Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Affiliations
Hobbies and Interests
References
Timeline
Generic

Millie Atkins

Monroe,LA

Summary

A retired experienced Marketing, Public Policy and Economic Development professional with strong leadership and relationship-building skills. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills with extensive experience in creating strategic business alliances and collaborative opportunities.

Overview

50
50
years of professional experience

Work History

Chairperson

Monroe City Mayor’s Quality Of Life Transition Team
07.2020 - 10.2022
  • Identified areas of opportunity within the city and neighborhoods by implementing QOL processes to change performance for the betterment of residents.
  • Enhanced and engaged a 40-member team in board communication by streamlining meeting agendas, in community touring/engagement and working as sub-team groups to provide community surveys, SWOT analyses, and focus group reporting.
  • Developed strategic plans that included quality-of-life perceptions, vision and outcomes for community growth, resulting in increased revenue and expanded services.
  • Improved stakeholder relations by proactively engaging with community leaders, partners, and donors.
  • Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering a more inclusive company culture.
  • Chaired shareholder meetings, disseminating information, and fielded questions.
  • Contributed to values, goals and strategic vision of organization.
  • Led organization in setting goals and strategies.

Manager - Economic Development (Public Policy/Government Relations)

CenturyLink
04.2015 - 05.2016
  • Initiated department's corporate social responsibility role in local community through employee sponsorship and engagement.
  • Increased profits by creating alliances, initiating, and managing relationships that resulted in approval of the IWTP program application; Initiated an alliance that resulted in support of a local museum's broadband connection initiative that could increase profits.
  • Reduced and controlled expenses by implementing employee resource group projects that resulted in more local collaboration and directed strategic initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive multicultural employee company team
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase the local, regional and state’s economic competitiveness; Assisted in the development and support of entrepreneurs and small businesses
  • Helped in the expansion and improvement of infrastructure; implemented initiatives aimed at the recruitment of a highly skilled and educated workforce; and supported efforts on improving the quality of life in the community and on creating an attractive business climate through board and foundation membership activities.
  • Increased team productivity by implementing streamlined processes and effective communication strategies.
  • Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
  • Facilitated successful cross-functional collaborations for the completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
  • Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
  • Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Cultivated partnerships with external stakeholders to maximize business opportunities and extend network reach within the industry sector.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Enhanced legislative outreach efforts through targeted lobbying and relationship-building activities.
  • Monitored legislation, regulations, and policy developments for potential impact on the organization.
  • Secured positive outcomes in policy debates by crafting compelling advocacy materials and presentations.
  • Increased awareness of organizational priorities among policymakers by consistently engaging in educational outreach efforts.
  • Conducted thorough research to inform lobbying strategies and ensure accurate representation of organizational interests in policy discussions.
  • Served as a trusted resource for policymakers seeking information or insight on industry-specific topics.
  • Represented the organization at conferences, panel discussions, and other public forums where key policy issues were being discussed.

Manager - Public Policy/Government Relations

CenturyLink
07.2012 - 04.2015
  • Managed corporate social responsibility efforts that support local, community and state business and economic development goals.
  • Managed and trained team of professional public policy analysts & served as mentor to interns.
  • Managed company's federal low-income telephone and broadband compliance efforts.
  • Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within workplace, resulting in inclusive environment that fostered creativity and innovation among employees from various backgrounds.
  • Developed company's first corporate employee resource group for Louisiana Chapter of Alliance of Black Telecommunication Professionals and served as its President.
  • Provided research, needs assessment, plans for implementation and advocacy strategies to support Public Policy team.
  • Built internal Intranet computer model for linking and housing policy documents for Public Policy business unit.
  • Developed company's first corporate employee resource group for Louisiana Chapter of Alliance of Black Telecommunication Professionals and served as its President.
  • Defined strategy and business plan for ABTP Chapter projects, motivated employees and spearheaded efforts that resulted in increase in employee engagement in local community outreach and support.
  • Increased team productivity by implementing streamlined processes and effective communication strategies.
  • Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
  • Facilitated successful cross-functional collaborations for completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
  • Developed strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Collaborated with internal stakeholders to develop unified positions on key policy issues affecting organization.
  • Managed diverse portfolio of policy issues, effectively balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Secured positive outcomes in policy debates by crafting compelling advocacy materials and presentations.

Senior Analyst

CenturyLink
01.2007 - 06.2012
  • Provided support for the company's state legislative policy activities and priorities in terms of research, needs assessment, plans for implementation and advocacy strategies.
  • Identified funding sources and stakeholders for business/community development projects centered around broadband deployment.
  • Managed broad Public Policy initiatives through the creation of an employee Intranet community that informed, motivated and united.
  • Supported the company's low-income broadband assistance (FCC compliance) program by assisting with outreach, monitoring and the creation of partnerships with state, local and tribal governments.
  • Managed the CenturyLink Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) broadband stimulus challenge and grant activities.
  • Created and managed the states’ financial plans covering the marketing/promotion and tracking of Lifeline (affordable phone & broadband) growth.
  • Supported company's regulatory Grassroots and PAC initiatives through website creation.
  • Assisted in the identification, coordination and recommendation of actions on relevant telecom policy issues
  • Improved company efficiency and supported the development of legislative and political strategies to attain projected policy outcomes.
  • Optimized project management, resulting in timely deliverables and improved client satisfaction rates.
  • Provided expert advice for senior management, contributing to informed decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Implemented cost reduction initiatives, achieving significant savings without compromising quality or service delivery.
  • Spearheaded process improvement initiatives, resulting in streamlined operations and enhanced organizational capabilities.
  • Played a pivotal role in the successful completion of high-stakes projects by providing crucial analytical support and insights.
  • Championed data-driven decision making by transforming raw data into actionable intelligence for key stakeholders.
  • Influenced policy decisions through comprehensive economic analyses that effectively communicated complex information to non-experts.
  • Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration, breaking down silos and encouraging information sharing to drive positive business outcomes.
  • Assessed data modeling and statistics to integrate high-level business processes with data rules.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to identify business needs and data sources.

Marketing Communications Sr. Coordinator

CenturyTel, Inc (CenturyLink)
01.2003 - 01.2006
  • Managed and supported local field marketing through creative development and media and advertising strategies.
  • Managed and coordinated Directory (print and online) campaign strategy, media placements and budgets.
  • Coordinated and managed Yellow Page marketing campaigns and creative development for all company products through external agency (Certified Marketing Representative) team.
  • Managed and supported local corporate sponsorship activities and opportunities.
  • Managed and created financial plan for product budgets, monthly accrual and forecasting reports for Directory, Yellow Pages, Corporate Sponsorship, and Lifeline/Link-Up campaigns
  • Managed online and print advertising budgets for each marketing campaign.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures within department, contributing to significant annual savings without compromising quality or efficiency by utilizing a 'one-stop' newspaper placement agency and local CMS team for local regional marketing collateral creation and shipments.
  • Led contract negotiations with vendors and suppliers, securing favorable terms that resulted in notable cost reductions for company.
  • Coordinated large-scale marketing/advertising initiatives, effectively managing logistics, budgets, and vendor relations to ensure smooth operations.

Marketing Communications Campaign Manager

CenturyTel, Inc (CenturyLink)
01.2002 - 01.2003
  • Managed & coordinated the Internet and high-speed Internet (DSL) marketing campaigns; Coordinated the creative and media placement strategies through external agencies; Assessed and planned marketing strategy, sales forecasting, promotions, and campaign effectiveness with channel managers and product management teams; Managed the product budgets and payment processes; Established campaign objectives and evaluated measurement reports; Reduced and controlled expenses by tracking and monitoring agency expenses and ensuring that quarterly revenue/expense goals were met
  • Researched, negotiated, implemented and tracked advertising and public relations activities; and identified customer needs through market research and analysis.
  • Boosted brand awareness by implementing targeted marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
  • Maximized ROI on advertising budget by optimizing campaign strategies and targeting specific audience segments.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to execute integrated marketing campaigns, resulting in increased market share.
  • Developed strategic partnerships with industry influencers and media outlets to increase brand visibility and reach new audiences.

Marketing Communications Media Buyer III/Planner

CenturyTel, Inc (CenturyLink)
01.1998 - 01.2002
  • Created, expedited, and increased client ROI by strategically negotiating advertising placements across various platforms for several product ad campaigns.
  • Optimized ad campaigns for enhanced performance through regular monitoring and data analysis.
  • Developed strong relationships with media vendors, resulting in better negotiated rates and added value for clients.
  • Coordinated the administrative & technical support for media payments;
  • Utilized effective marketing techniques to increase brand recognition.
  • Gathered and interpreted research data, competitive data and consumer studies.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align goals and ensure project success.
  • Identified customer needs and improved overall campaign effectiveness through ongoing testing, market research, analysis, and optimization efforts based on data-driven insights.
  • Initiated company's summer intern/mentorship program for high school students.
  • Effectively communicated campaign progress, results, and insights with internal stakeholders, creative teams and clients to develop impactful ad concepts tailored to specific target audiences through detailed reports and presentations.
  • Juggled multiple projects and several clients at time successfully and always met tight deadlines.

Chairperson

Ouachita Enterprise Community Board
01.1997 - 01.2001
  • Fostered and cemented working relationships with local government, corporations, agencies and the media.
  • Built partnerships and strengthened linkages with other agencies across racial, socio-economic and political divisions.
  • Created an awareness of small business needs within the OEC to the state LED and SBA.
  • Implemented governance best practices to enhance board effectiveness and accountability.
  • Collaborated with community agencies and organizations to build family projects and programs supporting community empowerment.
  • Managed crisis situations effectively, minimizing negative impact on the organization''s reputation.
  • Wrote press releases and participated in seminars/workshops on business and economic development.
  • Established strong working relationships with government agencies and other organizations to support advocacy efforts.
  • Managed and created community teams between diverse members of the Board.
  • Assisted with the recruitment and hiring of board staff.
  • Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
  • Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.

Medical Office Manager

Richard Smith, M.D
01.1990 - 01.1997
  • Supervised and managed medical office staff (payroll, A/P, staff, A/R)
  • Increased revenue by optimizing billing processes and ensuring timely collection of payments from both patients and insurance companies.
  • Managed daily administrative tasks to ensure smooth operations within medical office environment.
  • Implemented new processes for managing patient flow, minimizing wait times while maintaining high-quality care standards throughout practice.
  • Created and managed electronic patient records, encompassing data entry and administrative functions related to insurance, billing, and accounts receivable.
  • Developed and improved management system and accountability for monthly collection/billing processes
  • Carefully reviewed medical records for accuracy and completion as required by insurance companies
  • Consistently monitored medical codes, patient information or accuracy, completeness, specificity and appropriateness according to services rendered
  • Appropriately and correctly identified errors and re-filed denied/rejected claims as they were received from insurance representative
  • Ensured timely and accurate charge submission through electronic charge capture, including billing and account receivables (BAR) system and clearing house
  • Trained staff on data entry and performed quality control of data entry system to verify that claims and payments were posted correctly
  • Managed and initiated OSHA safety requirements governing operation of medical clinic.
  • Assisted with regulatory issues such as compliance.
  • Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.

Recruiting Operations Supervisor

U.S. Dept. of Commerce
01.1989 - 01.1990
  • Acted as liaison between US Dept of Commerce Census Bureau, media & public as well as elected officials
  • Recruited for various Census positions across multiple sites in Louisiana
  • Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring smooth workflows and timely completion of tasks.
  • Developed creative recruiting strategies that met anticipated staffing needs
  • Analyzed employment-related data and prepared required reports
  • Researched and recommended new sources for candidate recruiting
  • Managed all phases of recruitment, including defining hiring management needs and posting available positions
  • Recruited, traveled and tested job applicants throughout state of Louisiana
  • Analyzed hiring metrics and performance and reported findings to management.
  • Supervised and trained testing clerks.

Administrative Assistant

Town of Richwood
01.1987 - 01.1989
  • Built partnerships between Town of Richwood and state/local entities
  • Implemented programs and activities that focused on improving quality of life of residents in areas of youth development, economic development, housing, etc.
  • Wrote memoranda and business correspondence as needed.
  • Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to citizens' inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
  • Communicated with local and state elected officials via phone, mail and in person regarding needs of town and its residents.
  • Improved communication efficiency as primary liaison between state departments, legislators, police jurors, mayors and vendors.
  • Represented Town before Louisiana State Bonding Commission regarding a funding request.
  • Oversaw Town Clerk, Police staff, receptionist as town's direct reports
  • Analyzed program data to assist in strategic decision-making regarding federal HUD housing initiatives.
  • Managed financial and tax records of town.
  • Collaborated on special projects as assigned by Mayor, contributing research findings or coordinating event logistics as needed for success.
  • Improved and promoted positive work environment through effective communication skills and fostering professional relationships between departments, constituents and vendors.
  • Acted as public relations and media liaison for town.
  • Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity as it related to youth organization and community improvement initiatives.
  • Fostered positive relationships with neighboring municipalities to facilitate regional collaboration and growth.
  • Advocated for affordable housing options by working closely with developers, non-profits, and other stakeholders to address community needs.
  • Attended public forums, events and informal meetings.

Various Positions: Operator/Draft Clerk

South Central Bell Telecommunications
01.1973 - 01.1986
  • Worked in several various and challenging positions in numerous departments including operator services, engineering, central office and toll.
  • Performed quality assurance tasks to promote accuracy and minimize mistakes as directory assistance operator.
  • Collaborated with engineering team members to ensure seamless coordination of tasks and efficient completion of projects.
  • Interacted with customers by phone to provide information.
  • Achieved high levels of customer satisfaction with consistent delivery of maps/schematics and other drafting materials on schedule and within specifications.
  • Drove customer loyalty and consistent sales through friendly service and knowledgeable assistance.
  • Consistently met or exceeded performance targets while maintaining strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
  • Worked outside with engineer to check/assess wiring and equipment.
  • Analyzed, drafted and provided updates with precision to engineers team confirming compliance to specifications and standards.
  • Assisted with equipment startups and machine installation tasks in central office.
  • Efficiently read and interpreted blueprints.
  • Assigned daily work orders to toll technicians in central office.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Leadership 2004-2005

W.K. Kellogg Leadership Class 1
Tri-state

Some College (No Degree) - Technical Communication - Research And Reporting

ULM - Monroe
Monroe, LA

Bachelor of Arts - English

Grambling State University
Grambling, LA

No Degree - Grant Writing

ULM - Monroe
Monroe, LA

Master of Arts - Humanities

Tiffin Univ.
Tiffin, OH
01.2012

No Degree - Creative Writing

LA Delta Community College
Monroe, LA
01.2008

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Managing
  • Marketing strategy
  • Marketing
  • Research
  • Verbal communication skills
  • Excellent written skills
  • Community Outreach
  • Policy/program development
  • Public & community relations professional
  • Public speaking
  • Strong communication
  • Networking abilities
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Board Collaboration
  • Policy Implementation

Additional Information

Interests/Activities Louisiana Business and Industry (LABI) Education Council, 2007 - Present Louisiana Commerce and Industry Board, (Appt) 2004 - Present Louisiana Women in Government Board, 2006 - Present Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Governmental Advocacy Com., Present Salvation Army Board, 2005 - Present Louisiana Delta Community College, (2004) Board of Dir. Chair, Present LifeShare Blood Civic Advisory Council, 2001-Present LA State Dem. State Central Committee, 2000 - Present Louisiana Technology Council, 2007 - Present KARD Television, "Teen Talk ", hostess /creator, 1989 -2000 LA State Workforce Investment Board, member, 1999 -2010 Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) Leadership Louisiana Class, 2003 Coalition for Quality Public Education, 2006 - 2010 Awards LifeShare "Spotlight" Award, 2008 1998 American Institute for Public Service "Jefferson Award Ouachita Enterprise Community Outstanding Support Award, 1998 1994 Woman of the Year Award for Outstanding Community Service Top Ladies of Distinction "Silver Dollar" Service Award United Way of Ouachita, Service Award, 2002 1998 Louisiana Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year

Affiliations

  • Member of Omicron Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority;
  • Graduate of the Council for a Better Louisiana Leadership Louisiana program;
  • Graduate of the Kellogg Foundation's Mid-South Delta Leaders, 18-month Program focusing on decreasing poverty in the Delta;
  • Former hostess and producer of the KARD “Teen Talk” television show for teens;
  • Appointed to serve on the Louisiana Economic Dev Commerce and Industry Board, 2004 - present;
  • Served on the Louisiana Community & Technical College System's Board;
  • Served on Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's (LABI) Education Council;
  • Serves as Executive Committee member of the Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus;
  • Served on the Ouachita Business Alliance, a long range plan focusing on the educational, economic, beautification and quality of life issues in the Ouachita Parish area.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Louisiana Business and Industry (LABI) Education Council, 2007 - Present
  • Louisiana Commerce and Industry Board, (Appt) 2004 - Present
  • Louisiana Women in Government Board, 2006 - Present
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Governmental Advocacy Com., Present
  • Salvation Army Board, 2005 - Present
  • Louisiana Delta Community College, (2004) Board of Dir. Chair, Present
  • LifeShare Blood Civic Advisory Council, 2001-Present
  • LA State Dem. State Central Committee, 2000 - Present
  • Louisiana Technology Council, 2007 - Present
  • KARD Television, "Teen Talk ", hostess /creator, 1989 -2000
  • LA State Workforce Investment Board, member, 1999 -2010
  • Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) Leadership Louisiana Class, 2003
  • Coalition for Quality Public Education, 2006 – 2010

References

References Available upon request

Timeline

Chairperson

Monroe City Mayor’s Quality Of Life Transition Team
07.2020 - 10.2022

Manager - Economic Development (Public Policy/Government Relations)

CenturyLink
04.2015 - 05.2016

Manager - Public Policy/Government Relations

CenturyLink
07.2012 - 04.2015

Senior Analyst

CenturyLink
01.2007 - 06.2012

Marketing Communications Sr. Coordinator

CenturyTel, Inc (CenturyLink)
01.2003 - 01.2006

Marketing Communications Campaign Manager

CenturyTel, Inc (CenturyLink)
01.2002 - 01.2003

Marketing Communications Media Buyer III/Planner

CenturyTel, Inc (CenturyLink)
01.1998 - 01.2002

Chairperson

Ouachita Enterprise Community Board
01.1997 - 01.2001

Medical Office Manager

Richard Smith, M.D
01.1990 - 01.1997

Recruiting Operations Supervisor

U.S. Dept. of Commerce
01.1989 - 01.1990

Administrative Assistant

Town of Richwood
01.1987 - 01.1989

Various Positions: Operator/Draft Clerk

South Central Bell Telecommunications
01.1973 - 01.1986

Some College (No Degree) - Leadership 2004-2005

W.K. Kellogg Leadership Class 1

Some College (No Degree) - Technical Communication - Research And Reporting

ULM - Monroe

Bachelor of Arts - English

Grambling State University

No Degree - Grant Writing

ULM - Monroe

Master of Arts - Humanities

Tiffin Univ.

No Degree - Creative Writing

LA Delta Community College
Millie Atkins