Susan Domen
Pinckney,MI
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in organizational development and employee engagement at Displaymax Inc. Expertise in strategic planning and project management drives initiatives that enhance workplace culture and operational efficiency. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and compliance, fostering collaboration and innovation to meet organizational goals. Demonstrated ability to transform challenges into opportunities, significantly impacting company growth and profitability.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Principal Consultant
Arete Resources
01.2019 - Current
- Founded and operate a consulting firm specializing in municipal clerk functions, elections management, and leadership development.
- Provide expert guidance on election planning, records management, compliance, and best practices to municipal clients.
- Design and deliver leadership training programs tailored for local government professionals.
- Advise on policy development, public records requests, and organizational improvements to enhance municipal operations.
- Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to streamline processes and ensure legal and procedural compliance.
Founder & Owner
Akua Botanicals
01.2021 - 06.2025
- Established and managed an organic soap and candle business, overseeing product development, sourcing of natural ingredients, and quality control.
- Develop and execute marketing strategies including branding, social media, and customer outreach to grow a loyal customer base.
- Handle day-to-day business operations including inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer service.
- Manage budgeting, pricing strategies, and vendor relationships to ensure profitability and sustainability.
- Developed and led hands-on training classes in soap and candle making, teaching individuals and small groups about natural product creation.
Director of Organizational Development
Displaymax Inc.
08.2021 - 03.2025
- Led major projects including the comprehensive review and implementation of a company-wide wage structure, aligning compensation strategy with industry benchmarks and internal equity.
- Designed and launched a robust Employee Engagement Program to foster a positive workplace culture and improve retention and satisfaction.
- Compiled, analyzed, and prepared critical HR data and executive-level testimony for legal proceedings, ensuring compliance and effective representation.
- Spearheaded the recruitment and hiring of key HR personnel, including Recruiter, Administrative Support, and additional HR staff, to support company growth and talent acquisition strategies.
- Developed and implemented a dynamic training program with a focus on New Hire Orientation and Leadership Development, improving onboarding efficiency and leadership pipeline readiness.
- Initiated and coordinated an Annual Employee Summit, engaging over 180 employees in organizational alignment, team building, and leadership development.
- Actively contributed as a member of the Executive Team, shaping strategic decisions and aligning HR initiatives with overall business goals.
- Managed special projects as assigned, ensuring timely completion, cross-departmental coordination, and alignment with organizational goals.
Assistant to the President
Displaymax Inc.
07.2019 - 08.2021
- Reviewed, created, and implemented company policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and improve departmental efficiency.
- Established cross-functional teams to collaborate on critical business functions such as scheduling and recruiting, fostering organization-wide alignment.
- Designed and executed a standardized recruiting process to enhance candidate experience and streamline hiring practices.
- Developed and launched a comprehensive onboarding process to improve new hire integration and retention.
- Created and implemented an organizational training program focused on skill development, leadership, and operational excellence.
- Authored job descriptions for all positions across the organization to support role clarity, performance management, and legal compliance.
- Researched, evaluated, selected, and implemented software tools for project management and employee training to drive productivity and engagement.
- Provided professional mentoring and coaching to employees, with an emphasis on effective business writing and communication.
- Conducted audits and reviews of payroll and company credit card usage to ensure accuracy, compliance, and cost control.
- Established and facilitated monthly team meetings to drive communication, accountability, and collaboration across departments.
- Managed corporate hotel programs, including contract negotiations and regular audits to optimize costs and service.
- Prepared agendas and minutes for various committees, work groups, and departmental meetings, ensuring alignment and follow-through on strategic initiatives.
- Designed and analyzed employee and operational surveys to guide data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Facilitated executive strategic planning sessions, supporting long-term visioning, goal setting, and alignment of leadership initiatives.
- Consistently assigned and completed additional high-impact projects as a trusted member of the Executive Team.
- Managed special projects as assigned, ensuring timely completion, cross-departmental coordination, and alignment with organizational goals.
City Clerk
City of Port Hueneme
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Performed all core responsibilities of the City Clerk role, including management of consolidated elections, public records requests, and records retention in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Oversaw and maintained records management using the Granicus system, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and transparency.
- Developed and delivered training for new employees on records policies, systems, and administrative procedures.
- Played a key role as a member of the Executive Team, contributing to strategic planning and inter-departmental collaboration.
- Managed one part time employee.
City Clerk
City of Lake Elsinore
11.2015 - 12.2018
- Executed all responsibilities of the City Clerk role, including the management of consolidated and stand-alone elections, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency throughout the electoral process.
- Responded to and fulfilled public records requests and led records management efforts in accordance with legal and regulatory standards.
- Instituted and managed new civic programs such as Passport Acceptance Services and Youth in Government, enhancing community engagement and service offerings.
- Served as a member of the Executive Team, contributing to high-level strategic planning and interdepartmental coordination.
- Managed three full-time employees and volunteers.
- Actively served on Employee Engagement and Community Events Committees, contributing to initiatives that enhanced workplace culture and strengthened community relations.
- Managed special projects as assigned, ensuring timely completion, cross-departmental coordination, and alignment with organizational goals.
Deputy City Clerk
City of Burbank
02.2011 - 11.2015
- Performed all core duties of the Deputy City Clerk, including serving as Acting City Clerk when required.
- Managed stand-alone elections, ensuring compliance with all legal and procedural requirements.
- Oversaw public records requests and records management in accordance with applicable laws and retention schedules.
- Played a key role in instituting new programs, including the Passport Acceptance Program, to expand public services and improve community access.
- Managed five full-time employees and volunteers.
- Planned and organized community outreach events to promote civic engagement, enhance public awareness, and strengthen community relationships.
- Managed special projects as assigned, ensuring timely completion, cross-departmental coordination, and alignment with organizational goals.
Deputy City Clerk
City of Downey
02.2003 - 11.2011
- Performed all duties associated with the Deputy City Clerk role, including serving as Acting City Clerk as needed.
- Managed consolidated elections, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and smooth execution of the electoral process.
- Handled public records requests and oversaw records management, maintaining accuracy, transparency, and adherence to records retention policies.
- Managed special projects as assigned, ensuring timely completion, cross-departmental coordination, and alignment with organizational goals.
Education
Certified Public Manager -
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ10.2019
Master Municipal Clerk -
International Institute of Municipal Clerks
California07.2014
Certified Municipal Clerk -
International Institute of Municipal Clerks
California10.2009
General and Business Education -
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CASkills
- Administrative and organizational skills
- Leadership training
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Business development
- Team building
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Strategic planning
- Customer service
- Innovation management
- Goal setting
- Legal compliance
- Policies and procedures development
- Start-up operations
- Consulting
- Visionary leadership
- Strategic thinking
- Corporate governance
- Team leadership
- Entrepreneurial leadership
- Operations management
- Human resources
- Partnership building
- Contract management
- Business administration
- Recruitment and hiring
- Staff management
- Team engagement
- Records management
- Election administration
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- Travel coordination
- Event planning
- Budget management
- Project oversight
- Human resources support
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Training development and delivery
- Policy development
- Employee engagement strategies
- Leadership skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Customer service excellence
- Professional demeanor
- Positive attitude
- Proofreading and editing skills
- Team collaboration
- Technical proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite expertise (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Granicus software knowledge
- Trakstar Learning System experience
- Mondayscom familiarity
- Data analysis skills
- Attention to detail
- Organizational abilities
- Time management expertise
- Confidentiality and discretion practices
- Strategic planning support
- Ethics and integrity
- Organizational structuring
- Growth mindset
- Performance assessments
- Contract negotiation
- Process improvements
- Stakeholder management
- Board collaboration
- Employee engagement
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Transformative leadership
- Problem-solving abilities
- Organizational development
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Time management
ACTIVITIES
Elections Consultant
Athenian Fellow and Facilitator (8 years)
CCAC Board Treasurer 2015-2019
CCAC Conference Coordinator (2 years)
CCAC Conference Committee Member
DisplayMax Summit Coordinator (4 years)
DisplayMax Employee Engagement Committee (4 years)
Presenter (CCAC, Technical Training for Clerks, DisplayMax Summit, Arizona Municipal Clerks Association, Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association; 9 years)
Downey Rose Float Association 2005-2015 (multiple board positions including fundraising, secretary, treasurer, president)
Accomplishments
Spirit of Excellence, City Clerks Association of California
References
References available upon request.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Director of Organizational Development
Displaymax Inc.
08.2021 - 03.2025
Founder & Owner
Akua Botanicals
01.2021 - 06.2025
Assistant to the President
Displaymax Inc.
07.2019 - 08.2021
Founder & Principal Consultant
Arete Resources
01.2019 - Current
City Clerk
City of Port Hueneme
01.2019 - 06.2019
City Clerk
City of Lake Elsinore
11.2015 - 12.2018
Deputy City Clerk
City of Burbank
02.2011 - 11.2015
Deputy City Clerk
City of Downey
02.2003 - 11.2011
Certified Public Manager -
Arizona State University
Master Municipal Clerk -
International Institute of Municipal Clerks
Certified Municipal Clerk -
International Institute of Municipal Clerks
General and Business Education -
California State University, Long Beach