Randy Polston
Warsaw,IN
Summary
Talented professional with several years of experience and successful career in planning, developing, and executing events and initiatives to achieve maximum potential. Creative and highly strategic with excellent leadership and client relations abilities. Professional and outgoing with success in building relationships and attracting new clients.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Combined Community Services
Warsaw, IN
09.2019 - 09.2024
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to ensure organizational growth and development.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, sponsors, partners, and community leaders.
- Managed the organization's financial resources and operations to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
- Provided oversight of all departments to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
Applied Learning Director
Grace College & Seminary
Winona Lake, IN
07.2011 - 07.2019
- Provided guidance to students on career-related topics such as job search strategies, resume writing, and interviewing techniques.
- Maintained the Career Center's website by updating job postings and other relevant information.
- Assisted in scheduling appointments with students for one-on-one career counseling sessions.
- Organized workshops and seminars that provided students with resources regarding internships, job opportunities, and graduate school applications.
- Conducted outreach activities to inform new students about the programs offered at the Career Center.
- Developed content for the Career Center blog focusing on topics such as career exploration, networking tips, and professional development skills.
- Coordinated mock interviews with employers to provide feedback to students on their performance during interviews.
- Collaborated with faculty members in order to develop curricula that would assist students in their transition into the workforce.
- Served as a liaison between employers seeking interns, employees and university departments offering internships, employment opportunities.
Elementary Principal
Warsaw Community Schools
Warsaw, IN
08.1986 - 06.2011
- Developed and implemented school-wide policies, procedures, and programs to ensure the safety of students and staff.
- Created a vision for school improvement that was shared with faculty and staff.
- Provided guidance and support to teachers in instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Conducted regular meetings with teachers to discuss student progress, curriculum development, and other issues related to instruction.
- Organized professional development activities for staff members to enhance their knowledge of educational practices.
- Served as liaison between parents, community organizations, administrators, and teachers.
- Facilitated communication between parents and guardians regarding academic performance or behavior issues.
- Coordinated special events like assemblies or field trips to promote student learning.
- Recruited qualified educators to fill open positions within the school.
- Evaluated teacher performance through observations of classrooms.
- Oversaw the implementation of state-mandated testing programs.
- Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes and class orientation sessions.
- Instructed teachers on classroom management, behavior and instructional strategies.
- Evaluated student behavior issues by reviewing established discipline standards and noting trends in infractions.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
Elementary Teacher
Warsaw Community Schools
Warsaw, IN
08.1977 - 06.1986
- Planned and delivered engaging lessons to all students in the class.
- Assessed, monitored, and recorded student progress through a variety of methods.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Collaborated with other teachers and school staff to create lesson plans.
- Encouraged creativity and critical thinking among students.
- Developed individualized education plans for special needs students.
- Provided extra support for struggling students outside of regular classes.
- Organized field trips and other extracurricular activities for students.
- Attended IEP meetings with parents, administrators, counselors, and specialists.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to plan and implement curriculum.
Education
Master of Science - Education Administration
IU/PU
Fort Wayne, IN05-1982
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Spring Arbor College
Spring Arbor, MI05-1977
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Grant Writing
- Stakeholder Relations
- Data Interpretation
- Report compilation
- Vendor Relations
- Fundraising
- Financial Management
- Staff Management
- Program Management
Affiliations
I am involved in the Indiana Leadership Academy mentoring young principals.
Accomplishments
2021 Awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash Award
During my 34 year career with Warsaw Community Schools, I was awarded the following:
Men of Achievement, Who's Who in American Education, DARE Indiana Educator of the Year, Outstanding Regular Education Administrator of the Year and the Elementary Administrator of the Year
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Executive Director
Combined Community Services
09.2019 - 09.2024
Applied Learning Director
Grace College & Seminary
07.2011 - 07.2019
Elementary Principal
Warsaw Community Schools
08.1986 - 06.2011
Elementary Teacher
Warsaw Community Schools
08.1977 - 06.1986
Master of Science - Education Administration
IU/PU
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Spring Arbor College
Similar Profiles
Sabrina PhillipsSabrina Phillips
Director Self Sufficiency Programs at Combined Community ServicesDirector Self Sufficiency Programs at Combined Community Services
JEFFREY PEÑAS CALAGDAYJEFFREY PEÑAS CALAGDAY
SALES MANAGER at PIGEM COMBINED FACILITIES SUPPORT SERVICESSALES MANAGER at PIGEM COMBINED FACILITIES SUPPORT SERVICES
Michael McArdleMichael McArdle
Tank Installer/Delivery Driver at Combined Energy ServicesTank Installer/Delivery Driver at Combined Energy Services