Tomeka S. Gross
Crete,IL
Summary
Dynamic senior leader with over 25 years of experience in development operations, specializing in providing high-level support to C-level executives and managing office operations. Skilled in optimizing processes and leading teams to drive operational success. Proficient in strategic planning and problem-solving, consistently delivering high-impact results. Adept in calendar management, travel arrangements, and project coordination, ensuring smooth operations in fast-paced environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Executive Assistant
Inner-City Muslim Action Network
06.2023 - Current
- Provide high-level administrative support to C-suite executives, managing complex calendars and travel logistics
- Process travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Act as a primary liaison between executives and internal/external stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and workflow
- Develop and implement office policies to improve efficiency and productivity
- Coordinate high-profile meetings and events, preparing agendas and managing follow-ups
- Key Achievement: Implemented a new email and scheduling system that reduced calendar conflicts by 30%
Executive Assistant to the President
Trice Construction Company
03.2018 - 02.2020
- Provided a wide range of complex, confidential, and administrative duties for the President
- Served as the primary point of contact for internal staff and external clients, overseeing complex administrative duties
- Managed an active calendar of appointments and travel, prepared detailed itineraries, and ensured smooth office operations
- HR Support – Administratively supports HR Director (Background/MVR reports, Medical Exams documentation, Documents formatting, Onboarding)
- IT Support - Oversee daily IT operations and manage relationships with IT consultants
- Key Achievement: Streamlined office operations, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity
Executive Assistant/Office Manager
HealthConnect One
07.2014 - 03.2018
- Supported the Executive Director with administrative tasks, IT oversight, and vendor management
- Recognized for financial acumen in managing contracts and conducting reconciliations
- Coordinated Board packages and transcribed meeting minutes, ensuring effective communication with the Board of Directors
- Key Achievement: Improved vendor management processes, saving the company $15,000 annually
- Increased productivity despite loss of existing support personnel
Virtual Program Administrator (Contractor)
Microsoft Corporation
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Supported the Director of the Innovative Schools Program, managing logistics for national meetings and events
- Acted as a liaison for partnerships, coordinating educational roundtable meetings to showcase Microsoft products
- Coordinated events with precision, overseeing logistics, registration, catering arrangements, and other critical details to ensure successful outcomes.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors and partners supporting administrative operations.
- Key Achievement: Successfully coordinated a MS Global Forum with over 1,700 attendees
Virtual Executive Assistant (Contractor)
National Family Engagement Alliance
06.2011 - 07.2014
- Provided comprehensive administrative support, ensuring efficient scheduling and follow-up on client meetings
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Organized logistics and materials for each meeting and took detailed notes for later dissemination to key stakeholders.
- Assisted in the development of strategic plans through research, data analysis, and presentation preparation.
- Key Achievement: Developed a client follow-up system that improved client retention by 25%
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
National PTA
10.2007 - 02.2011
- Provide administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and coordinate the activities of the Office of the CEO
- Managed the Office of the CEO, coordinating domestic and international travel and organizing Board meetings
- Assisted with the hiring process for Executive Assistants to other C-level executives
- Key Achievement: Organized international travel logistics for the CEO, ensuring seamless travel experiences
- Created expense reports, budgets, and filing systems for management team.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Boosted morale with event planning and coordination of company-wide functions, celebrations, or gatherings.
- Contributed to smooth business operations by planning and organizing meetings and conferences.
- Assisted in budget management by monitoring expenditures, processing expense reports, and reconciling accounts for the executive office.
- Increased meeting effectiveness with detailed preparation of agendas, materials, and minutes.
- Prepared meeting agendas and briefing papers for members of board of directors and executive team.
Administrative Assistant
Family Centered Educational Agency
11.2001 - 09.2007
- Supported the Director by managing schedules, processing payroll, and organizing staff meetings
- Key Achievement: Implemented a new payroll system that reduced processing time by 50%
Education
Certificate - Business Administration
South Suburban College (SSC)
South Holland, ILBusiness Management
National Louis University
Chicago, IL12.2026
Skills
- Advanced MS Office Suite Proficiency
- Calendar Management Proficiency
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Travel Coordination
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability & Problem-Solving
- Office Administration
- Proactive & Detail-Oriented
- Process improvement strategies
- High-level confidentiality
Certification
- Administrative Assistant Certificate - SSC
- Computer Information Systems Certificate – SSC
- Certified Virtual Assistant – VA Expert Training
Affiliations
- Member, Expert VA (Virtual Assistant) Training
- Member, ToastMasters International Club
- Member, International Association of Administrative Professionals
Timeline
Senior Executive Assistant
Inner-City Muslim Action Network
06.2023 - Current
Executive Assistant to the President
Trice Construction Company
03.2018 - 02.2020
Executive Assistant/Office Manager
HealthConnect One
07.2014 - 03.2018
Virtual Program Administrator (Contractor)
Microsoft Corporation
07.2013 - 07.2014
Virtual Executive Assistant (Contractor)
National Family Engagement Alliance
06.2011 - 07.2014
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
National PTA
10.2007 - 02.2011
Administrative Assistant
Family Centered Educational Agency
11.2001 - 09.2007
Business Management
National Louis University
- Administrative Assistant Certificate - SSC
- Computer Information Systems Certificate – SSC
- Certified Virtual Assistant – VA Expert Training
Certificate - Business Administration
South Suburban College (SSC)
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