Work Type
Full TimePart TimeConsultingLocation Preference
RemoteHybridLocation: Cabot, AR
Open to relocation: No
Shannon Newman
Cabot,AR
Work Preference
Summary
Results-driven associate director and former project manager with 20+ years of experience leading programs, teams, and complex initiatives. Skilled in decision-making, relationship building, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to improve workflows, support leadership planning, and develop staff for long-term success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director
Leading for Children
11.2021 - Current
- Developed cross-functional processes to improve consistency in service delivery.
- Coordinated program operations and aligned daily workflows with organizational goals.
- Managed stakeholder communications and responded to complex inquiries with accuracy.
- Supported strategic planning by preparing reports, briefs, and leadership updates.
- Strengthened partner relationships through timely follow-up and collaborative problem-solving.
- Facilitated team meetings and tracked action items to keep priorities moving forward.
- Refined internal procedures to improve efficiency across administrative functions.
- Trained and developed department leaders and management staff for specific projects and ongoing operational needs.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on professional development opportunities and career progression paths within the company.
Project Manager
A-State University
06.2013 - 11.2021
- Managed project schedules, budgets, and resource allocations to maintain compliance and operational control.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined approvals, documentation, and project handoffs.
- Monitored risks, escalations, and dependencies to keep complex initiatives moving smoothly.
- Led staff through project requirements, timelines, and procedural changes with clear guidance.
- Built strong partnerships with faculty, administrators, and vendors to support successful project delivery.
- Reviewed project outcomes and adjusted workflows to improve consistency, accuracy, and accountability.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
- Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
Program Director
Bentonville Public Schools
01.2005 - 02.2013
- Oversaw budgets, scheduling, and resource allocation for program initiatives.
- Directed program operations aligned with district goals and compliance requirements.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to support student and family services.
- Monitored program data to improve service delivery and reporting accuracy.
- Supervised staff performance and supported professional development needs.
- Collaborated with administrators, families, and community partners on program outcomes.
- Evaluated program effectiveness and implemented process improvements based on findings.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
Education
PMP - Project Management
Project Management Institute
National11-2026
Scrum Master - Project Management
Scrum Alliance
National03-2024
Skills
- Project management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Strategic leadership
- Team collaboration
- Team development
- Decision-making
- Team leadership
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
- Used multiple processes to mainstream systems for national non-profit.
- Supervised team of 90-100 staff members.
- Author of multiple blogs published by Leading for Children.
- Mainstreamed project management by introducing Google Workspace and Asana for tracking and documenting projects.
- Launched and successfully maintained a marketing and public relations campaign for non-profit.
Timeline
Associate Director
Leading for Children
11.2021 - Current
Project Manager
A-State University
06.2013 - 11.2021
Program Director
Bentonville Public Schools
01.2005 - 02.2013
PMP - Project Management
Project Management Institute
Scrum Master - Project Management
Scrum Alliance