Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Timeline
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Tara Davis

Glasgow,MO

Summary

Strategic and driven professional with 10+ years of experience in organizational leadership, recruitment, operations, and team development. Adept at building strong teams, revitalizing workplace culture, and delivering exceptional service in fast-paced business, higher education, and customer-facing environments. Known for blending entrepreneurial savvy with HR expertise to drive growth, engagement, and meaningful impact.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Loan Coordinator – Financial Aid Office

Central Methodist University
08.2023 - Current
  • Interregnal part of the team that spearheaded the revival of the Financial Aid Office's student engagement. Together, we fostered an open and welcoming environment that encouraged trust, financial literacy, and personal support for students.
  • Delivered personalized guidance on aid options and loan processes, providing student-first service that builds confidence and clarity.
  • Ensured compliance with federal Title IV regulations and university policies.

Owner & Operator

The Beak Bar
01.2019 - 05.2025
  • Built a loyal clientele and cultivated a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere through strong team leadership and event programming.
  • Handled all hiring, training, and payroll, ensuring high service standards and seamless operations.
  • Boosted visibility with creative marketing, social media outreach, and collaborative local partnerships.


Operations Manager & HR Leader

American Discovery Textiles & Mfg
05.2016 - 07.2021
  • Directed recruitment, HR, payroll, and employee development for a growing organization of 50–75 staff.
  • Designed and executed onboarding, training, and benefits programs to increase morale and performance.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.

Office Manager

American Discovery & Mfg
04.2011 - 05.2016
  • Managed office logistics, reporting, customer service, records, travel coordination, and compliance tasks.
  • Rolled out a new flexible attendance policy to boost morale and team satisfaction.
  • Played a pivotal role in long-term sustainability and daily success of business operations.

Education

Associate of Science - Business

Central Methodist University
Fayette, MO
07.2025

Skills

  • Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
  • Training & Development
  • Human Resources & Payroll
  • Organizational Development
  • Benefits & Compensation Strategy
  • Team Leadership & Coaching

  • Office & Operations Management
  • Process & Policy Improvement
  • Event Coordination
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Employment verification
  • Appraisal review

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

  • Mentored high school students in career prep; led mock interviews during pandemic response efforts.
  • Spotlighted on KOMU-TV for exemplary work interviewing students.
  • Chaired successful fundraising events; exceeded goals through team coordination and outreach.

Timeline

Loan Coordinator – Financial Aid Office

Central Methodist University
08.2023 - Current

Owner & Operator

The Beak Bar
01.2019 - 05.2025

Operations Manager & HR Leader

American Discovery Textiles & Mfg
05.2016 - 07.2021

Office Manager

American Discovery & Mfg
04.2011 - 05.2016

Associate of Science - Business

Central Methodist University