Melissa Cushma
Buford,GA
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager/Sr. Project Manager
Avison Young
08.2014 - 10.2023
- Oversaw all of the firm’s Office/Industrial/Medical construction and building improvement projects in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast. Supporting the firm’s corporate tenant owner clients, with assignments related to relocations, space build-outs, capital improvement and renovation projects, and new commercial real estate developments.
- Managed third party projects on behalf of tenants through established relationships and/or awarded work. Managed all phases of the build-out from initial planning/programming to final move-in.
- Day-to-day tasks included oversight and procurement of construction, running multiple projects, invoicing, job cost analysis and cost tracking, project timeline management, project status reporting, and warranty review and procurement among others.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
- Leveraged relationships with contractors and vendors to deliver the project efficiently.
- Streamlined project processes by implementing Agile methodologies, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
- Enhanced overall project success by conducting thorough post-project evaluations and incorporating lessons learned into future efforts.
- Created accurate budgets based on resource requirements, allowing for optimal allocation of funds across all aspects of the projects.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety by coordinating with contractors to manage performance.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Mentored junior team members in project management best practices to enhance their skills and contribute to better overall performance.
- 2019-2021 - 100% Dedicated to Global Technology Solutions Company; Acted as Director of Project Management for projects in the United States and Canada (Office/Government)
- 2021-2022 - 100% Dedicated to Global Material Handling and Automation Company; Acted as Senior Project Manager providing Consulting Services throughout the duration of multiple construction projects (Office/Industrial)
Assistant Project Manager
Transwestern
09.2012 - 08.2014
- Supervising the approved project scope of work and budget, reviewing building plans, scheduling meetings with contractors and subcontractors, acquiring the appropriate permitting requirements, providing on-site administrative support, and preparing regular updates for the property owner.
- Improved project efficiency by streamlining communication channels and implementing time-saving tools.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
Admin Asst - Brokerage, Accounting & Construction
Grubb & Ellis
02.2006 - 08.2011
- Administrative Role for Brokerage included managing email correspondence, answering client phone calls, and scheduling. Other duties include drafts and edits for Contracts, RFP's, LOI's, Property Flyers, etc. on behalf of the broker.
- Enhanced financial accuracy by conducting thorough account reconciliations and resolving discrepancies.
- Researched property information, including ownership and zoning, responsible for Transactions, Million Dollar Club Applications, Lease Abstracts, coordination of meetings, assist in developing information for new/potential projects and tracking new projects.
- Processed all brokerage Revenue, as the back-up Revenue Processor for the Atlanta Office; Took classes in Chicago to become proficient in revenue software.
- In the Administrative Role for the Construction Team, I was responsible to perform support activities both clerical and technical in nature as required to assist the Project Manager and other site personnel on various construction projects. This is where my love for construction began. My colleague became my mentor, as I gained knowledge of the commercial construction industry and being in the field as much as possible.
- Assisted in budget preparation, ensuring accurate forecasting and proper allocation of resources.
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
GVA Advantis
06.2002 - 02.2006
- Entry level position. Responsibilities included answering phones, knowledge of broker listings, managing email correspondence, as well as assisting the Office Manager and Administrative Staff with overflow tasks. After (9) months, promoted to Administrative Assistant for Industrial Brokerage Team.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Research
- Data Entry
- Calm Under Pressure
- Attention to Detail
- Decision-Making
- Excellent Communication
- Dependable and Responsible
- Analytical Thinking
- MS Office
- Remote Office Availability
- Problem-Solving
- PPE use
- Written Communication
- Verbal Communication
Timeline
Project Manager/Sr. Project Manager
Avison Young
08.2014 - 10.2023
Assistant Project Manager
Transwestern
09.2012 - 08.2014
Admin Asst - Brokerage, Accounting & Construction
Grubb & Ellis
02.2006 - 08.2011
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
GVA Advantis
06.2002 - 02.2006