
- Provided training to store associates and management of theft prevention, workplace safety, and company polices to reduce incidents
- Ensured compliance with all legal, regulatory, and company standards in all investigative activities
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT12-2025
Skills
- Executive leadership
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Leadership development
- Risk mitigation
- Strategic planning
- Process improvement
- Recruitment and retention
- Organizational development
- Regulatory compliance
- Crisis management
- Servant leader
- Change management
- Budgeting
- Policy creation
- Operations oversight
- Safety
- Investigations
- Wicklander-Zulawski, LPC, CFI
Certification
- Certified Executive Leader (CEL) , McAfee Institute, 2017
- Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI), International Association of Interviewers, 2016
- Loss Prevention Certified (LPC), The Loss Prevention Foundation, 2014
- Advanced Wicklander-Zulawski
- Wicklander-Zulawski
Timeline
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada
09.2019 - 12.2024
VICE PRESIDENT, ADMINISTRATION
Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada
08.2018 - 09.2019
DIRECTOR, RISK MANAGEMENT
Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada
02.2017 - 08.2018
DIRECTOR, ASSET PROTECTION
Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada
02.2015 - 03.2016
HUMAN RESOURCES INVESTIGATOR
Goodwill Industries Sacramento Valley & N. Nevada
07.2012 - 02.2015
- Certified Executive Leader (CEL) , McAfee Institute, 2017
- Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI), International Association of Interviewers, 2016
- Loss Prevention Certified (LPC), The Loss Prevention Foundation, 2014
- Advanced Wicklander-Zulawski
- Wicklander-Zulawski
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Western Governors University
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