Tamu Smith-Kohls
Summary
Talented Vice President with excellent employee development, customer service and analytics skills coupled with more than 15 years of experience.Highly skilled in leadership development, market analysis, negotiation, and crafting compelling marketing campaigns, with a proven ability to deliver measurable results. My passion for developing individuals and teams to reach their full potential has led me to become an executive management trainer. I have developed a deep understanding of the key principles and strategies needed to succeed in business and administrative operations. As an executive management trainer in higher education, I am dedicated to helping others unlock their leadership potential and achieve success in their careers.
Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in driving growth, optimizing processes, and fostering team collaboration. Exceptional skills in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Adaptable and reliable, consistently achieving high-impact results in dynamic environments. I am a fixer!
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President Enrollment Management and Marketing
California Aeronautical University
02.2015 - 01.2025
- Oversaw Admissions and Marketing Department
- Develop recruitment goals and budgets, working with the President and relevant stakeholders
- Manage key vendor relationships
- Oversee advertising, marketing communications, and on-campus admissions efforts to ensure
- Spearheaded marketing and enrollment strategies, achieving inquiry and enrollment goals
- Oversaw and directed admissions and marketing teams, developing recruitment budgets and strategies
- Hired a trained admissions, financial services and marketing staff
- Conducted market research and implemented new programs tailored to emerging market trends
- Led and mentored a team comprising the Director of Admissions, Marketing Coordinator, Graphic Designer, and Web Developer
- Enhanced university visibility through strategic advertising and marketing communications
- Created training resources to improve team performance and developed measurable standards for admissions success
- Maintained strong relationships with university departments, ensuring effective communication and collaboration
Chief Recruitment Officer and Director of Admissions
Santa Barbara Business College
06.2009 - 01.2015
- Managed daily operations of the admissions department, including tracking goals, performance management, and budgeting
- Developed and implemented marketing campaigns resulting in a significant increase in inquiries and enrollments
- Conducted market analysis to identify new target markets, resulting in expanded recruitment efforts
- Trained admissions staff on effective sales techniques and provided ongoing coaching to improve team performance
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure smooth enrollment process for students
- Key Achievements:
- Consistently surpassed enrollment goals, increasing university visibility in local and national communities
- Successfully launched new programs and campuses, driving sustained growth within highly competitive markets
- Improved student onboarding, leading to increased retention and satisfaction rates
- Earned the 'Education Admissions Star Performer Award' for exemplary results
Air National Guard
08.2004 - 09.2012
- Directed utilization of health services program funds in collaboration with medical commanders
- Managed complex cases, including Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) proceedings and emergency planning
- Oversaw IT activities, including managing hardware, software, and training initiatives
Finance Director and Internet Sales Director
Holiday Ford Lincoln Mercury Inc.
09.2008 - 11.2011
- Oversaw the finance department, developing cost-effective and customized payment solutions
- Maintained strong relationships with key banks and lenders to secure favorable payment terms for customers
- Streamlined processes by creating a continuous training strategy for sales consultants
Director of Marketing and Business Development Sales Trainer
Holiday Enterprises LLC
04.2004 - 09.2008
- Developed marketing strategies for growth, target market identification, and customer retention
- Recruited and trained Business Development Center (BDC) Coordinators
- Designed dealership-wide marketing campaigns and oversaw company websites
Recruiter and Marketing Professional
United States Air Force
08.2001 - 10.2004
- Led recruitment programs, developing publicity campaigns and sales promotional projects
- Presented orientations to diverse audiences, driving increased recruitment success
- Managed market data collection and developed recruitment goals
Computer Systems Local Area Network Administrator
United States Air Force
10.1996 - 08.2001
- Supervised system operations and provided comprehensive network management
- Ensured system integrity through effective Communications Security (COMSEC) and Information Assurance (IA) programs
Education
Master of Science - Human Resources Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ04-2012
Skills
- Team leadership
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
Timeline
Vice President Enrollment Management and Marketing
California Aeronautical University
02.2015 - 01.2025
Chief Recruitment Officer and Director of Admissions
Santa Barbara Business College
06.2009 - 01.2015
Finance Director and Internet Sales Director
Holiday Ford Lincoln Mercury Inc.
09.2008 - 11.2011
Air National Guard
08.2004 - 09.2012
Director of Marketing and Business Development Sales Trainer
Holiday Enterprises LLC
04.2004 - 09.2008
Recruiter and Marketing Professional
United States Air Force
08.2001 - 10.2004
Computer Systems Local Area Network Administrator
United States Air Force
10.1996 - 08.2001
Master of Science - Human Resources Management
University of Phoenix
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