MICHELLE MERKLEY
Yuma,AZ
Summary
Mission-driven and results-oriented nonprofit leader with 7+ years of progressive leadership at a Feeding America–affiliated food bank and prior experience in medical administration, ophthalmic care, and plastic surgery settings. Skilled in ICD-9 medical billing, patient scheduling, records management, and clinical coordination, with a strong foundation in regulated environments. Proven ability to align operational logistics, compliance, and client care in both healthcare and hunger-relief sectors.
High-energy Chief Operating Officer with demonstrated record of exceeding profitability goals and driving increased revenues while containing costs. Successfully grew organizations to achieve excellence through efficient operational systems support.
Seasoned Chief Operating Officer with background in streamlining operations, improving processes and increasing efficiency across various industries. Strong skills include strategic planning, team leadership and data-driven decision making. Known for transforming organizations into high-producing entities while maintaining job satisfaction among employees.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1991
1991
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
Yuma Community Food Bank
Yuma, AZ
07.2021 - Current
- Led day-to-day operations across four departments: Programs, Admin, Operations, and Development.
- Executed and managed a multimillion-dollar budget supporting 12M+ meals distributed annually.
- Ensured 100% USDA and DOT compliance across programs (TEFAP/CSFP) and transportation.
- Successfully passed multiple DES, Feeding America, and AIB audits with full compliance.
- Oversaw DES contract funding and reporting for multiple food access programs.
- Implemented scalable SOPs during periods of extreme demand, maintaining service to 200,000+ visits annually.
- Supported launch of innovative campaigns, including 'Adopt A Cow' to improve child nutrition.
Director of Operations
Yuma Community Food Bank
Yuma, AZ
07.2019 - 07.2021
- Oversaw food acquisition, inventory systems, and fleet management for 5,000+ miles/month in deliveries.
- Managed produce recovery and food safety for fresh and shelf-stable programs.
- Improved internal systems for food tracking, inventory audits, and donor accountability.
- Contributed to operational readiness for AIB and Feeding America audits.
Administrative & Community Relations
Yuma Community Food Bank
Yuma, AZ
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Strengthened donor database and managed event logistics, grant tracking, and partner communication.
- Supported executive team on reporting, board engagement, and community outreach initiatives.
Administrative Assistant
Arizona Public Service
Yuma, AZ
01.2008 - 01.2017
- Provided executive-level support to utility service teams, and coordinated scheduling and internal reporting.
- Developed documentation and tracking systems for customer service, and safety reporting.
- Facilitated communication between different departments within the organization.
- Composed letters, memos, reports, emails, presentations and other written correspondence as required by management staff.
- Handled confidential documents in an organized fashion according to established protocol.
- Entered data into spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel or other similar programs.
Patient Care Coordinator
Innovative Plastic Surgery Center
San Diego , CA
07.2001 - 05.2006
- Supported plastic surgery and ophthalmic practices with patient scheduling, charting, and intake procedures.
- Collaborated with clinical staff to ensure a smooth flow of appointments and follow-ups.
- Maintained compliance with HIPAA and medical documentation protocols.
- Followed up with discharged patients after they left the facility to ensure they were receiving adequate post-care support.
- Maintained accurate records of all patient care activities using electronic health record systems.
- Coordinated patient care services with the medical team to ensure quality and timely delivery of care.
- Scheduled appointments for patients and coordinated follow-up visits as needed.
- Performed administrative duties such as filing paperwork, answering phones, and scheduling appointments.
Education
Kofa High School
Yuma, AZSkills
- Strategic Leadership
- Budget Oversight
- Food Bank Operations
- DOT & USDA Program Compliance
- Regulatory Audits
- Crisis Management
- Staff & Volunteer Supervision
- Community Engagement
- Fund Development
- Partner & Vendor Relations
- Grant Compliance
- Microsoft Office
- CERES
- Jet Reports
- DonorPerfect
- SafeSave
- DOT Compliance Systems
- Volunteer Software
- AIB Audit Prep Tools
Medical Experience
Medical Administrative Assistant, Yuma, AZ, Supported plastic surgery and ophthalmic practices with patient scheduling, charting, and intake procedures., Conducted ICD-9 billing, insurance verification, and medical records management., Collaborated with clinical staff to ensure smooth flow of appointments and follow-ups., Maintained compliance with HIPAA and medical documentation protocols.
Community Leadership And Affiliations
- Banner Health Community Advisory Council – Member
- Feeding America: Women in Operations & Policy Cohort – Member
- Arizona Hunger Relief Advisory Committee – Member
Technology And Systems
- Microsoft Office
- CERES
- Jet Reports
- DonorPerfect
- SafeSave
- DOT Compliance Systems
- Volunteer Software
- AIB Audit Prep Tools
Professional Development And Certifications
- Feeding America Trauma-Informed Services Certification
- AIB Audit & Food Safety Prep (Ongoing)
- Volunteer Management & Nonprofit Compliance Training
- Medical Billing & Insurance Processing (ICD-9 & CPT Coding)
- Parra Medical Institute – Ophthalmic Technician Coursework
- Hands-on experience in medical office operations, including plastic surgery and vision care practices
<Enter your own>
Relocation: Open to Relocation
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
Yuma Community Food Bank
07.2021 - Current
Director of Operations
Yuma Community Food Bank
07.2019 - 07.2021
Administrative & Community Relations
Yuma Community Food Bank
07.2017 - 07.2019
Administrative Assistant
Arizona Public Service
01.2008 - 01.2017
Patient Care Coordinator
Innovative Plastic Surgery Center
07.2001 - 05.2006
Kofa High School