MICKETA WARNER
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic and visionary leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in driving operational excellence, compliance, and program impact across the education, nonprofit, and logistics sectors. Expertise in designing scalable systems, managing multimillion-dollar programs, and leading cross-functional teams ensures a robust approach to complex project management. A passionate advocate for early childhood education and community development, recognized for building strategic partnerships and cultivating high-performing teams that optimize service delivery. Committed to human-centered leadership and organizational compliance, consistently delivering high-quality results while adapting to the evolving demands of the business landscape.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Director
Community Education Network
- Current
- Oversee multi-site Head Start and Early Childhood programs, ensuring operational alignment with federal and state compliance requirements across education, health, family, and safety content areas.
- Lead cross-functional teams across 10+ classrooms, overseeing teacher performance, staff training, facility safety, and curriculum implementation.
- Developed and implemented systems for ongoing monitoring (DECA, CLASS, lesson plans), achieving continuous quality improvement and federal readiness standards.
- Manage fiscal oversight for inventory, technology, and facilities, improved center resource efficiency through strategic procurement.
- Led biannual community needs assessments and annual self-assessments to align programming with family and community data.
- Supervised 30+ staff and ensured alignment with ChildPlus data systems, compliance reporting (PIR, licensing), and HR functions.
- Ensured operational excellence across finance, administration, fundraising, communications, and systems by aligning timelines and resources with strategic goals
- Recruited, coached, and retained high-performing team members, increased staff capacity, accountability, and leadership potential
- Fostered interdepartmental communication and collaboration while sustaining a strong organizational culture through periods of growth and change
- Partnered with VP to design and implement financial strategies supporting leadership and program development
- Collaborated with Board of Directors, Auxiliary Board, and internal teams to execute fundraising events and community engagement seminars
- Led hiring, onboarding, and performance management of Account/Program Managers and support staff based on program needs
- Developed onboarding plans and performance tracking systems for new hires to support alignment and goal achievement
Compliance, Health & Safety Director
Gads Hill Center
07.2022 - 12.2024
- Directed health and safety compliance across 10 early childhood centers, including oversight of dental, medical, and nutritional services for prenatal to age 5 programs.
- Developed emergency preparedness plans, health protocols, and environmental safety assessments across multiple programs.
- Supervised multidisciplinary teams, including dietitians, nurses, and contracted service providers.
- Spearheaded annual training initiatives in CPR, First Aid, medication administration, and safety policies.
- Conducted internal audits and led federal/state compliance monitoring, reporting to agency leadership and state funders.
Long Term Sub Teacher
Lights House Charter School
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Create and implement lesson plans
- Maintain classroom management and a positive learning environment.
- Provide instruction and supervision to students of varying ages and abilities.
- Adapt to different grade levels and subject areas as needed.
- Take attendance and complete required documentation.
- Communicate effectively with school staff, administrators, and students.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of all students during the school day.
Senior Admission Advisor
AIU
04.2017 - 06.2020
- Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective students, providing expert guidance on program selection, admissions requirements, tuition, and financial aid options.
- Manage a portfolio of high-priority applicants, ensuring personalized follow-up and a seamless enrollment experience.
- Mentor and coach junior Admissions Advisors, providing training, shadowing opportunities, and performance feedback.
- Assist with developing and refining recruitment strategies to improve conversion rates from inquiry to enrollment.
- Conduct virtual information sessions, webinars, and presentations for groups of prospective students and their families.
- Partner with academic, student services, and financial aid teams to ensure students transition smoothly into coursework.
- Track and analyze applicant progress using CRM systems, generating reports and insights to improve processes.
- Consistently meet or exceed personal and team enrollment goals while maintaining ethical standards and compliance.
- Act as a subject matter expert on institutional programs, policies, and market trends in higher education.
Quality Improvement Specialist
Trinity United Church of Christ Child Care Centers
01.2013 - 12.2019
- Partnered with executive leadership to monitor programmatic excellence, enhance agency operations, and lead strategic projects across Head Start and CPS-aligned initiatives.
- Developed project tracking systems for compliance documentation and voucher management (DFSS, CPS, ISBE).
- Led stakeholder meetings, grant management coordination, and fiscal tracking to support expansion and sustainability goals.
- Created project reports for board and senior leaders; improved data transparency and reporting accuracy across departments.
Education
Educational Leadership (Ed.S.) -
National University National Louis University
06.2025
Early Childhood Education Administration (M.Ed.) - undefined
National Louis University
12.2020
Business Management (B.A.) - undefined
National Louis University
12.2016
Skills
- Strategic Operations & Compliance Oversight
- 12 Program Leadership
- Community Engagement & Cross-Sector Partnerships
- Crisis & Risk Management
- Quality Monitoring
- Outlook
- ChildPlus
- Staff Development & Organizational Culture
- Budget Forecasting
- Project Management & Data-Driven Planning
- Google Suite
- CLASS
- Licensing Systems (DCFS, DFSS)
- Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
- Fiscal Management & Grant Compliance
- Project Planning
- Data Analysis
- Excel
- CACFP
- Early Childhood & K
- Operational efficiency
- Operations oversight
- Strategic planning
- Strategic planning and execution
- Training management
Certification
- First Aid Certification
- Substitute Teaching Certification
- CPR Certification
- Teaching Certification
Timeline
Compliance, Health & Safety Director
Gads Hill Center
07.2022 - 12.2024
Long Term Sub Teacher
Lights House Charter School
08.2020 - 06.2022
Senior Admission Advisor
AIU
04.2017 - 06.2020
Quality Improvement Specialist
Trinity United Church of Christ Child Care Centers
01.2013 - 12.2019
Operations Director
Community Education Network
- Current
Early Childhood Education Administration (M.Ed.) - undefined
National Louis University
Business Management (B.A.) - undefined
National Louis University
Educational Leadership (Ed.S.) -
National University National Louis University
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