Melinda S. Drabant
Ischua
Summary
Experienced Program Manager skilled in managing functional operations and projects related to supplies and logistics. Advanced understanding of organizational strategies, financial management, procurement and contracting. Expertise in public liaison projects and events within the Western NY region.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
WNY Program Manager of Green Thumb Environmental
Remote
01.2021 - 01.2026
- Prepare necessary documentation and forward to corporate Albany office for 52+ senior employees.
- Responsible for all employee hiring, firing, and disciplinary recommendations.
- Ensure the agency supervisors from DOT, DEC, SUNY have adequate supplies for the program workers.Establish and maintain contact with program workers assigned to state agencies, agency field supervisors, and the Green Thumb corporate office.
- Perform evaluations of Green Thumb employees, along with agency site supervisor.
- Engage, terminate, and discipline Green Thumb employees at the direction of the Program Director and President of Green Thumb
Senior Program Coordinator (PSE)
Cornell Cooperative Extension
01.2018 - 01.2025
- Coordinate PSE (Policy, System, and Environmental) Health changes in Western NY public and private sectors.
- Managed communication between stakeholders, ensuring alignment on project goals and updates.
- Developed and implemented health and wellness policy changes for community health centers, hospitals, and public health organizations within the region.
- Supervise and train nutrition counselors in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Allegany County to teach nutrition programming that aligned with Dietary Guidelines for Americans to individuals of various ages and skill levels.
- Responsible for program data and quarterly reports to NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Psychology Professor
Alfred State College
01.2021 - 2023
- Psychology 1013 and Developmental Psychology
- Responsible for creating lectures, exams, projects, and assignments.
- Created, evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
Graduate Academic Advisor
Hilbert College Office of Academic Affairs
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Guide students in selecting appropriate research methods and ensuring they have the necessary skills to carry out the research.
- Assist in forming the thesis committee, which includes other faculty members who will provide additional feedback and evaluation.
- Provide general guidance on navigating the thesis process, including timelines, expectations, and potential roadblocks.
- Help students prepare for the thesis defense, which is a presentation and discussion of their research.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Public Health
Hilbert College
05-2018
B.S. - Clinical Psychology
Niagara University
05-2016
Skills
- Field operations
- Schedule coordination
- Task delegation
- Operations planning
- Detail-oriented
- Strategic planning
Certification
- Cornell University Program Development Leadership Cohort April 2025
- Cornell CCE Certified, Master Preserver July 2024
- Cornell University Certified, Holistic Nutrition and Healthy Living October 2020
- Cornell CCE Certified, Master Gardener July 2020
Timeline
WNY Program Manager of Green Thumb Environmental
Remote
01.2021 - 01.2026
Psychology Professor
Alfred State College
01.2021 - 2023
Graduate Academic Advisor
Hilbert College Office of Academic Affairs
01.2021 - 01.2022
Senior Program Coordinator (PSE)
Cornell Cooperative Extension
01.2018 - 01.2025
Master of Public Administration - Public Health
Hilbert College
B.S. - Clinical Psychology
Niagara University