Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Melinda Ward

Holden,ME

Summary

Results-driven leader with a strong reputation for integrity and ethical management practices. Proven expertise in team leadership, strategic planning, and policy development. Demonstrated ability to drive organizational success through effective management strategies.

Overview

45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

President and CEO

OHI
Bangor, ME
01.2022 - 08.2025
  • Directed strategic planning initiatives to align organizational vision with goals.
  • Oversaw financial management and budgeting to ensure sustainable growth.
  • Championed employee development programs to enhance skills and performance.
  • Implemented policies promoting positive workplace culture and inclusivity.
  • Fostered stakeholder partnerships to boost community engagement and support.
  • Developed comprehensive policies and procedures for organizational objectives.
  • Collaborated with staff to maintain operational efficiency throughout the organization.
  • Monitored legislative changes impacting operations or funding sources.

Assistant CEO

OHI
Bangor, ME
01.2020 - 01.2022
  • Directed operational strategy and execution across multiple departments to align with strategic objectives.
  • Implemented process improvements to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Established policies and procedures to streamline operations and ensure compliance.
  • Supervised executive team, providing guidance on critical operational decisions.
  • Assisted in budgeting by evaluating costs and allocating resources effectively.
  • Negotiated vendor contracts to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.

Director of Support Services/Associate CEO

OHI
Bangor, ME
07.2011 - 12.2019
  • Oversaw human resources, professional development, investigations, office management, technology, quality improvement, corporate compliance, HIPAA, and property management.
  • Mentored junior staff, fostering professional development and skill enhancement within the division.
  • Analyzed team performance on weekly basis through review of in-depth reports.
  • Identified and brought on board new employees who added value and talent to department.
  • Provided technical guidance to staff on complex issues related to their roles and responsibilities.
  • Developed divisional budget, monitored spending, and identified cost savings opportunities.
  • Conducted regular meetings with team members to review progress on goals and objectives.
  • Developed comprehensive communication plans.
  • Managed crisis situations to minimize impact on operations and reputation.

Director of Human Resources

OHI
Bangor, ME
07.1985 - 06.2011
  • Developed and implemented HR policies to align with organizational goals.
  • Managed recruitment processes, enhancing candidate experience and selection quality.
  • Collaborated with and counseled management to address employee relations and disciplinary issues effectively.
  • Administered benefits programs, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
  • Investigated incidents of workplace harassment or discrimination complaints.
  • Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws by monitoring changes in regulations related to human resources management.
  • Organized onboarding processes for new hires, including orientation sessions and paperwork completion.
  • Advised senior leadership on organizational structure changes affecting the workforce.
  • Maintained confidential records related to personnel files and other sensitive documents.

Adult Foster Care Provider

OHI
Bangor, ME
06.1983 - 06.1988
  • Provided daily care, assistance with daily activities promoting independence and supervision for an adult with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities in my own home.
  • Collaborated with biological family and social workers to ensure the person's needs were met effectively.
  • Adhered to state policies regarding licensing requirements and regulations related to foster care services.

Administrator - 6-person ICF/IDD

OHI
Bangor, ME
11.1983 - 06.1985
  • Supervised daily operations of group home ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Developed individualized care plans tailored to each person's needs and preferences.
  • Coordinated staff schedules to maintain adequate coverage for each person's care.
  • Facilitated training sessions for staff on best practices in providing support.
  • Organized community activities to enhance social interaction .
  • Served as a liaison between families and guardians and agency staff ensuring proper communication among all parties involved.

Direct Support Professional

OHI
Bangor, ME
02.1981 - 12.1983
  • Facilitated daily living activities and personal care, enhancing individual well-being.
  • Supported social skills development through engaging activities and interactive programs.
  • Documented behavioral and progress updates in detailed daily reports.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals to create and implement effective care plans.
  • Provided transportation for appointments and community events, promoting participation.
  • Encouraged independence by teaching essential life skills and decision-making techniques.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Education

University of Maine
Orono, ME
05-1981

Skills

  • Strategic planning
  • Team leadership
  • Integrity and ethics
  • Organizational restructuring and leadership
  • Remote team management
  • Policy development
  • Operations oversight
  • Process improvement
  • Executive performance management
  • Talent recruitment
  • Budgeting and cost control

Certification

  • Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) since 2016

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

President and CEO

OHI
01.2022 - 08.2025

Assistant CEO

OHI
01.2020 - 01.2022

Director of Support Services/Associate CEO

OHI
07.2011 - 12.2019

Director of Human Resources

OHI
07.1985 - 06.2011

Administrator - 6-person ICF/IDD

OHI
11.1983 - 06.1985

Adult Foster Care Provider

OHI
06.1983 - 06.1988

Direct Support Professional

OHI
02.1981 - 12.1983

Bachelor of Science - Education

University of Maine

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