Lori Simmons-McDowell
Leander,TX
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in designing, developing, and delivering world-class content. Business experience and educational background enable creation of innovative solutions that engage and empower learners at various levels. Strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks are key strengths. Recognized for creativity and results-oriented mindset, committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Coach: Learning and Development
APPLE Inc.
Austin, Texas
01.2012 - Current
- Quality Program Manager in support of Sales Vendors
- Create learning programs to develop Apple Leadership capabilities
- Facilitate training across Apple Store Retail Online Contact Center
- Foster and maintain relationships with cross-functional teams to improve collaboration across teams
- Establish and enhance Programs that provide Leadership development
- Use ADDIE methodologies to create effective business solutions
- Developed and facilitated new hire onboarding, resulting in an overall 85% reduction in time to proficiency
- Implemented quality standards to support vendor use of sales processes
- Launch, coordinate and deliver Leadership Training program specific to newly promoted leaders
- Sales Team Leader Rotation Program - Led team of Sales Professionals
- Collaborated with other coaches to share best practices, techniques, and insights for overall program improvement.
- Recruiter Rotation Program - Interview and recommend candidates for Sales, Service, Language Specialty and Small and Medium Size Business
District Manager
FEDEX OFFICE
Houston
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Developed sales and operational strategies for 18 stores
- Developed and implemented a market-wide program to improve talent pipeline, from creation to program roll out
- Created and implemented operational training and certification remediation program to bring stores to Internal Audit Standards of operation.
- Rebuilt and improved relationships with multi-million dollar corporate accounts
- Project Managed the transition of a Multi-million dollar Government account into market, from development of local roll out plan to building deep client relationships achieving Secret Clearance for government Contract
District Manager
CVS/ CAREMARK
Dallas, Texas
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Led an 18 store Flagship Market with full profit and loss responsibility
- Created a collaborative cross-functional educational strategy for Account Managers of corporate entity, which enabled the deep knowledge necessary to service their accounts and build their benefits manager pipeline
- Fostered an environment of open communication between management teams across the district to share best practices in operations optimization and problem-solving techniques
- Developed and executed comprehensive training programs for store managers, resulting in improved employee performance and customer satisfaction
District Manager
Ann Taylor Inc.
Texas, Oklahoma And Arkansas
07.2006 - 03.2008
- Recruited, Training and led a team of remote stores in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas which required extensive travel
- Created a market revitalization program to align and improve team morale in a diverse market by re-engaging through collaboration, and activities in trustful team building.
- Implemented a customer relationship strategy for client engagement - lead to #1 ranking in sales.
- Boosted employee morale by creating a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.
Emerging Leader
American Multi-Cinema (AMC)
Houston, Texas
09.2005 - 07.2006
- Recruited for pilot program geared to fast track development in AMC Big Box operations.
- Hired and trained staff for theater operations.
- Scheduled showtime rotations for 40 screens
- Created a resume and interviewing workshop that was rolled out Nationwide to all theater Leaders
Regional Director of Operations
Blockbuster Inc
Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, &MS.
1 1989 - 01.2005
- Responsible for 120 store locations and 1400 associates across 6 states, 12 District Managers, and collaborative partners of 5 support personnel
- Standardized operational procedures across all regional locations to ensure consistency in quality and performance
- Chosen to partner with McKinsey Group Consulting in a Nationwide operational efficiency initiative across the US. Role included defining scope of work for project, setting time lines and aligning stakeholders to support program execution
- Identified as Project Leader for National roll-out and execution to improve operational efficiencies to maximize EBITA and employee results
- Ensured successful project completion by establishing clear objectives, milestones, and communication channels.
- Road-mapped plan to reduce shrink (loss) resulting in $500,000 savings year over year providing a reduction in negative margin stores by 28%.
- Collaborated with other Regional Directors to share best practices, align strategies, and foster a spirit of teamwork across the organization.
- Standardized operational procedures across all regional locations to ensure consistency in quality and performance. and achieve economies of scale
- Received numerous awards for: Best Financial Performance, Best Customer Service, Best Shrink Performance, and Multi-Unit Leader of the Year
Education
MBA -
The University of Texas of The Permian Basin
Midland, TX08.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Texas of The Permian Basin
Midland, TX08.2019
Skills
- Program Design, Development and Delivery
- Sales and People Enablement
- Relationship Management
- Strategy in Organizational Effectiveness
- Process Improvement
- Mentoring and Consulting
Hobbies
Life Long Learning; always in pursuit of new knowledge and tools
Travel
Reading
Yoga
Timeline
Coach: Learning and Development
APPLE Inc.
01.2012 - Current
District Manager
FEDEX OFFICE
01.2011 - 01.2012
District Manager
CVS/ CAREMARK
01.2008 - 01.2011
District Manager
Ann Taylor Inc.
07.2006 - 03.2008
Emerging Leader
American Multi-Cinema (AMC)
09.2005 - 07.2006
Regional Director of Operations
Blockbuster Inc
1 1989 - 01.2005
MBA -
The University of Texas of The Permian Basin
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Texas of The Permian Basin