NICOLE PATRONE
Austin
Summary
Senior operations executive boosts operational efficiency and service levels to drive sustainable growth across sectors. Cross-functional collaborator and proactive executive leader with skills in policy development, tactical planning and operational problem-solving. Knowledgeable about promoting stakeholder engagement and building consensus to drive change.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Operations
Lantern Learning Group
12.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with executive leadership to refine strategic vision and improve overall operational effectiveness
- Streamlined process workflows, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced operational bottlenecks.
- Managed cross-functional teams to align operational goals with organizational objectives effectively.
- Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
- Increased company profits through performance optimization strategies and efficiency improvements.
- Prepared and delivered executive business presentations for monthly Board of Directors meetings, communicating key operational performance, strategic initiatives, financial results, and business recommendations to support organizational decision-making.
Region Manager: TX/TN/Montessori
Learning Care Group
07.2021 - 12.2024
- Senior company leader of highly profitable market of 98 schools in 11 states
- Run all operations of the Montessori brand
- Responsible for strong fiscal management, talent development, year over year sales/revenue growth, employee engagement/retention, customer satisfaction, all other areas of operations
- As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, also participated in special small group projects to determine decisions involving overall company direction
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
Region Manager: Northeast
Learning Care Group
03.2017 - 07.2021
- Senior Company Leader of 100 schools across 6 states as well as NYC
- Similar responsibilities as TX/TN Region Manager role
- Successfully added 32 new acquisitions into portfolio during tenure in the Northeast region, including a 7 school as well as 14 school acquisition
- Successfully worked with NY licensing to make necessary changes and create strong, positive relationship with the agency.
District Manager
KinderCare Learning Centers
01.2009 - 03.2017
- Multi Unit leader of up to 26 schools across 3 states
- Responsibilities include fiscal management, talent development, customer service, sales/growth revenue, and quality assessment
- Further responsibilities include government liaison and region accreditation lead
- Trainer/Mentor for all newly hired District Managers
- District Manager of the Year.
Quality and Training Specialist
KinderCare Learning Centers
01.2008 - 02.2009
- Partnered with operational leaders in the area of quality improvements to support national accreditation efforts
- Facilitated week long on-boarding for all newly hired school leaders across the company
- Supported internal and external quality initiatives
- Conducted site visits and created strategic plan for quality improvements
- Developed and facilitated session at 2009 NAEYC conference.
School Director
KinderCare Learning Centers
01.2000 - 01.2008
- Successfully Managed full child care centers in several locations
- Marketed and enrolled new centers from ground up
- Grew to 100% occupancy within first year of operations upon opening new locations
- Yearly Net Revenue in excess of $1,500,000
- Consistently exceeded plan year after year in both net revenue and DOI
- Education Peer Trainer for District of 15 centers
- Developed several teachers into successful management roles
- Recipient of company’s Pride Award.
Education
Early Childhood Education
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
NCSkills
- Strategic planning and execution
- Budget Control
- Organizational development
- Driving Strong financial Results
- Employee Coaching and Motivation
- Training and Development
- Team Building
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Employee Development
Timeline
Vice President of Operations
Lantern Learning Group
12.2024 - Current
Region Manager: TX/TN/Montessori
Learning Care Group
07.2021 - 12.2024
Region Manager: Northeast
Learning Care Group
03.2017 - 07.2021
District Manager
KinderCare Learning Centers
01.2009 - 03.2017
Quality and Training Specialist
KinderCare Learning Centers
01.2008 - 02.2009
School Director
KinderCare Learning Centers
01.2000 - 01.2008
Early Childhood Education
University of North Carolina At Greensboro