Marti Higdon
Salina
Summary
Results-driven leader with extensive experience in project management and team building. Skilled in data-driven decision-making and navigating complex regulatory environments to enhance organizational performance and community outreach.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Director of Youth Development
Salina Family YMCA
Salina, KS
07.2022 - 05.2026
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance community engagement and program outreach.
- Cultivated a culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
- Established data-driven decision-making processes and implemented best practices in analytics to optimize performance across the organization.
- Navigated complex regulatory environments to ensure compliance with local laws, standards, and regulations relevant to the business domain.
- Developed and implemented operational policies to improve facility management and member satisfaction.
- Supervised 5 cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and mission.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
Sr. Director of Strategic Initiatives
Salina Family Ymca
Salina, KS
03.2021 - 07.2022
- Developed and implemented strategic fundraising initiatives to enhance donor engagement and support organizational goals.
- Secured and tracked over $1million in grant dollars.
- Managed budgets responsibly to allocate resources effectively across various programs and initiatives.
- Developed and maintained relationships with funding agencies to facilitate effective communication and support.
- Implemented tracking systems for grant deadlines and deliverables to improve project management effectiveness.
- Assisted in training staff on grant management processes to enhance team efficiency and understanding.
- Trained and mentored junior staff in best practices for effective grant writing and management.
Athletic Director- Part-time
Saline County Arc
Salina, KS
11.2012 - 02.2022
- Developed and implemented athletic programs to enhance Special Athlete engagement and participation.
- Collaborated with coaches to establish training schedules and performance goals for teams for over 100 special needs athletes.
- Managed budget allocations for sports equipment, facilities maintenance, and event logistics.
- Fostered partnerships with community organizations to promote athletic initiatives and events.
School Age Director
Salina Family YMCA
Salina, KS
09.2018 - 03.2021
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate programming for school-aged children, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and organizational policies for 5 locations.
- Trained and mentored staff in best practices for child supervision and program delivery.
- Collaborated with parents to address concerns, fostering strong community relationships and support systems.
- Managed budget allocations for materials and supplies, optimizing resource utilization within constraints.
School Age Coordinator
Salina Family YMCA
Salina, KS
02.2018 - 09.2018
- Coordinated program schedules and events to enhance community engagement and participation.
- Developed training materials to support staff development and improve service delivery.
- Managed member inquiries and concerns, ensuring timely resolution and satisfaction.
- Worked with local school district to open up licenses in the 3 of the school buildings to offer better quality care for families.
Director of Children's and Youth Ministries
Church Of The Cross United Methodist
Salina, KS
01.2015 - 02.2018
- Developed and implemented engaging programs for children and youth ministries.
- Trained and mentored staff and volunteers in effective ministry practices.
- Fostered a supportive environment for spiritual growth among participants.
- Lead students on 2 different life altering mission trips.
Elementary School Teacher
USD 305 Salina Public Schools
Salina, KS
08.2010 - 05.2012
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered positive classroom environment promoting student collaboration and respect.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and adjusted teaching strategies accordingly.
Elementary School Teacher
Usd 308
Hutchinson, KS
08.2006 - 05.2010
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance learning experiences and engagement.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
05.2006
Skills
- Collaborative leadership
- Culture transformation
- Policy development
- Team building and motivation
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Project management
- Budget management
- Organizational development
Accomplishments
Praesidium Guardian
YUSA Trainer Certified
Lead Organization through Praesidium Accreditation
YUSA Service Delivery Provider for Food Programs
Timeline
Sr. Director of Youth Development - Salina Family YMCA
07.2022 - 05.2026
Sr. Director of Strategic Initiatives - Salina Family Ymca
03.2021 - 07.2022
School Age Director - Salina Family YMCA
09.2018 - 03.2021
School Age Coordinator - Salina Family YMCA
02.2018 - 09.2018
Director of Children's and Youth Ministries - Church Of The Cross United Methodist
01.2015 - 02.2018
Athletic Director- Part-time - Saline County Arc
11.2012 - 02.2022
Elementary School Teacher - USD 305 Salina Public Schools
08.2010 - 05.2012
Elementary School Teacher - Usd 308
08.2006 - 05.2010
Fort Hays State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education