Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Leadership Overview
Highlighted Skills
Timeline
Generic

PATRICE SMITH

Akron,OH

Summary

Strategic leadership development and program management professional with over 20 years of experience in designing and executing talent and organizational development initiatives. Translates business priorities into effective strategies, aligns senior leaders around key outcomes, and delivers impactful cohort-based experiences. Engages stakeholders in complex environments and leverages data and insights for informed program design and measurable impact.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Business Cross Functional Specialist

Enbridge Gas Ohio
01.2025 - Current
  • Advised and supported enterprise initiatives by coordinating cross‑functional engagement among Operations, IT, Regulatory, Communications, and Business Application teams, ensuring alignment with Enbridge Gas Ohio business priorities.
  • Acted as a strategic liaison between business units and centralized corporate functions, translating business needs, risks, and dependencies into actionable plans.
  • Led stakeholder identification and engagement activities for initiatives impacting Gas Distribution operations, customer-facing processes, and regulated business functions.
  • Built and maintained trusted relationships with senior leaders and functional partners, enabling timely decision-making and issue resolution across complex, regulated initiatives.
  • Facilitated cross-enterprise working sessions to align Enbridge interests, balancing operational needs with compliance and governance considerations.
  • Partnered closely with Legal, Regulatory, Communications, and Leadership teams to ensure change initiatives were delivered in accordance with corporate policies, regulatory obligations, and ethical standards.
  • Developed clear, executive-ready communications to explain business impacts, risks, and recommended actions to diverse audiences with varying levels of technical or regulatory expertise.
  • Demonstrated agility in responding to shifting priorities by reassessing impacts and adjusting engagement approaches in rapidly evolving environments.
  • Supported high-visibility initiatives, reinforcing accountability, transparency, and trust across Enbridge business units.

DE&I Employee Resource Group Lead

Enbridge Gas Ohio
01.2021 - Current
  • Spearheaded implementation of AARG initiatives, boosting participation by 55% over two years.
  • Collaborated with senior executives to align DEI initiatives with organizational goals.
  • Designed and led comprehensive DEI workshops, improving employees' understanding of workplace inclusion.

Executive Director

I Prevail 365
11.2019 - Current
  • Developed and implemented strategic vision and goals, reducing poverty gap and equipping at-risk populations for career readiness.
  • Develop and execute fundraising strategies to secure financial support from donors, grants, and other funding sources.
  • Oversee the organization's budget, ensuring financial stability and responsible allocation of resources.
  • Built and maintained relationships with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders, enhancing organizational reach and impact.
  • Collaborate with local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to create opportunities for program participants.
  • Ensure programs are effective, sustainable, and aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
  • Established metrics and evaluation processes to measure program effectiveness and impact, ensuring alignment with organizational mission.
  • Monitor and assess program outcomes, making adjustments as necessary to improve effectiveness and impact.

Sr. Staff Pastor & Strategic Advisor/Leadership Development

City of Joy Life Enrichment Center
Akron
03.2014 - Current
  • · Architected and launched a multi-cohort Emerging Leaders Program for 300+ high-potential participants, defining capability models, development pathways, and success metrics. Integrated DISC assessment insights to personalize development plans and strengthen leadership readiness. Increased engagement by 31% and achieved a 15% promotion rate, with 97% of participants reporting significant growth.
  • · Developed and implemented comprehensive leadership development program that fostered professional growth across all levels. Identified KPIs to establish clear growth benchmarks.
  • · Designed and implemented a multi-level leadership development program that strengthened organizational capability and accelerated growth across 51 leaders. Established clear KPIs and performance benchmarks to measure readiness, development progress, and overall program impact.
  • · Provided strategic leadership and guidance to fifty-one professionals, including six senior leaders, seventeen mid-level leaders, and twenty-eight entry-level leaders across multiple departments.
  • · Led organization-wide growth initiatives that elevated leadership capability and contributed to a 22% improvement in overall performance. Implemented structured leadership practices—including coaching, alignment sessions, and capability assessments—to build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Enabled consistent progress toward individual and organizational development goals across all leadership levels.
  • · Facilitated leadership workshops and team-building exercises to promote continuous learning and enhance staff retention.
  • Evaluated performance and assessed needs to identify key areas for improvement.

Training Specialist – Instructional Designer

Enbridge Gas Ohio
03.2023 - 04.2025
  • Developed technical training instructional materials using Articulate Storyline, LMS, and Adobe to enhance learner engagement with interactive multimedia content.
  • Collaborated with subject matter experts to define learning objectives and customize instructional content for specific project needs.
  • Conducted quality assurance reviews to verify accuracy, completeness, and effectiveness of instructional materials.

Gas Project Leader

Enbridge Gas Ohio
01.2021 - 03.2023
  • Lead multiple mid-sized PIR projects from design to completion by working closely with internal, external stakeholders, design vendors, contractors, and operations to ensure each project remains in compliance, completed on time, and within budget.
  • Cultivated strategic partnerships with municipal entities and industry professionals to enhance project design workflows and streamline cycle times through process improvements.
  • Analyzed third-party PIR designs to identify and mitigate safety risks, ensuring adherence to organizational standard operating procedures.
  • Prepared bid documents, material lists, and SAP build outs while forecasting project budgets in EPPM and prioritizing work for effective project tracking.

Program Manager

Minority Behavioral Health
07.2020 - 03.2021
  • Partnered with community officials and organizations within Northeast Ohio to create a strategic plan of how to roll out $10 million relief efforts that included covid testing, covid vaccine drives, counseling services, and the dissemination of over 30,000 covid care packages to at risk populations in Summit County.
  • Engaged with stakeholders and executive leadership to assess needs and establish clear project objectives and standards.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to define parameters and budgets, ensuring timely completion of initiatives in compliance with government guidelines.
  • Partnered with Clinical Psychologists to create culturally specific implementation plans that addressed community needs.

Owner/ CEO

PS Boutique
06.2016 - 02.2021
  • Achieved a substantial 267% increase in profit margins over a two-year period through strategic fiscal management and business development.
  • Expanded business operations to include a brick-and-mortar presence, significantly enhancing brand visibility and accessibility.
  • Created and implemented marketing strategies and brand awareness campaigns, boosting social media visibility and engagement.
  • Initiated partnerships and networking strategies with local entities, enhancing customer engagement and supporting financial objectives.
  • Developed HR policies and procedures aligned with legal standards and industry practices, facilitating team growth from one to eight employees.

Prevention Supervisor

Minority Behavioral Health
01.2017 - 07.2020
  • Supervised team of 6 Prevention Specialists and set job performance metrics and provided ongoing training and coaching to ensure the growth and development of each direct report.
  • Developed the workforce planning strategy that ensured all sites were properly staffed with skilled professionals.
  • Collaborated with external partners to implement inclusive recruitment and retention strategies, enhancing hiring and retention rates for underrepresented employees.
  • Developed & facilitated cultural competency training to local schools, community organizations, and businesses.
  • Facilitated completion of tasks and assignments while fostering cohesive communication within team and community partners.
  • Conducted yearly audits ensuring adherence to governmental grant guidelines for policies and procedures.

Operations General Manager

COJ’S LA Soul
04.2017 - 03.2020
  • Developed strategic business growth plans and budget forecasts, ensuring regulatory compliance while establishing HR policies and procedures.
  • Managed operational budget, allocating $1.5 million to maximize performance metrics and implementing policy enhancements that reduced overall company expenditures by 35%.
  • Directed talent acquisition and development, achieving 93% retention rate among direct reports through effective onboarding, continuous training, and performance management.

Business Process Analyst

Enbridge Gas Ohio
01.2013 - 01.2016
  • Collaborated with Senior Management to establish strategic training direction for third-party vendor Alorica supervisory team and over 200 representatives (brick & mortar and home based).
  • Generated weekly and monthly reports using Microsoft Office to identify risks and process inefficiencies, enabling implementation of performance improvements for third-party vendors.
  • Oversaw IT service desk operations and processed CCS ITRC request tickets for employee security clearance.

Customer Operations Procedure Specialist

Enbridge Gas Ohio
01.2008 - 01.2013
  • Conducted Quality Assurance for Customer Service Center agents by listening to calls and offering feedback to enhance Quality Score.
  • Evaluated departmental procedures and training materials for consistency, fostering cohesiveness across business units.
  • Identified training and development needs through weekly ad-hoc reporting to enhance employee skills.

Education

Master of Arts - Social Justice & Public View

Princeton

MBA - Organizational Management

Eastern University

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

Indiana Wesleyan University

Associate Arts - Integrative Studies (Business & Communication Concentration)

Liberty University

Skills

  • Change Management
  • Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Cohort Program Management
  • Company Culture
  • Policies
  • Verbal & Written Communication
  • Talent Insights & Analytics
  • Organizational Skills
  • DISC Assessment Integration
  • Program Development
  • Performance Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Problem Solving
  • Public Relations
  • Workforce Development
  • Public-facing Communication
  • Facilitation
  • Reporting
  • Stakeholder Advocacy
  • Relationship Management
  • Inclusion & Culture Development
  • Project Management
  • Risk-aware Decision Support
  • Learning Experience Design

Certification

D&I in HR Management: Assessment, Inclusion, and Retention, 01/25

Additional Leadership Overview

  • Employee Resource Group Leadership
  • AARG Chair
  • We3 Business Focus Lead
  • Diversity Council Co-Chair
  • Queens Village Advisory Board Member
  • Torchbearer – Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee

Highlighted Skills

  • Change Management & Leadership
  • Strategic Planning & Implementation
  • Company Culture & Policies
  • Verbal & Written Communication Skills
  • Strong Organizational Skills
  • Gas Operations & Distribution Design
  • Performance Management
  • Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving
  • Public Relations
  • Workforce Development
  • Public-facing communication readiness and facilitation
  • Reporting & Analysis
  • Stakeholder advocacy and relationship management in regulated environments
  • Project Management
  • Risk-aware decision support and issue resolution

Timeline

Business Cross Functional Specialist

Enbridge Gas Ohio
01.2025 - Current

Training Specialist – Instructional Designer

Enbridge Gas Ohio
03.2023 - 04.2025

DE&I Employee Resource Group Lead

Enbridge Gas Ohio
01.2021 - Current

Gas Project Leader

Enbridge Gas Ohio
01.2021 - 03.2023

Program Manager

Minority Behavioral Health
07.2020 - 03.2021

Executive Director

I Prevail 365
11.2019 - Current

Operations General Manager

COJ’S LA Soul
04.2017 - 03.2020

Prevention Supervisor

Minority Behavioral Health
01.2017 - 07.2020

Owner/ CEO

PS Boutique
06.2016 - 02.2021

Sr. Staff Pastor & Strategic Advisor/Leadership Development

City of Joy Life Enrichment Center
03.2014 - Current

Business Process Analyst

Enbridge Gas Ohio
01.2013 - 01.2016

Customer Operations Procedure Specialist

Enbridge Gas Ohio
01.2008 - 01.2013

Master of Arts - Social Justice & Public View

Princeton

MBA - Organizational Management

Eastern University

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

Indiana Wesleyan University

Associate Arts - Integrative Studies (Business & Communication Concentration)

Liberty University
PATRICE SMITH