MELANIE FORIST
Burleson,TX
Summary
Results-driven Executive Administrative Professional with over 10 years of experience supporting senior leadership in dynamic, growth-focused environments. Expertise in executive support, operations optimization, and program management, with a strong focus on Marketing and recent experience as an Executive Assistant to C-level executives. Proven track record of streamlining processes, managing complex priorities, and fostering relationships with vendors and stakeholders.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Operations Specialist / Executive Assistant to the CMO & Marketing Team
Milliman, Inc.
01.2022 - 05.2025
- Streamlined and automated multiple departmental processes, driving operational excellence and improved efficiency across Marketing.
- Provided high-level executive support to the Chief Marketing Officer and senior leadership, managing multiple complex and frequently changing calendars and travel arrangements.
- Analyzed, compiled, and developed the Marketing Department’s annual budget; responsible for ongoing tracking, communication, and reporting.
- Oversaw all Marketing department contracts, invoicing, and allocations utilizing ELM.
- Served as primary administrator for internal Marketing information and training resources, including onboarding, offboarding, and SharePoint department sites.
- Project Manager for several large-scale company and department initiatives, including More.info.com and Company Consultant Bio and Photo web pages.
- Managed vendor relationships and maintained consistent communication schedules for priority partners.
- Processed executive travel expenses and reimbursements with accuracy and timeliness.
- Supported organizational culture through team-building initiatives, employee engagement efforts, and company-wide fun events.
- Planned and organized department events, leadership travel, and logistics for four major company forums.
- Led all logistics for New Hire Management Training and Marketing onboarding programs.Coordinated company-wide announcements, conference room bookings, and catering for small to large-scale events.
- Developed and maintained strong interdepartmental relationships and promoted excellent vendor relations.
Executive Administrative Assistant to VP of Marketing / Marketing Coordinator
D.R. Horton
02.2017 - 01.2022
- Enhanced executive support for VP of Marketing in fast-paced environment.
- Coordinated complex travel and multi-calendar scheduling amid frequent changes.
- Communicated annual budget analysis for Marketing Department to relevant stakeholders.
- Managed contracts, invoicing, and financial allocations for departmental operations.
- Updated internal information and training websites for improved accessibility.
- Led project management for company-wide initiatives, ensuring successful execution.
Regional Administrative Assistant
Ulta Beauty
05.2014 - 11.2016
- Enhanced executive support by managing complex calendars and travel logistics.
- Analyzed and disseminated sales and marketing reports for regional stakeholders.
- Cultivated strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Established systems for tracking deadlines and managing key initiatives.
- Processed travel expenses for over 150 corporate and field employees efficiently.
- Coordinated regional meetings and onboarding programs, ensuring smooth execution.
Education
Associate of Science -
Tarrant County College
High School Diploma - undefined
Fernandina Beach High School
Skills
- Executive & C-Suite Support
- Senior Operations & Process Improvement
- Marketing Operations & Administration
- Complex Calendar & Travel Management
- Budget Development & Financial Tracking
- Vendor & Contract Management
- Project & Program Management
- Event & Forum Planning (Small–Large Scale),
- SharePoint & Internal Communications
- Onboarding & Training Coordination
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Operational excellence
- Business process improvement
- Experience in leadership roles
- Operations management
Certification
- Leadership Foundations Certification
- Franklin Covey – Time Management
- Dale Carnegie – Public Speaking
- Labor Relations Training
- WordPress I & II Certification
Timeline
Senior Operations Specialist / Executive Assistant to the CMO & Marketing Team
Milliman, Inc.
01.2022 - 05.2025
Executive Administrative Assistant to VP of Marketing / Marketing Coordinator
D.R. Horton
02.2017 - 01.2022
Regional Administrative Assistant
Ulta Beauty
05.2014 - 11.2016
High School Diploma - undefined
Fernandina Beach High School
Associate of Science -
Tarrant County College