Nichole Valdez
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in multi-unit leadership, sales, practice management, and technical expertise. Proven ability to drive operational excellence, develop high-performing teams, and achieve significant business growth. Skilled in training, compliance, and strategic planning with a strong background in personnel management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Vision Center Development Coach (Jr. Optical Regional Director)
Walmart
Albuquerque, New Mexico
04.2024 - Current
- Multi-unit leadership role in which I oversee 31 Vision Centers throughout the state of New Mexico and Southern Colorado,
- Temporarily supported an additional 51 Vision Centers in Phoenix and Tuscon from June 2025 - December 2025
- Identify training needs and implement development programs for market-level leaders and store associates.
- Ensure operational consistency and compliance with company standards.
- Analyze KPIs and financials to drive performance improvements; achieved 16% YOY comp growth in 2024; 13% YOY comp growth achieved in 2025
- Create and facilitate engaging PowerPoint presentations for leadership and staff.
- Facilitated training sessions focused on skill development and operational efficiency.
Sales Account Executive
Safilo
Albuquerque, New Mexico
08.2022 - 03.2024
- Managed territory sales, building strong client relationships to execute corporate strategies and drive sales growth
- Negotiated contracts and implemented sales plans to meet and exceed business objectives.
- Trained and coached customers on brand positioning and product knowledge to drive growth.
Practice Manager / Billing Specialist / Optician
Casey Optical Co
Albuquerque, New Mexico
10.2017 - 07.2022
- Directed daily operations, staff scheduling, and inventory management.
- Delivered exceptional patient care through eye wear selection, lens optimization, and adjustments.
- Managed insurance claims, accounts receivable, and administrative tasks to ensure smooth workflow.
Billing Manager
Eyes of New Mexico Family Optometry
Albuquerque, New Mexico
04.2013 - 10.2017
- Oversaw billing for medical and vision insurance, coordinated benefits, and managed payroll.
- Maintained accurate bookkeeping and monthly expense reports.
- Assisted in optical department with frame styling, lens options, and troubleshooting.
Technician
Eyeworks Optical
Albuquerque, New Mexico
08.2012 - 02.2013
- Pre-tested patients, verified insurance, and submitted claims.
- Managed payroll and nightly closing procedures.
Call Center Representative
Sitel
Albuquerque, New Mexico
06.2012 - 08.2012
- Handled inbound calls for NFL Sunday Ticket within DirectTV campaign, resolving billing and retention issues.
Server / Trainer / To-Go Specialist
Olive Garden
Albuquerque, New Mexico
07.2008 - 08.2012
- Delivered exceptional customer service, trained new staff, and managed closing procedures.
Education
No Degree -
CNM
Albuquerque, NMSkills
- Multi-Unit Leadership & Team Development
- KPI Analysis & Performance Optimization
- Task delegation
- Staff management
- Feedback delivery
- Goals and performance
- Business development and planning
- Sales expertise
- Partnership building
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Typing speed: 70 WPM with 97% accuracy
Education & Training
- Medicare Billing Seminar – NPCC (2014)
- ICD-10-CM Boot Camp – PCLI (2014)
- PECAA Annual Meeting (2015)
- RevYou Annual Meeting (2015)
- Hoya Empower U – Online Training
- Vision Expo West (2018)
- ABO Prep Course (2018)
Timeline
Vision Center Development Coach (Jr. Optical Regional Director)
Walmart
04.2024 - Current
Sales Account Executive
Safilo
08.2022 - 03.2024
Practice Manager / Billing Specialist / Optician
Casey Optical Co
10.2017 - 07.2022
Billing Manager
Eyes of New Mexico Family Optometry
04.2013 - 10.2017
Technician
Eyeworks Optical
08.2012 - 02.2013
Call Center Representative
Sitel
06.2012 - 08.2012
Server / Trainer / To-Go Specialist
Olive Garden
07.2008 - 08.2012
No Degree -
CNM